Here is my homemade harness for winging ..with an NSI hook.
I simply cut some thick foam (soft floor tile) and attached it to the strap in several places with electrical tape. It is holding up well after a month.
No doubt others may find more elegant ways to attach padding to the strap, but my point is that this padding is all you need for comfort. You don't need a big bulky kiteboarding harness and hook. The NSI hook is cut from a piece of 2 cm thick plastic and it works great because it flops sideways when you squirm onto your board. You can probably make one yourself.
Personally I am happy to have harness lines on my wings that I can hook into when doing long upwind runs. But others get by without it.. it's personal preference.
Yep that's all you need keep it real simple and light,I have similar simple setup up from NSI,like you said kite harness with spreader bars good way to damage your board besides being way overkill heavy. Been using similar NSI hybrid with both wing and board leashes attached to the waist belt, been using mine for 4 months or so with many many hours definitely way to go
I have the NSI minimalist and really like it. I wish the back pad was larger. When Im hooked in and really pushing, the pressure isnt as widely distributed across my back as I would like. I 100% prefer a waist harness over the wrist and ankle approach.
CG, your harness pad looks great! I'm mostly using my windsurf/kite harness, this looks like the perfect midway between a belt and a full harness. I look forward to seeing you out there winging with it this fall when we get the winds back!
It's easy to sew yoga mat up to about 10mm with a domestic sewing machine.
Alternatively, sew a sleeve of ripstop fabric and push the EVA inside it. Put a second sleeve or some webbing tabs or velcro for the belt to pass through.
Here is my approach to a DIY wing harness. I used materials I had lying around and 3d printed a NSI inspired hook.
Generally I like the workout without harness but for long upwind rides it is great to give my (slightly worn) shoulders a break...
I will share the STL file on Thingiverse.
Attachments
These users thanked the author rolfjoosten for the post:
I load my harness pretty hard going upwind. I use this Vinaka harness with the hook replaced with a 6 inch spreader. The non spreader, single hook, pinches too much at high loads.
I tried my Dakine harness after using this winging harness. It felt terrible. No going back, once I got the Ride Engine harness tuned up with the better hook.
These users thanked the author Dwight for the post:
Just tried this harness out yesterday being overpowered with a 4.5 Ensis. It works. But going full on the harness (as windsurfers do) the strap is too narrow to make it comfortable, you need more padding in the back for that. But to use it as a third arm it works great, so about to max 40% power on the harness and the rest on the arms. You can go noticeable foil higher into the wind then without and its quite relaxing. I think using a harness is quite good for the bigger wings in full powered stable conditions. Afterwards I was out with a 3.5 without and didn't miss it. It would be too much on off for a harness.
These users thanked the author happywizz for the post: