Extreme sports enthusiasts often have to utilize some form of safety harness. The safety harness allows you to participate in adrenaline pumping activities, including windsurfing, kiteboarding and rock climbing. While these exciting hobbies are fun, they often involve dangerous maneuvers. When used properly, the safety harness can protect against serious bodily injuries. The design of the safety harness varies depending on the intended use.
Function
In windsurfing, the safety harness allows you to remain stabilized during sharp turns and tricks. The windsurfing safety harness attaches your body to the large sail that powers the board forward. Kiteboarders utilize the safety harness to travel at high speeds across large stretches of ocean. Use a safety harness when rock climbing to perform essential techniques such as rappelling down the face of the mountain.
Types
The standard safety harness used in rock and ice climbing fits around your waist as well as your thighs. A properly fitting safety harness should not hinder the movement of your body. Perform a few stretches and bends to ensure you have a properly fitting harness. The safety harness for windsurfing should offer support to your lower back. Kiteboarding safety harnesses that fit around the wrist of your dominant hand.
Features
The kiteboarding safety harness features a series of straps that enable you to fasten the kite handle in place. The seat harnesses used in kiteboarding feature a similar design to the harnesses used in rock climbing. The rock climbing harness features a front loop that allows you to maintain control of the rope. Safety harnesses used in windsurfing feature a contoured design that molds to the curves of your back.
Benefits
Using your safety harness properly offers various benefits. A correctly fastened safety harness will prevent the boarding kite from being ripped out of your hands. If you happen to fall from your climbing position, the rock climbing safety harness will keep you from plummeting to your death. The windsurfing safety harness allows you to make hairpin turns while keeping your back almost parallel with the surface of the water.
Prevention/Solution
Perform a series of checks to the straps of your safety harness before commencing with the activity. A helpful tip that can prevent serious injury involves having one of your rock climbing buddies perform a second check to your safety harness. Bend down and touch your toes to guarantee that you have not fastened your harness too tightly. Never attempt to loosen your safety harness while performing rock climbing techniques.
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