Harness discussion

Wondering if it would be beneficial to get a harness for winging? Here is what you need to know.

If you are just getting started or you still think of yourself as a beginner we wouldn’t recommend even considering using a harness. It’s just one more thing to think about, not to mention the added risk to both you and your kit involved with bailing while still hooked in.

For those who have got the hang of foiling a harness offers some major advantages that can’t be overlooked. For trucking upwind the difference is night and day. The harness allows you to really load up, banking the board over lets the lift from the foil help getting upwind. For just cruising around the benefits are less obvious although it is nice to have the option to let go of the wing to shake some blood back into your fingers or itch your nose. 

What harness? 

You might be thinking why can’t I use an old kite or windsurf harness. The simple answer is you can although there are a few things to consider. It is useful if the harness hook can slide to allow it to change position whilst riding toeside. Secondly the large  fixed metal hook on your old kite or windsurf harness makes climbing onto your board trickey and can also damage your board.

A simple buckle waist strap with a harness hook is the lightweight option. However, it doesn’t offer any support for your back and tends to ride up over time.

We have been using neoprene weight lifting belts which can be found very cheap on amazon or ebay. Our machined ABS hook slides freely on the padded webbing strap and the belt offers good support.