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Waist-Harness-Featured

WAIST HARNESS BUYERS GUIDE

12/12/2014
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DON’T WAIST YOUR TIME…

A waist harness is, literally, the core element of 90% of windsurfers’ power delivery, balance and comfort.

Bar specialist racing and speed use, particularly hourglass figures and perhaps specific back injuries, it’s hard to find arguments against using one. 

READY TO POUNCE
Ask any of our specialist coaching contributors and they’ll agree that the upright stance a waistie delivers is critical to keeping control over your gear. From this ‘on your toes’ position  – rather than the ‘bum out’ angle a seat harness puts you in – you can easily hook-in/unhook and remain in an agile pose to dominate the hardware as you approach gybes, jumps and more.

ONCE IT FITS, YOU’LL JUST KNOW IT
But, rather like an effective wetsuit, it’s vital to get the right fit to ensure longer, more comfortable hours on the water. Spend some time at your local dealer trying on various styles to see what suits you best. Aim to have the hook height just below your belly button – without any riding-up – and use the bar and lines most good stores will have to help you replicate your usual sailing position. (Don’t be a cheapskate and then go buy it online for a few bucks less either – support your experienced shop owners and staff!)

LADIES & BEER BELLIES
You should always try to find a good waist harness first, even if you’ve experienced back problems or are not the ‘right’ shape. Quite a few modern seat harnesses have higher hooks anyway, so if you have an hourglass figure or have enjoyed too many fine meals and ales, consider one of the hybrid seat harnesses to get that hook at the right height instead. Also consider the weight of the thing. We recently weighed two harnesses and found one at 1 kilo and one at nearly 2.5 kg! If you’re watching the weight of your rig and suit/harness combo in relation to your board volume, keep this at the forefront of your choices (bar fit!) and look for foam that doesn’t absorb too much water.

Here’s a few to consider!


FLYING OBJECTS – CONTOUR 

Flying-Objects-Contour

FO claim the high back contour, high hook height Contour has ‘undergone further refinement that sees this harness become more of a premium model in our range. The concept of a snug fitting outline that incorporates softer inside materials for comfort remains the same. What we have done is use new materials to reduce water absorption and provide a fresher look. To further improve functionality we now introduce the Quick Clip Spreader Bar system for easy entry.’

RRP £119.99 // seaspritesports.com


ION – TRITIUM

Ion-Tritium

ION call the Tritium the ‘Swiss Army Knife equipped with the finest materials and a weight optimized construction, this harness provides superior fit and, even more important, enables easy adjustment of the support characteristics (whether you like it soft or stiff) by the ION T-Sticks’.

RRP £179.95 // ion-products.com


NAISH – MISSION 3D

Naish_Mission3D

Naish have designed the low back shape Mission 3D for ‘riders looking for a lower cut, high range of motion and excellent back support. Precision 3D fit technology combined with the dual tension belt, conforms to the riders body for maximum comfort. It also features a lightweight, low-profile body with a 3D ergonomic plate.’

RRP £169 // naishsails.com


NP SURF – PULSE

NP Pulse

NP have aimed for comfort and support with the  Pulse, a 3D-shaped harness with EVA foam inners to prevent riding-up and prevent water absorption. The unique embossed pattern is designed to perfectly fit the core while preventing the harness from riding up or twisting. A 360° strap made from highly elasticised fabric is intended to adapt to your body shape providing additional core support. The Pulse also boasts an S1 spreader bar, supposedly the world’s first spreader bar constructed entirely out of forged aluminium.

RRP £154.90 // npsurf.com


PAT LOVE – VIBE

Pat-Love-Vibe

Thermoformed high-end windsurf waist harness with deep lateral neoprene padding and marine-grade metal buckles. On the inside you’ll find thermoformed, super soft and anatomic padding. The low back anatomic shape is particularly compact and allows extreme movement and freedom. Also features an elastic power belt and a new innovative and patented SPQR spreader bar system with bar pad. Available in black, grey and white.

RRP £139 // pat-love.com


POINT-7 – WAIST WAVE

Point7-Waist-Wave

An all-rounder by sail brand Point-7 that is ‘ergonomically shaped, combining optimal freedom with maximal support. Ideal for any kind of discipline, whether your sport of choice is wavesailing, freestyle or just flat-water cruising. The harness is built using only the best materials; ensuring the perfect mix of durability and comfort; tailor made quality.’

RRP £80 // point-7.com


PRO LIMIT – TYPE-T

Prolimit-Type-T

Pro limit reckon the Type-T is the favourite amongst their team and that ‘the bigger neoprene soft edge bridges the gap between a low side profile structure and high side profile support outline. This makes it perfect for long sessions and high contortions. It is our most comfortable windsurf wave harness.’

RRP £105 // prolimit.com


RRD – EQ2

RRD-EQ2

RRD have taken a step back and re-analysed their harness program and aim to satisfy the widest range of body types. They say they’ve ‘taken a specific approach to analyse both the anatomy of each target group and the relative best materials and technology process available today to build the new collection’ using an entirely new development team and manufacturing process and location.’

RRP £129 // seaspritesports.com


 

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