HARNESS HOOK HEIGHTS
LOW, MEDIUM OR HIGH?
A lot of these riding positions are more specifically related to hook height. Seat harnesses usually have the lowest hooks and waist harnesses the highest.
However, many top-level coaches advise that waist harnesses be worn with the hook below the belly button.
In reality they are often much higher and ride up the stomach due to either poor fit or body shape.
This advice suggests that no hook be positioned too high.
PERFECT BALANCE
There are solutions such as mid-height freeride seat harnesses that allow a 'best of both worlds' solution for a wide range of sailing that will not ride up, but allow the rider to 'sit' on the power for faster sailing and still have some agility to unhook swiftly for gybes and jumps.
'Hourglass' figures can also benefit from having a seat harness that keeps the hook at the optimum belly button level.
People with straighter hips will be able to have their hook positioned in the recommended medium height by a quality, regular waist harness that grips the body and does not slip upwards.
Apart from correct fit - a lot of hook height issues can also be solved by using longer harness lines than you might be used to that can prevent waist harness hooks riding up on lines that are too short.
You can also experiment with boom height to get this balance right and your stance and equipment working in harmony.
If you are in doubt, book a clinic with an experienced coach and trust your local store to help you get the right fit - and don't be a bad sport and then go and buy it online for a few bucks less! (Wear it out!)
Posted by Brian McDowell, Sales and Marketing