Kitesoul Magazine #4 English Edition

114TECHHarnesses and hooksSLIDING HOOKThey vary according to the personalpreference of the rider,style practiced, and feeling.LUMBAR SUPPORT: the positionof the spreader bar determinesthe height and amount oflumbar support.FLEX: the ability of the harnessto bend backwards and forward(some models come with an adjustableflex).TIWST: the ability of the harnessto flex laterally.COMFORT: comfortable during/between sessions.GRIP: how well the harnessgrips to your skin/wetsuit.EASY TRIM: easy open/closemechanism, easy straps connection,easy fit.WEIGHT: depends on thetype of construction material.Bulky harnesses are just moreweighty BUT not necessarilymore resistant.SPREADER BAR POSITION: determineswhere the traction ofthe kite will be absorbed.PRICE: my advice is don’t skimpon the price. The harness isthe piece of equipment whichyou always take with you andwhich determines the lengthand global performance of yoursessions.CHOOOSE AND TRY!!!You should start with a good internetsearch. Companies’ websiteswill list their models andcharacteristics, you can comparethem to find the featureswhich most appeal to you, forthe purpose intended.A harness should fit like a gooddress… and adapt perfectly toyour shape and size. This is whyyou should try on as many modelsas possible. You should feelthe exact pulling point either byhanging from a rope in a shopor even better, by testing yourfriends’ harnesses directly onthe water.Your performance, comfort, sessionlength and fun will improveonce you swap your standardharness for your IDEAL one.I think the time has come foryou to say goodbye to your usualharness, and discover somethingmuch better for you!!!Renato “DrKite” CasatiTechnical ExpertRRD Wave team rider. Kiteboarder since 2000, he has beenPKRA athlete and judge. He’s a professional sportswriter forseveral technical magazines. He lives between Como Lake andSardinia, but he spends every winter in the waves of Cabo-Verde.