How to Make a Kiteboarding Harness

Whether you call it kiteboarding, flysurfing, kitesurfing, or kite skiing, this wind-powered water sport is relatively new, with origins in the late 1990s. The basic equipment includes a traction kite attached to a control bar and a board for surfing on top of the water. In addition, harnesses are used to attach the rider's body to the control bar, which relieves tension in the arms, allowing the rider to put more effort toward steering. Since the early days of the sport, kiteboarders have repurposed gear from other sports. The same is true for the kiteboarding harness.

Things You'll Need

  • Sport-climbing harness
  • 1 ring clip
  • 1 climbing strap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pick a sport or gym harness that you like. This kind of harness is durable and lightweight, which are ideal for kiteboarding. Select a harness that is gender-appropriate, i.e. a woman's harness for women or standard harness for men.

    • 2

      Fit the harness through your legs and around your waist. Use the waist buckle to cinch the central belt securely around your waist. Put your life jacket on over the harness to test the comfort and adjust as necessary.

    • 3

      Attach the ring clip onto the belay loop of the harness. The belay loop is located at the center of the harness and is designed to withstand the force of the kite pull.

    • 4

      Attach one end of a climbing strap to the ring clip. Allow the strap independent movement and position it so it is free of constriction. This prevents the strap from tangling with other lines between the kite and your body.

    • 5

      Attach the free end of the climbing strap to the kiteboard bar safety release.