Disclaimer: Kiteboarding harnesses are very technical pieces of equipment. If you want to learn about their different components before purchasing, go ahead and read the “Things to Consider” section below.

For more of our top kiteboarding gear recommendations, check out the Best Kiteboarding Kites.

Reviews - Best Harnesses for Kiteboarding

Ride Engine Elite

Specs

• Closure: Dual Strap with Speed Lock
• Padding: Fusion Foam Under Neoprene
• Back Support: Stiff
• Leash Attachments: Rear Handle and Front Point
• Hook Type: Single Hook
• Spreader Bar Included: No

Features

• “Lumbar Lock System” Prevents Harness From Sliding Around
• Compatible With Three Different Types Of Spreader Bars
• Soft Foam Material Makes Harness Comfortable During Long Sessions
• Updated Closure System Is Easier To Secure And Lighter Weight

BEST FOR COMFORT

Chances are you’ve listened to a kiteboarder rave about how much they love their Ride Engine harness. The harness is stiff and lightweight, which allows kiteboarders to stay in control without sacrificing comfort. The harness features lumbar lock technology, which keeps the harness glued to your lower back. With this harness, you won’t have to worry about it slipping, sliding, or riding up over the course of a session. The harness stays glued to where you most need it. To top things off, the harness is water-resistant and UV resistant. This harness is an all-around beast.

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Ocean Rodeo Session Harness

Specs

• Closure: Snag-Free Buckles
• Padding: Dual-Density Comfort Foam
• Back Support: Medium
• Leash Attachments: Front And Rear Attachments
• Hook Type: Double Hook
• Spreader Bar Included: Yes

Features

• Designed To Form Fit The Rider’s Body
• Harness Floats For Added Security In The Water
• Can Be Worn As Either A Seat Or Waist Harness
• Removable Leg Straps Provide Optional Fitting
• Comes With Double Bladed Hook Knife For Emergency Situations

BEST FOR BEGINNERS

This harness is the most versatile on the list. It can be worn either as a waist harness or a seat harness, which beginner riders will enjoy. The harness will progress with your abilities. It’s also a very comfortable harness that can be adjusted to best fit the rider. It won’t wiggle around on your waist, especially when using the leg straps. Finally, the harness comes with a quick entry/ exit spreader bar buckle. If you’re purchasing your first harness, this one will give you a smooth introduction to the sport.

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Dakine Pyro Harness

Specs

• Closure: Dual Straps With Quick Clips
• Padding: Memory Foam Under Neoprene
• Back Support: Medium
• Leash Attachments: Two Front Points And Rear Slide Bar
• Hook Type: Single Hook
• Spreader Bar Included: Yes

Features

• Back Plate Of Harness Is Large And Great For Tall Kiteboarders
• Ultra Compatible With Any Type Of Spreader Bar
• Memory Foam Padding Is Extremely Comfortable And Allows For Long Riding Sessions
• Two Side Pockets For Keys Or Hook Knives

BEST FOR HYBRID RIDERS

Dakine is one of the most trusted brands among kiteboarders, especially because it was one of the original producers of kiteboarding harnesses. This harness is one of the items that the reputation was built upon. The Pyro offers ultimate responsiveness combined with a comfortable fit. While some harnesses wear over time, the Pyro’s memory foam core becomes more comfortable. The harness is a bit larger than others, which tall kiteboarders will prefer. It comes with a push-button hammerhead spreader bar, which can easily be replaced with the type of spreader bar you prefer. Simply put, the Pyro rocks.

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Mystic Majestic X Carbon

Specs

• Closure: Battle Belt Waist Closure
• Padding: Intelligent Viscoelastic Foam
• Back Support: Stiff
• Leash Attachments: Front With Quick Release
• Hook Type: N/A
• Spreader Bar Included: No

Features

• Stiffer Support At The Lower Back Allows For Safer Mobility
• Intelligent Foam Molds To Your Body Over Time, Keeping The Harness Locked In Place
• Comes In Four Different Colors
• Made With Lightweight Material

BEST FOR ADVANCED RIDERS

The Bionic Core Frame is the technology that sets Mystic Majestic harnesses apart from the rest. The materials that the frame is made from are the lightest, yet most durable found on the market. The harness maintains its shape horizontally but flexes vertically. This results in comfortable, responsive riding. Another thing that makes this harness comfortable is the foam that lines the inside of the harness. It’s considered “intelligent” because of the way the harness molds to the shape of your body. This doesn’t just make the harness comfortable, it keeps it locked in place.

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Ion Apex 10

Specs

• Closure: Dual Straps With Buckle
• Padding: Hyper Foam Wrapped In Neoprene
• Back Support: Medium
• Leash Attachments: Side Rings And Rear Bar
• Hook Type: Exchangeable Hook
• Spreader Bar Included: Yes

Features

• High Back Harness Is Great For Beginners
• Built-In Safety Knife To Cut Lines In Event Of An Emergency
• Tightness Of Harness Can Be Adjusted Without Removing Harness Completely
• Unique Hyper Foam Makes The Harness Very Comfortable

BEST FOR SAFETY

The ION Apex 10 allows for the weight load to be evenly distributed throughout the entire harness. Its stiff, preshaped center allows for the harness to sit comfortably without losing responsiveness. Even though the center is stiff, the sides of the harness are flexible. The harness adjusts well to powerful kiteboarders, especially those who generate their power from their core. One thing that makes this harness shine though is a built-in safety knife. In the event of an emergency, you’ll be able to detach yourself very quickly. Kiteboarders rave about this harness.

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THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A KITEBOARD HARNESS

BACK SUPPORT

The amount of back support on a harness is important. A stiff harness will be much more responsive to short, quick turns. However, your body will take more impact if you make a mistake. Harnesses with medium back support are much more comfortable but require more energy to initiate turns. All of the harnesses on this list are technically rigid harnesses, which mean that they maintain their shape over time. Nowadays, almost every serious kiteboarder prefers rigid harnesses over seat harnesses.

CLOSURE

Even though the harnesses on this list are rigid, they are more flexible on the sides and in the front. It’s important to purchase the right size of harness so that it remains in place throughout a long kiteboarding session. Each company has its own unique way to keep the harness snug. If you’ve had issues with your harness in the past, it’s recommended to get a harness with dual closure.

HOOK TYPE

There are two ways that you can attach your harness to your kite – either with a spreader bar or with a hook. The advantage of a spreader bar is that it transfers the force of the kite throughout the harness instead of just one point. There are multiple different types of spreader bars that work for different styles of riding. You don’t have to worry about your harness and spreader bar being compatible with one another. Nowadays, the two different pieces of equipment pair together without much trouble. 

LEASH ATTACHMENTS

These are small rings that are located either on the front, side, or back of your harness. You’ll attach your safety leash and safety line to these different points. Most harnesses come with a front and back leash attachment. 

SPECS AND FEATURES EXPLAINED

COMES WITH A DOUBLE BLADED HOOK KNIFE

If you lose control of your kite, the last thing you want is to get launched into the air. A hook knife will allow you to cut your line and return to safety with minimal damage.

HIGH BACK HARNESS IS GREAT FOR BEGINNERS

Having a harness with an extended back will give you much more support on the water. This will also allow you to conserve more energy because you won’t need to use your core as much in order to maintain control.

INTELLIGENT FOAM MOLDS TO YOUR BODY OVERTIME

The foam on the inside of harnesses is what keeps them comfortable during long riding sessions. A harness will be stiff initially and then break in overtime. A harness with intelligent foam will mold to your body much quicker than others. 

LUMBAR LOCK SYSTEM

Ride Engine boasts this technology, which minimizes the harness moving around during riding. 

ULTRA COMPATIBLE WITH ANY TYPE OF SPREADER BAR

Dakine makes very high-quality products, which is why their harnesses pair well with equipment from other brands.

The post Best Kiteboarding Harnesses of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Disclaimer: Is it your first time buying a kiteboarding kite? Don’t worry. We know that many of the technical details in this article may be confusing. Check out the “Things to Consider” and “Features Explained” sections below to help you make an educated decision.

For more of our top kiteboarding gear recommendations, check out the Best Kitesurfing Boards.

Reviews - The Best Kites for Kiteboarding

2019 Slingshot Rally

Specs

• Riding Style: Freestyle/ Wakestyle
• Shape: C Shape
• Hangtime: Long
• Turning Speed: Quick, Pivot Turns
• Struts: 2
• Available Sizes (meters): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14

Features

• Relaunching Is Easy And Gentle, Which Is Great For Beginners
• Flys High But Allows For Very Soft Landings
• Wingtips Allow For 3 Different Settings For Customizable Performance
• Ability To Turn Quickly While Remaining Stable
• Standard Dump Valve Allows For Quick Deflation

BEST FOR PIVOT TURNS

Do you like to turn quick and sharp? If so, a C-shaped kite is best for you. These types of kites are more aggressive. You’ll be able to jump higher and perform more loops in the air because of the shape of the kite. That being said, C-kites require more precise conditions in order to perform at their highest potential. This kite from Slingshot stays true to the original shape of kiteboarding kites. If you’ve been kitesurfing on older models of kites, you’ll feel much more comfortable on the Slingshot Rally.

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Liquid Force 2020 NV

Specs

• Riding Style: All-Around
• Shape: Hybrid Bow
• Hangtime: Long
• Turning Speed: Quick, Pivot Turns
• Struts: 3
• Available Sizes (meters): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.5, 12, 13.5, 15

Features

• Very Responsive Turn Initiation And Feedback
• Stable And Dependable In A Wide Variety Of Different Conditions
• Triple Ripstop Canopy Material Is Durable And Protects Kite
• 3 Strut System Allows For Performance In Many Different Riding Styles

BEST FOR DURABILITY

If you’re new to kiteboarding, it can be intimidating to purchase a new kite because you’ll fear ripping it. Fortunately, NV has redesigned this kite to be extremely durable. The frame is layered many times over and is constructed with Triple Ripstop material. The main advantage of this kite is its adaptability. As a beginner, you can try a wide variety of riding styles to see what fits you best. This kite can handle all of those different types, making it a kite you’ll use for years to come.

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2021 Cabrinha Contra

Specs

• Riding Style: Freeride
• Shape: Hybrid Open C
• Hangtime: Medium
• Turning Speed: Medium
• Struts: 3
• Available Sizes (meters): 13, 15, 17, 19

Features

• Very Responsive Kite That Performs Well In Light Wind Conditions
• Great Stability Makes It Easy For Beginners To Learn With This Kite
• Relaunching Is Easy And Gentle, Which Is Great For Beginners
• Moderate Turning Speed Allows For Easier Control

BEST FOR LIGHT WIND DAYS

The Cabrinha is a much larger kite, which makes it ideal for days where the wind isn’t strong. Even though the kite is large, it feels much smaller because of how easy it is to control. Beginners will like this kite for a variety of reasons. First, relaunching is really smooth and simple. Second, the turns with this kite aren’t very aggressive. Third, because the kite is larger than most, you won’t be launched into the air in an uncontrollable way. If you want a versatile kite for light wind conditions, consider giving this one a shot.

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2020 Liquid Force Solo

Specs

• Riding Style: Freeride
• Shape: Hybrid Bow
• Hangtime: Medium
• Turning Speed: Medium
• Struts: 1
• Available Sizes (meters): 5, 7, 9, 12, 15.5
• Bridle: Multiple Configurations

Features

• Triple Coated Ripstop Material Makes The Kite Very Durable
• Wider Wingtips Give The Kite Strong Power
• Lightweight Shape Allows The Kite To Perform In Light Wind Conditions
• Multiple Bridle Configurations For Customizable Performance

BEST FOR LIGHTWEIGHT

The 2020 Liquid Force Solo was completely redesigned to make the kite lighter. This makes the kite much more forgiving and nimble in the air. It also will allow you to use the kite in lighter wind conditions. Reviewers rave about the control they have with this kite. The “sweet spot” of the kite is larger than most, which will keep your kite in the air and out of the water. Liquid Force is highly trusted by the kitesurfing community, and this kite builds upon that reputation.

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2021 Duotone Rebel

Specs

• Riding Style: Freeride
• Shape: Delta
• Hangtime: Long
• Turning Speed: Medium - Quick
• Struts: 5
• Available Sizes (meters): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
• Bridle: Multiple Configurations

Features

• Extreme Stability Is Great For Beginners
• Delta Hybrid Shape Is The Best Shape For Simple Relaunching
• Kite Accelerates Slowly Allowing You To Immediately Control The Kite
• Flies Well In A Wide Variety Of Wind Conditions
• Multiple Bridle Configurations For Customizable Performance

BEST FOR BIG AIR

The Rebel is known as being one of the best kites out there for big air. When reviewers say that you’ll launch on this kite, they mean it. The kite will lift you, but return you to the water in a controllable way. Another highlight of this kite is its stability. The kite is built with 5 struts, which allows the kite to maintain stability in gusty wind conditions. Beginners will fall in love with the turning ability of the kite. If you’re just starting to get the hang of quick, sharp turns, this kite will allow for quick learning while remaining forgiving. If you’re a beginner who wants to get big air, this is a great option for you.

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THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A KITESURFING KITE

HANGTIME

Oftentimes beginner riders think that the larger the kite, the longer the hangtime. This is a misconception. What really impacts the hangtime is the shape of your kite. C-Shaped kites will boost you into the air quickly with a lot of power. However, they won’t glide as long in the air as delta or bow-shaped kites. Delta or bow shaped kites won’t boost as quickly, but they hang in the air for a long time. The best kites for big air riders, however, are hybrid shaped. These kites have both good boost and good hang time. 

RIDING STYLE

If you’re a beginner, chances are your style of riding is freeriding. These sorts of kites, paired with the right board, will allow you to try different types of riding. If you want to spend more time in the air, consider a freestyle or wakestyle kite. These kites don’t require as much effort to get into the air.

SIZE

Determining what size of kite to buy can be one of the most difficult things for beginners. There are three different things that you’ll want to consider when determining what size of kite you should buy. First and foremost, your weight. Second, the style of riding you prefer. Third, the average wind speed at the place you plan to use your kite at most. To make things easier on yourself, consider using this kite size calculator.

STRUTS

Struts are what give kites their shape. They are the rigid air chambers where the kite folds. Kites with more struts will be heavier but will keep their shape in high wind conditions. Nowadays, kites are being built with fewer and fewer struts to keep them lightweight. These kites require more power when the wind is strong. However, you won’t have trouble getting them into the air if the wind is light.

TURNING SPEED

How comfortable do you feel when kiteboarding? If you are progressing quickly, you’ll feel comfortable on a kite that can make quick, sharp turns. If you are just starting out, a kite with medium turning speed will be easier to control. 

SPECS AND FEATURES EXPLAINED

MULTIPLE BRIDLE CONFIGURATIONS

Bridles are the lines that connect you to your kiteboard. The benefit of having a kite with multiple configurations is that you can change the style of riding that you want to do. Most beginners will prefer a 4-line system, but as you progress you may want a 5-line system. 

RELAUNCHING IS EASY AND GENTLE

If you are a beginner, this is something you will want in your kite. Relaunching is the very beginning of a kiteboarding session, and chances are you’ll be relaunching a lot during your first sessions on the water.

The post Best Kiteboarding Kites of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

For more of our top surfing gear recommendations, check out the Best Surfing Wetsuits.

Reviews - The Best Boards for Kitesurfing

Ocean Rodeo Jester

Specs

• Color: Green/Black
• Size: 5’1”
• Fins: 5 Options
• Nose: Round
• Tail: Round
• Traction: Front Pad, Back Pad

Features

• Can Be Set Up With Different Fin Configurations For Customizable Performance
• More Lightweight And Nimble Design Makes The Board More Playful
• Small Construction Is Great For Freestyle Riding
• Thermo-Molded Skin On Board Can Handle Large Jumps
• Foot Strap Inserts Available In Board For Riders Who Want To Lock-In

BEST FOR FREESTYLE RIDING

The Ocean Rodeo Jester is more suited to freestyle riding than any other board on this list. It’s short and light, feeling more like other types of kiteboarding boards. There are five different slots for fins. This will allow you to customize how you want your board to feel. You can pop into the air much easier and land comfortably due to its foam construction. Reviewers love the playfulness of this board, which is why freestyle riders will fall in love with it.

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Ocean Rodeo Duke

Specs

• Color: Orange/White
• Sizes: 5’4”
• Fins: 5 Options
• Nose: Round
• Tail: Round
• Traction: Front Pad, Back Pad

Features

• Can Be Set Up With Different Fin Configurations For Customizable Performance
• Rounded Shape Is More Forgiving For Beginners
• Easy To Ride And Very Stable Through Turns
• Durable Construction Makes The Board Long Lasting
• Foot Strap Inserts Available In Board For Riders Who Want To Lock-In

BEST FOR COMFORT

The Ocean Rodeo Duke is a great board for beginners. If you’re transitioning from other styles of kiteboarding to kitesurfing, this board is a great starting point. Its rounded construction is much more forgiving. Keep in mind that it may not be as easy to do quick, snap turns with this board. However, your turns will be much easier to control with this board as opposed to other boards on the list. The board is also thicker than others, which makes it very durable. Kitesurfers rave about the responsiveness of this board.

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Cabrinha 2019 S:Quad

Specs

• Color: Wooden
• Sizes: 5’7”, 5’9”
• Fins: 4
• Nose: Pointed
• Tail: Rounded Squash
• Traction: Back Pad (Front Pad Can Be Purchased Separately)

Features

• 4 Fin Configuration Is Extremely Stable At High Speeds
• Bamboo Construction Keeps The Board Lightweight And Responsive
• Foot Strap Inserts Available In Board For Riders Who Want To Lock-In
• Board Accelerates Quickly On All Sorts Of Waves
• Bamboo Fins Are Lightweight Without Sacrificing Power

BEST FOR LIGHTWEIGHT PERFORMANCE

The construction of the Cabrinha S:Quad is really what sets it apart. It’s much lighter than other boards on the list, which allows you to twist, jump, and accelerate better than other boards on the list. Its pointed nose and round squash tail allow for sharp turns without losing control. The 4-fin configuration also helps the board maintain stability at high speeds. If you want a board that feels natural on the waves, check it out.

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2020 Slingshot Celero

Specs

• Color: White/Blue
• Sizes: 5’6”, 5’8”, 5’11”
• Fins: 3
• Nose: Pointed
• Tail: Pointed
• Traction: Front Pad, Back Pad

Features

• Classic Shortboard Frame Makes The Board Extremely Stable And Easy To Ride
• Foot Strap Inserts Available In Board For Riders Who Want To Lock-In
• Traction Pad Has Diamond Pattern For Great Grip
• Board Is Heavier, Allowing It To Remain Stable In Choppy Conditions

BEST FOR STABILITY

The Celero is a very reliable kitesurfing board. It will perform well in a wide range of conditions, especially in small, choppy waves. If you are transitioning from surfing to kitesurfing, this board will allow for a smooth transition. It has a classic surfboard construction, which makes for easy learning. Another great feature of the board is its pointed tail. This sort of tail is great for quick, sharp turns that kitesurfers love. At the end of the day, the Celero is a board that you will feel confident on.

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Slingshot Sports 2020 Tyrant

Specs

• Color: White/Blue
• Sizes: 5’8”, 6’0”
• Fins: 3
• Nose: Pointed
• Tail: Rounded Squash
• Traction: Front Pad, Back Pad

Features

• Rounded Squash Tail Has Tons Of Snap For Sharp, Quick Turns
• Traction Pad Has Corduroy Pattern For Great Grip
• Bamboo and Carbon Fiber Patches Add Durability In Key Areas Of Board
• Foot Strap Inserts Available In Board For Riders Who Want To Lock-In

BEST FOR BIG WAVES

The Tyrant is a kitesurfing board that people can’t stop raving about. The board was completely redesigned for 2020, making it more lightweight without sacrificing control. If you are going to be surfing in small, choppy waves, then the Celero (featured below) might be more for you. If you want to ride on some big, rolling waves, then look no further. This board will allow you to stay in control as you ride big waves. That being said, you will still be able to do quick, snap-like turns. Finally, this board is very durable. It may be the most expensive board on the list, but it will last for years.

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THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A KITESURFING BOARD

FINS

Most kitesurfers prefer to set up their boards with 3 or 4 fins. A 3-fin setup is ideal for beginners because it allows a good balance of control, stability, and maneuverability. Having a fin that is located at the back of the board makes turning much more controlled. You’ll be able to do the quick, sharp turns that surfers love. 

A 4-fin setup allows for much more acceleration and speed. Because there is no fin in the middle of the board, your turns will have more of an arched shape. The board will lock into all sorts of waves and accelerate on its own, whereas on a 3-fin setup, you’ll have to pump in order to speed up your board. Ultimately the setup of your fins comes down to personal preference.

NOSE

There are two different types of kitesurfing board noses on this list. The first is the rounded nose, which is better for beginners. The board will have more float and stability, especially in smaller waves. A pointed nose, on the other hand,  allows for more board performance and quicker responsiveness.

SIZE

If you are a true beginner, a larger board is recommended. Your board will be much more stable, allowing you to remain in control throughout your session. Shorter boards, however, are more playful. You’ll be able to toss your board around with much more ease. 

TAIL

There are three different types of kitesurfing tails on this list, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

Pointed – Much better for larger waves. The board will really lock into the waves, however, this makes the board a bit more difficult to turn.

Rounded – Strikes a balance between Rounded Squash and Pointed. The traction is good, but you won’t be able to turn as sharply as you would with a rounded squash board. 

Rounded Squash – Great for turns and speed, but you won’t have as much traction as other shaped boards. This type of tail is good for a wide variety of surf conditions. 

TRACTION

The traction of your kitesurfing board is important because unlike other types of boards, you won’t have anything locking your feet in. Some kitesurfers can do without a front traction pad, but it’s recommended to have both a front and a back traction pad so you can really lock into your board. 

SPECS AND FEATURES EXPLAINED

BOARD ACCELERATES QUICKLY

Nothing is worse than your kite accelerating while your board is left behind. A board with a 4-fin setup will keep up with your kite in a variety of wind and wave conditions.

DURABLE CONSTRUCTION

Surfboards and kitesurfing boards are quite similar in their shape, but kitesurfing boards are lighter due to their foam core. A board with durable construction protects this core better and makes the board less prone to snapping or being damaged. 

FOOTSTRAP INSERTS AVAILABLE

All of the kitesurfing boards on the list allow for foot straps to be inserted. This will allow you to modify how you want to be attached to your board.

The post Best Kitesurfing Boards of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.