Losing the diaper...Dumb question here...

alleycat · Since 29 Jun 2006 176 Posts Portland Stoked

I just got a nice Mystic waist harness and trying to loose my diaper harness. I rode yesterday for about an hour with the waist harness before going back to my diaper. I could not believe the scary high pops I was getting without sending the kite at all. It was a nice feeling having my hips rotating the board much farther than I can with the seat harness.
Now for the dumbass question....I tried to tighten the harness super tight but it felt bad on my lower rib cage area....Do I leave the harness a little looser (tight but not super tight) and adjust my riding style as in leaning back a bit to prevent the harness from riding up or do I tighten the sucker super tight?

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

unhook more

alleycat · Since 29 Jun 2006 176 Posts Portland Stoked

I am so far from unhooking man, a big pop still scares the poop out me.....

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

well then,, I don't know.

sixo · Since 25 Jun 2007 36 Posts west side

For me it's allot about posture, when my harness (waist) rides up on me it reminds me not to slouch so much i.e. dangle. I think like in all sports good posture, being upright aware, and in an athletic stance is key. I keep mine medium tight just enough for my gut and a couple cold ones tucked in for good measure

windpig · Since 28 Aug 2008 283 Posts Obsessed

Ya sixo has the right idea. For me I keep it a little looser so when the harness rides up it's easier to push it down back over my gut. Sounds funny but it might also depend on what your wearing under it. Something grippy like a wet suit or slick like a rash guard makes all the difference.

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

In between dangles just dive the kite low (just over the water) and lean back, it will resituate the harness lower.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1872 Posts XTreme Poster

My son and I have both come to the conclusion that looser is better. You can easily push it back down when it rides up. It also rotates easily for toe-side, blind, etc. I also find that posture is key. Having said that, I now occasionally ride my Nitrous when my back gets sore. Really helps to use some different muscles especially if riding multiple days in a row

alleycat · Since 29 Jun 2006 176 Posts Portland Stoked

Thanks everyone....

I am sitting here at Sherman Island waiting for the wind to come up. I will try adjusting the harness a little looser and flying the kite a little lower while leaning back to achieve great body position....kiting is so much easier with the diaper on but it is time to stop sucking my thumb and get to the next level...

For Hien I will get my GF to film my attempt at riding un-hooked I am sure it will be worth a laugh....

Thanks again...

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Sep 08, 09 12:18 pm

you need to focus on your posture for sure. Try to rotate your shoulders back so that they are behind the line of your hips. Look at someone who is a good rider and you will see what I'm talking about.

The easiest way to spot a newb is to look for the guys who look like they are trying to take a shit in the woods while holding onto a tree. you gots to lean back.

jackZ · Since 13 Apr 2008 355 Posts Devon Alberta ca. Obsessed

HA ! Monkeyboy ,
Thats a priceless description of what my daughter has been trying to explain what I look like . Laughing

I was liking the diaper only cause I have issues of letting go , but I'll be taking the big step to a waist harness .
I don't wanna look like that no more Crying or Very sad

Good dayall

mschulz · Since 29 May 2007 530 Posts Reno, NV Addicted

I love the waist harness. Yes it rode up when I was starting, but once you get the hang of it you will love it. I also found a little loose it better and readjust as needed. How loose you may ask? I found for me when the harness is dry, tighten it down as much as possible, once it gets wet it stretches just to the sweet spot that allows my spreader bar to move side to side when riding toe side. It does ride up a little, but you can slide it back down. good luck and have fun.

Looking forward to the easterly.

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2103 Posts PNW Bigfoot

krazedkiter · Since 08 Jun 2009 183 Posts Florida Stoked

You guys are missing the most important factor. It all depends on how big a belly you got.

For example, if you take one of these skinny guys (you know, the imaginary non-existant guys they base the kite performance range on) loose will be much different then loose on those who partake in high carbohydrate recreational drinks and porterhouse steaks.

On a skinny guy, loose is only an inch away from being tight. On a big belly, loose can be 4-6 inches away from being tight.

STart loose and keep on snuggin it down a bit until you feel right. Also remember, harnesses are like girlfriends, you gotta crash and burn through a few different types before you get the right one.

chris2584 · Since 13 Sep 2009 8 Posts USA New Member