So I have recently damaged a disk in my back resulting in time off the water whilst I undergo rehab and get my core strengthened.
I currently use a dakine waist harness and interested in hearing peoples experiences with a seat harness and whether these are better for people with back issues.
Cheers
hey mate,
I started with a seat harness cause I have lower back problems, I found that it was good it didn't ride up my back n it didn't put to much strain on my back. seat harnesses cradled my lower back nicely n I think they work well, BUT there is a trade off, they give you a major wedgie. once I got the feel for the kite n doing water starts I changed to a waist harness n found that it was much better. also my back probs arnt as bad as yours. as for your back probs seats would be good to help you ease your back into it. also ask ur rehab/physio if a seat or waist harness would help or hinder you. hope this helps 
I also have back problems, since switching to seat harness the pain is gone.ION seat harnes
Doesn't matter what harness you use it won't sort you herniated disk, it comes from compression, impact, or a weak core, A sup and good Pilates regime helps build your core strength, a herniated disc is relieved with opening the vertebrae a seat harness if you think about it compresses, I was in the high end forces and heavy impact landings, long distances with heavy kit and heavy lifting has left my lower back a mess, get yourself good then strengthen that core
I have some lower back problems also. Kiting 13 years now and still not sure what the solution is. I went to kitepower a few years ago and they sold me a dakine seat harness (cannot remember exact model) which has definitely helped. Also now I am riding Ozone Edge kites I find this reduces the impact on my back, more power equals less stress on the back, I find I lean into the harness more with these kites so means I can stay out 2-3 hours without getting any big problems. But agree with Cauncy, the only real fix is to fix the core (and not have any hard landings), impact kills backs, core strength exercises helps heaps.
Select to expand quoteomg said...
cauncy, so would you suggest waist harness after building the core?
Can only tell you from my own experience , if you've a strong core it doesn't matter what I wear, as the above post mentioned I also find a higher aspect kite helps me, nothing worse than a bad back , a good physiology will always advise against using back supports also as they make your core weak, this is something I'd always use as I thought it was helping, as I've now found it actually made it worse
Select to expand quoteHeavyInt said..
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the only real fix is to fix the core (and not have any hard landings), impact kills backs, core strength exercises helps heaps.
Agree. I had a herniated disk in late 2012. You need time away (I didn't kite for 9 months), build and maintain core strength. I also dropped 15kg which helps.
My excercise plan is tough, maybe a bit too tough, I pulled a back mussel mid 2013, but the disks all held up.
BTW, I use a waist harness without issue.
Dynobar v7 harness,
opens up your hips, great for toe side and walking up the beach, been using with my twin and sb now and will probably never go back to a "fixed harness"
I am still able to do massive jumps just a bit restricted on freestyle that's all
