Utah Windriders Association

I know its all personal preference, but I wouldnt mind hearing yours on harnesses for snowkiting. Also, waist and climbing harness combo. I've only used a seat harness but would like to try a waist harness. I read Marty's forum about changing from a waist harness(w climbing harness I think) over to a seat harness and back to a waist harness. What are the considerations, comfort, snow in the back, jumping position, etc.

Also what is your personal choice for water?

Les,

I like a waist/impact vest on the water. The vest keeps the harness from riding up. I like the waist/climbing harness on the snow. The climbing harness keeps the hook low and supports your legs while gliding.

Kenny

Kenny, why the waist harness and climbing harness and not a seat harness?

Seat harness pull my pant legs up high. you feel the cold breeze coming thru your legs. They are comfortable to wear but it no comfortable when your legs get cold.

I put my climbing harness inside my pants and have webbing loop run over you spreader bar

Seat harnesses are nice becuase they keep everything down, but they just feel like your wearing a dieper. Waist harnesses ride up and pull your shirt up and exposes your stomace and back. I use the waist harness and I cut off the waist strap on my climbing harness and just use the leg loops and carabiner that to my spreader bar, this is the most comfortable way Ive found....hope to see u all up this weekend...........

Ryan Allen (Rizzle)

For those who are using a climbing harness, how are you hooking it to the spreader? Are you hooking a 'biner to the belay loop, or do you hook it to the hardpoints? Jake: describe this "webbing technique".

Thanks!

-J

Jake, Ryan, you guys are a creative bunch. All that make sense. Does, the attachment point (ie higher with a waist harness, and lower with a seat harness) affect you jumping and your body position in the air?

Any thoughts on this harness? Guess the bad thing is there isnt anything on this harness directly holding the spreader bar down, but there are straps in the rear. Thanks for the comments, good to hear preferences.

i've got a cheapo REI harness that i use with my liquid force wast harness. i put the harness on over my pants (they are not too baggy) and use a biner to connect. the biner goes through the waist strap on the climbing harness, through the belay loop that is attached to the legs and butt, and through the spreader bar. i've found that you need a rather large biner with a curved gate to get all of this together easily. once together, it's actually quite comfortable. i should note that i ski and have not tried it wiht snowboard yet. i can usually keep everything somewhat loose and get a super comfortable ride.

hope that helps. waist harness only over a jacket whilst skiing is a major pain as you quickly end up with a harness under your pitts. i'd like to try a seat harness too, but i would imagne with all that material you would get pretty sweaty down there.... just my $.02

later,

mike