How to Make a Harness Bar

Kitesurfing is a sport that combines a surfboard a large kite. This setup allows you to soar through the air in bold jumps and flips, yet keeps you landing on a forgiving watery surface. One of the key pieces of equipment in a kitesurfing setup is a harness bar. This bar attaches to the left and right hand side strings of the kite and to the chest harness strapped to the body. It is easy to fashion at home.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 inch solid plastic dowel
  • Foam open cell 2 inch tubing
  • Measuring tape
  • Hacksaw
  • File
  • Two black rubber end caps
  • Eye hooks (optional)
  • Quick release harness strap (available at surf shops)
  • Clear super epoxy
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure an 18 inch section of the 2-inch dowel and cut it off with the hacksaw. File down the cut ends to give it a smooth feel.

    • 2

      Sand the entire 18-inch dowel to get it rough. Cut out an 18 -nch section of the foam tube and split it down the side. Cover the dowel with the clear super epoxy then slide the foam tube onto the dowel. Let the glue dry.

    • 3

      Glue the two end caps to the harness bar. Let the glue dry.

    • 4

      Decide how you will attach your kite and harness straps and strings. Attach eye hooks to the ends of the bar, or use a series of small pulleys attached to the sides.

    • 5

      Slide the quick release buckle over the center of the bar to use as the chest harness strap to lock the bar to body.