Waist harnesses

Buying a Windsurf Hip Harness

Are you looking for a windsurfing hip harness? Than you are at the right address at Telstar Surf! We have for every windsurfer a suitable windsurf harness in our assortment. Below you can read what you need to pay attention to when you buy a windsurfing harness.

For who is a windsurfing harness?

The windsurf hip harness is a very popular harness which can be used by everyone. The hook of the hip harness is a little bit higher, which makes it easy to pull in and out of the harness. This gives a familiar feeling during windsurfing. An advantage of the windsurfing hip harness is that it is placed just above the hips. This gives a lot of freedom of movement which is experienced as pleasant. Also, a waist harness generally needs shorter harness lines because the hook is higher up. A true friend for everyone to enjoy!

What can you look for when buying a windsurfing waist harness?

In your search for the perfect waist harness for all your windsurfing sessions you have to pay attention to different things. Think about the right size, comfortable fit, the material and the harness hook. Below you can read more about this.

What size hip harness do I need? 

The windsurfing waist harnesses are sold in different sizes. So it is good to follow the size charts carefully or try on different sizes in the store. The best way is of course to visit our physical shop. Here you can try out different models, types and sizes. We also have a windsurfing simulator so you can feel the differences and succeed in one go!

Fitting windsurf hip harness

It is important that a windsurfing hip harness fits well. It has to give the right support to your back, not pinch and should be able to be pulled tight. This is a matter of personal preference so we strongly advise you to test different models in our shop. This way you can be sure that your harness fits well and you will not leave the water with physical complaints. Also note that for women and children there are special harness designed specifically for their body shape.

Hardshell vs. Flex-shells vs. Softshell 

You may have already noticed; a hip harness can be made with a softshell, flex-shell or a hardshell back panel. A hardshell harness is made of fiberglass or carbon. This makes the harness stiff on the back so that the pulling force of your windsurfing sail is well distributed over your whole back. A softshell doesn't have these properties and therefore feels more flexible. There are also flex-shell harnesses, these are in between a hardshell and a softshell harness. What you prefer is very personal and you will have to experience it.

Harness hooks 

Most windsurfing harnesses come with a windsurfing hook. With other harnesses you have to buy one yourself. Although you can also windsurf with a kite hook, a specific windsurf harness hook is recommended for safety reasons. A kitesurf hook is tapered. This means that it is narrower close to the body and has a wider end. A windsurfing hook on the other hand has an equal width. This means that in case of a crash, a windsurfing hook will loosen your harness cords more easily, because they can never get stuck on a narrower part of the hook.

Advice on buying a windsurfing hip harness

You are not quite sure which type of harness is suitable for you? No problem at all! Come and visit us in our surfshop. Here you can experience and test all available harness.

Does a seat harness fit your windsurfing style better? Check out our range of seat harnesses.