Hi guys,

Since I got back into windsurfing almost 4 years ago I've been using a seat harness on a mix of Freeride, Formula and Freestyle (not freestyling just choppy bay weather) boards. I know the look isn't as cool but it's been super comfy. I understand the pros and cons of both, load up more on a seat, easier in and out on a waist for waves, etc.

Anyway.. recently bought a dakine waist, with the intention to use it for the waves. As expected I had to shorten my lines dramatically and the balance and feel was quite different. I went out at 9am in Port Phillip in 35knots, gusting up to 40knots, way over powered on my 5.3 but i've been in worse. Got some unintentional air and copped a nasty catapult. Almost snapped my lower rib from the harness squeeze, but got away with a nasty bruise. Just glad I didn't eat too much for breakky. The harness was still in place and not riding up. Is the gut squeeze normal for a waist harness? Keep in mind i'm 95kg so catapults for me are super nasty. After a rest I ended up lengthening my lines and changing back to my seat which I found a thousand times easier when overpowered, but perhaps that's is just due to my experience with a seat.

edit:in case you're wondering it is a Dakine Hawaii and fits perfectly.

Appreciate your thoughts and experiences.

5.3 on a >30 knots? maybe that's why you were catapulting...
also why did you shorten the harness lines? If you see, most wave sailors use long harness lines, when comparing with slalom, or speed sailors.
I use the waist harness all the time, regardless if it is flat or not (but I am not into speed). I like to play a bite when sailing, and to do that waist harness are much better and safer option.
Try using longer harness lines, I am sure you will immediately notice the difference of harnesses.
Alternatively, if you want to use the same length of lines just use a smaller sail.

umm where is your waist? Properly positioned the hook height is not much higher than a seat & no where near your ribs. Line length norm is pretty long but your stance changes slightly. About your catapults- im same weight as you, if you feel yourself go past that point you know its going to happen then throw yourself into it rotating around sail, sometimes you make it almost whole way around. If you resist you get pitched down or onto your gear both kinda hurt.

The harness is a chunky fella but perhaps you're right and i need to set it even lower. Once my harnesses are dry i'll I try them both on again and ensure the hooks are close in height. Obviously re-alter line length accordingly. I certainly plan to try again in ideal conditions. It did cost me just over $200. 15-25knots tomorrow, better conditions to get used to a new style.

Thanks for the feedback.

Poida said...

when i'm overpowered I feel like I need longer harness lines, to stretch out a bit and load up things more. sounds like you needed a smaller sail

Oh for sure, for those winds a 4 metre something sail would be sweet but have a hard time justifying the cost when 40knot gusts are so rare. Unless it is really messy chop im comfortable up to 35knots on my smallest gear, even those winds are rare in Vic

Ellobudda, from your description I think i did have the harness too high. Makes sense. Thx.

Harness line length

Try this for harness line length. Grab the boom inbetween the straps
(these should be the same width as your hand), then lengthen/shorten the lines so that the bottom loop just reaches you elbow.
so essentially put the bottom loop over you elbow and grab the boom - this is a good guide from one of the UK mags - works for me!

Be carefull mate, I am a 90kg + sailor also, I have used a waist harness and found that catapults are a lot worse, quite often your injuries are coming from hitting the boom or mast or they are hitting you, in 25 to 30 knts a catapult will happen so fast there is no way of telling what the hell just happened, I have gone back to a seat and really enjoy my sailing again.

Longer harness lines fer sure will help but when you are standing more upright it just makes going over the handle bars that much easier.

Good luck mate and maybe save up for a 4.7

Good winds

GT

Sorry I wasn't clear enough. I didn't break my rib sailing, it was on a road bike.

I was just trying to say if the harness is low enough it doesn't put much pressure on the ribs.