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Accessories and Extras
(page updated: Jan 25th)
Harness,
Stainless-steel spreader bar (harness hook) Harness-Line,
Trainer-Kite
Helmets
Instructional DVD / Video,
Travel Bag, Golf bag shape but made for 2-3 kites and a board.
Wind-Meter (aka
anemometer), Hook knife
TRAINER KITES:
Learning to fly a trainer
kite BEFORE flying a large powerful traction kite is critical for
fast and safe learning. Don't even consider skipping this vital step.
Trainer kites will save you time and money. Every Kiteboard should have a
trainer kite.
See the Trainer Kites page for full details on
models and prices.
HARNESS
A Harness allows most of the kites power to be shifted from your
arms to your waist.
This means using your body weight to do most of the work rather than your arms.
If you have good control of your kite but your arms are getting tired, its time
to
buy a harness. Available in both "Waist" and
"Seat" models.
Harness FAQ's
Q. What's the Best style... A waist or Seat?
A. Wrong question!, Correct: "What's the best
type of harness for me?"
Every Harness has its pros and
cons. This Table should help:
| |
WAIST
|
SEAT
|
Price Complete w/
Stainless Steel Spreader Bar |
$129 - $149 |
$139-$169. |
| Back Support |
Less Support |
Max Support |
| Freedom of Movement |
Max freedom, minimal material. Preferred harness
for tweaked aerial maneuvers |
More restrictive because there is more material. This is not
an issue for most beginners and intermediates. |
| Fixed Position |
Tends to "ride-up"
NO-leg straps |
Leg straps prevent "riding-up"
holds the harness in its original position. |
| Comfort Level ( debatable ) |
Harness Hook tends to
push on your lower ribs
when it slides up. |
Leg straps are not very noticeable when wearing a wetsuit, or cold
weather clothing.
|
| Body Type |
Wasit Harness is more popular with a narrow waist /
athletic build.
If your waist is rounded
and the harness slides up,
its almost impossible to
get it back down in position |
More popular with people who have rounded mid-sections. |
| Harness Hook Position |
Higher |
Lower |
Harness HOOK ( aka Spreader Bar)
If you already have a harness, and just need a kite specific hook,
the Dakine Spreader Bar ( Harness Hook) is an excellent choice.
Kiters "ONLY USE a STAINLESS STEEL spreader BAR.
(Do NOT use to the aluminum ones sold for windsurfing)

_________________________________________________________________
Dakine Fusion Seat Harness
( Among Seat Harnesses the Dakine Fusion is
always at the top of the list)
Ideal for
SnowKiters, Kiters with a wide mid-section, or
for anyone who wants a harness that stays in place. The seat design with
leg straps
holds the harness down opposing the upward pull of a kite.
There many harness brands, but when it comes to Seat Harnesses, Dakine has
consistently held the number 1 position. Highly Recommended.
Price:
$155.00 Complete. Harness w/ Stainless steel
spreader bar ( 10" or 12")
Free Shipping ( within the USA )
_______________________________________________________
Dakine Tabu Waist Harness
$129.00 "Delivered" Harness ,w/ Spreader Bar,
free shipping (USA)
________________________________________________________
Dakine Size Chart:
| XS |
28"- 30" |
| S |
30"- 32" |
| M |
32"- 34" |
| L |
34"- 36" |
| XL |
36"- 40" |
| XXL |
40"- 44" |
________________________________________________________
Best Waist Harness.
Complete with Bar, and Bar Pad.
Price is decreases with the size. Shipping: (Free within the
USA)
XL $149.
L $139.
M $129.
S $119.
_____________________________________________________________________
Airush Impact Vest
VEST / CHEST PROTECTION
( $79. )

Manufacturers description:
The lightweight Airush impact vest provides protection and safety with
complete
freedom of movement.
The sleek profile design stays out of the way of your harness
allowing you to
hook in easily. The vest is
an essential piece of safety gear for pros
and newbies, providing protection for
impacts and added flotation
when learning.
The impact vest is not a certified life jacket.
Airush Impact Vest Sizing Chart
Based on Waist Size:
XS 28-30"
S
30-32"
M 32-34"
L 34-36"
XL 36-40"
XXL 40-44"
The Size chart is based on Waist Sizes, not on Chest size
( which would make
more sense to me)
_______________________________________________________________
NSI Deceiver Wheeled TRAVEL BAG
.
Designed to hold you kite gear, but to look like a golf bag
Holds all of you gear: 2-3 kites, Board, and Harness.
Ideal for Airline Travel.
Designed to look like a Golf Bag.
NSI was the 1st on the market with this type of bag and is still the most
popular.
Designed from an actual golf bag, with a few inches added and extra
padding.
Holds boards up to 147cm in length, three kites, wetsuits, harness and other
accessories. Prominately displayed logo—NSI PRO GOLF.
Dimensions: Its smaller at the top (front) end than the bottom (base) end.
Base End - 13 1/2" x 15"
Top End - 11 1/2" x 14" Length - 59"
$149.00
Helmets:
The 2 most popular kiteboarding helmets are made by: Gath and Protec
Protec $39 for their Ace-Water Model.
and Gath $99. to $119.
The Protec's "appear" to offer more protection with a thicker shell and padding
(bulkier design)
The Gath was designed originally for surfers who needed a very low profile,
low floatation helmet that would still allow Duck-Diving (swimming up) a
breaking wave.
Less floatation, also means less impact resistance ( protection).
In the words of the US Gath distributor:
......"Gath Surf Convertibles and Gedis offer as much if not more protection
than the Pro-tecs and
offer the added value of more head coverage, multiple impact rated soft foam
liners, a customizable
fit, and a 3 year warranty. All Gath helmets meet the same CE EN 1385 water
sport safety standard
as Pro-tecs, but because Gaths are thinner and have a lower profile they will
not slap, bucket or drag
as much in the water. Thus allowing the helmet to stay on the users head where
they are effective.
The soft foam liner will also outlast hard foam which should be replaced after
each hit. The soft foam
acts as a cushion to the users head as opposed to a hard foam that transfers
shock."........
__________________________________________________________________
The Protec's have been more popular will kites due to their very low price,
 
Protec "Ace Water Classic" ($39)
Protec Sizing. ( head circumferance )
Small 53-54cm, 20 3/4"
to 21 1/4"
Medium 55-56cm 21 1/2" to 22"
Large 57-58cm, 22 1/2" to 23"
X-Large 59-60cm 23 1/4 to 23 1/2
________________________________________________________________
The new Gath Sport Hat (SH), formerly known as the Pro Surf, has a new
look that features.
New and improved foam forehead protection with fine tuning fit options.
Long favored for its simplicity, low volume, excellent head and ear coverage,
it is the favorite of many surfers who are reluctant to switch to one of the new
models.
Sky divers also appreciate the low volume, aerodynamic shape and the altimeter
bracket option.
Choose from a selection of high-quality, high-gloss painted colors or a black
"rubber" coating finish.
$99.00
Gath Gedi $109
Gath Sizing Chart
|
Size
|
Code
|
Head Measure
(inches)
|
Head Measure (cm)
|
|
XS
|
0
|
up to 21-1/4"
|
up to 54 cm
|
|
S
|
1
|
21-5/8" to 22"
|
55 to 56 cm
|
|
M
|
2
|
22-1/4" to 22-7/8"
|
56.5 to 57.5 cm
|
|
L
|
3
|
22-7/8" to 23-1/2"
|
58 to 59.5 cm
|
|
XL
|
4
|
23-1/2" to 23-5/8"
|
59.5 to 60 cm
|
|
XXL
|
5
|
23-5/8" and above
|
60 cm and above
|
FITTING
Correct fit is critical. It needs to fit snugly around the head and ears, tight
enough not to move
around, yet still be comfortable. Have someone else measure around your head at
forehead
level using a cloth tape measure; a metal tape measure will not
give an accurate measurement. In general, front-to-rear stability is more
important than
side-to-side.
GATH WARRANTY
Gath headgear is guaranteed to be free from
defects in materials and workmanship for 3 years
from the date of purchase, provided it is used as intended and follow the Care
Instructions strictly.
This warranty does not cover scratches or the effects of overexposure to heat or
continual, direct
sunlight. Your Gath is NOT designed to provide the level of impact absorption
expected of cycling
or other land-based headgear.
_________________________________________________________________
I personally ride 99% of the time in the surf, and would never ride in big waves
with
a high floatation bulky helmet.
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