6 Figure Skating Jump Harnesses That Top Coaches Actually Recommend

Your skater comes off the ice, excited and a little nervous. Their coach mentioned it’s time to start working on their axel or a new double jump "in the harness." For many parents, this is the first time you’ve heard the term, and it can sound a bit intimidating, conjuring images of extreme sports. But in figure skating, the jump harness is one of the most effective tools for building skills and confidence safely.

How Coaches Use Harnesses for Jump Training

Think of a jump harness not as a crutch, but as a set of training wheels for complex aerial skills. When a young skater is learning a jump with more rotation, like an axel or a double salchow, the fear of falling can be a major mental block. It causes them to hesitate, open up too early, or pull back on their power. A harness removes a significant portion of that fear, allowing the skater to commit fully to the jump.

Coaches use harnesses to help skaters physically feel the correct timing and position in the air. By providing a slight lift and controlled support, the coach can keep the skater airborne for a fraction of a second longer. This extra time is crucial. It allows the skater’s brain to process the rotation and their body to build the muscle memory needed to land the jump consistently on their own.

There are two main categories of harnesses you’ll see at the rink. On-ice harnesses are used with the skater wearing their skates, and they are typically either attached to a pole system at the boards or held by the coach. Off-ice harnesses, often using bungee-like cords, are used in athletic shoes to simulate the jump motion and build explosive strength on solid ground. Both are vital tools for different stages of a skater’s development.

Pro-Motion Advantage: The Elite Training Standard

If you’ve ever watched a training session of elite-level skaters, you’ve likely seen the Pro-Motion harness system. This is a sophisticated, ceiling-mounted track system that runs the length or width of the rink. The coach controls the support with a rope and pulley, allowing them to glide alongside the skater and provide assistance at the precise moment of takeoff. It’s the gold standard for a reason.

This system is not something a parent or individual coach purchases; it’s a significant infrastructure investment made by a rink or skating club. Its presence signals a strong commitment to high-performance training. For skaters in the 11-14+ age range who are working on triple and quadruple jumps, access to a Pro-Motion system is a game-changer. It provides the most realistic feeling of a jump while offering a superior level of safety for these high-risk elements.

When you’re evaluating different rinks for a seriously committed skater, asking if they have a Pro-Motion or similar ceiling-mounted system is a valid question. It indicates the kind of training environment your child will have access to as they progress. It’s a feature that directly supports the long-term development of a competitive athlete.

Top Jumps Pole Harness for Consistent Lift

You see your skater’s coach set up a portable pole by the boards. This is most likely the Top Jumps Pole Harness, a true workhorse in rinks around the world. This system uses a lightweight, telescoping pole that the coach holds, giving them leverage to lift the skater at the apex of the jump. It’s a fantastic tool for introducing new jumps.

The primary benefit here is consistency. Because the coach is relatively stationary, they can provide a very stable and predictable lift every single time. This is perfect for the 8-12 year old skater who is mastering their axel or getting the feel for their first set of double jumps. The pole harness helps them achieve the necessary height and learn the rhythm of the jump without the coach having to skate alongside them.

This is almost always a piece of equipment owned by the coach or the club, not the parent. Understanding what it does, however, helps you appreciate the process. When you see your child using this harness, you know they are working on building a strong, repeatable foundation for a new and difficult skill.

Top Jumps Handheld for Coaching Versatility

As a skater gains confidence in a new jump, the coach may switch to a handheld harness. The Top Jumps Handheld model is a favorite because it untethers the coach from the boards, giving them more freedom and versatility. Instead of a long pole, the coach holds a handle attached to ropes, allowing them to skate with the student and provide support that feels more dynamic.

This harness is ideal for skaters who understand the mechanics of a jump but just need a little "spot" to nail the landing. It’s less about providing a massive lift and more about ensuring a safe rotation and landing. For skaters working on jump combinations or integrating a new double jump into their program, the handheld harness is invaluable. It allows the coach to assist on an element right in the middle of the ice.

While still primarily a coach’s tool, some dedicated skating families with a private coach may consider investing in one if their rink doesn’t provide them. This decision should only be made in direct consultation with your coach. They will know if this specific tool fits their teaching style and your skater’s developmental needs.

G-Force Harness for Advanced Rotational Work

When the focus shifts from simply getting in the air to speeding up rotation, you might see a different style of harness emerge. The G-Force Harness is designed specifically for this purpose. It has a unique strapping system that encourages skaters to find and hold a tight, efficient air position, which is the key to completing triple and quad jumps.

This is a specialized piece of equipment for the advanced, highly competitive skater. It provides less vertical lift and more rotational assistance, helping the skater feel the "snap" required for multi-rotation jumps. You’ll see this used by skaters who are already landing their doubles consistently and are physically mature enough to handle the demands of higher-level skills, typically in the 12-16+ age range.

The G-Force is a tool for refinement, not for learning a jump from scratch. It’s about taking a good jump and making it great by increasing rotational velocity. Its use is a clear sign that a skater and their coach are focused on the fine-tuning required for high-stakes competition.

Champion Cords for Off-Ice Jump Simulation

Not all jump training happens on the ice. For every hour spent on skates, there are often hours spent in off-ice conditioning. Champion Cords are a fantastic tool that allows parents to support this crucial part of their child’s development. These are essentially a set of specialized bungee cords that the skater wears in a harness to practice their jump technique on the floor.

This is an excellent investment for skaters of almost any level, from the 7-year-old learning a waltz jump to the 13-year-old working on a double axel. Off-ice training with cords builds explosive power in the legs and reinforces correct arm and body alignment without the risk of falling on hard ice. It allows for a high volume of repetition, which is essential for building muscle memory.

Champion Cords are a practical and relatively affordable way for you to support your skater’s training at home or at the rink’s gym. They are easy to use and can be supervised by a parent after initial instruction from the coach. This is a purchase that can grow with your child and even be passed down to a younger sibling later.

SkateAHEAD Harness: A Solid Club-Level Option

In many clubs, you’ll find reliable, effective gear that gets the job done day in and day out. The SkateAHEAD harness is a perfect example of this. It’s a well-regarded, durable harness that provides excellent safety and support for skaters learning everything from their first axel up through their doubles. It’s a versatile option that works well in both handheld and pole-assisted setups.

Think of this as the dependable family sedan of jump harnesses. It may not have the high-tech features of the most elite models, but it is safe, effective, and trusted by countless coaches. For the vast majority of skaters who are progressing through the competitive pipeline, this type of harness provides exactly the support they need to develop their skills confidently.

If your club or coach uses a SkateAHEAD harness, you can be confident that your skater is in good hands. It represents a solid, practical choice that prioritizes safety and fundamental skill development, which is exactly what you want for your growing athlete.

Fitting and Safety: Final Coach Consultation

Now that you understand the landscape of jump harnesses, the most important takeaway is this: never purchase or allow your child to use a harness without the direct involvement of their primary coach. A harness is a piece of safety equipment, and a proper fit is non-negotiable. A harness that is too loose can be ineffective and dangerous, while one that is too tight can be restrictive and cause injury.

Your coach is the expert. They understand your child’s specific body type, skill level, and the physical forces involved in the jumps they are attempting. They will be able to recommend the exact type and size of harness that is appropriate for your skater and, just as importantly, they will know how to fit it correctly.

Before making any decisions, schedule a brief chat with your coach. Ask them what systems the rink provides and what, if any, equipment they recommend for your skater’s current goals. This collaborative approach ensures that your investment—whether it’s in rink fees that support club equipment or a personal purchase of off-ice cords—is safe, effective, and perfectly aligned with your child’s developmental journey.

Ultimately, a jump harness is a bridge. It’s a tool that helps a skater get from wanting to land a jump to actually doing it. By understanding the different types and their purpose, you can better appreciate the process and have more confident conversations with your coach, ensuring your child has the right support to fly.