Hi, I'm new to the sport. I had my first lesson a while ago and am slowly getting hold of the gear. I got my kite (Blade), will get a board (most likely a Cardboard board) and now need to decide on a harness (I have my eye on the Liquid Force Boardshort Harness).

Now I have my concerns with respect to waist harnesses. In essence, these fit on similar to a ladies corset, which wraps around the lumbar spine. I am worried about causing injury to the lumbar portion of my spine. I guess you could get some serious whip-lash out there if the kite pulls you hard all of a sudden. But why are these the most popular type? As a rockclimber, I wear a seat harness (as do practically all climbers) which wraps around the pelvic region.

I just don't understand why most kite surfers fancy the corset style. The pelvis is a stronger structure as compared to the lumbar spine i.e. less injury prone.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

Many thanks.
V