WAIST OR SEAT HARNESS?
WAIST HARNESS VS. SEAT HARNESS FOR WINDSURFING
What is the best type of windsurf harness for you and the type of sailing you mostly do?
Here’s a summary of the Pros and Cons of the higher-hooked waist harness and lower hook position of the traditional Seat harness from two of our Brand Ambassadors - slalom racer Miriam Rasmussen and speed and wave rider Steve Thorp - who give contrasting views on the benefits and drawbacks of each to help you make up your mind!
UP ON THE TOES AND AGILE - OR LOCKED AND DOWN LOW?
As always, before you pick, we recommend trying various methods out as there are so many ‘subjective’ choices in this sport.
So don’t be afraid to seek advice and input from professional coaches and advanced instructors to make sure your time on the water is fun and energy-efficient.
Of these coaches, most will recommend a waist harness for waves and freeriding and whatever feels best out of waist or seat for freerace and speed/slalom sailing.
Many also recommend that ladies with ‘hourglass’ figures choose a seat harness. It’s all about getting hook height right!
Research and choose carefully before you decide!
Here we go, starting with …
MIRIAM RASMUSSEN:
Living in a secluded arm of a Norwegian fjord, I was presented with no option when I started windsurfing three years ago: "You race!" (Imagine this being said in a Nordic, guttural, growl-like fashion)
Norwegian slalom racers use seat-harnesses. That’s the way it is, so I started my windsurfing career on an 124-litre slalom board, wearing a seat harness.
I did buy a waist harness once, but have never managed to become friends with it - even when sailing my wave gear.
I just can't get used to the fact that the harness changes position when I sail - moving up and down and from side to side.
I’ve tried different kinds of seat harnesses, from the lush, generously upholstered heavy varieties, to the spartan, race seats.
In principle, they all offer the same, precise, body-weight-powered, downward thrust into your rig.
I appreciate this, especially when I’m sailing the large, heavy slalom rigs.
But, as mentioned above, you tend to get accustomed to the kind of harness you use the most, so I prefer my race seat any day of the week.
The only catch that comes with using a race seat is that you're in for a thorough wedgie every now and then - especially if you’re sailing in speedos or a bikini! MR
… and …
STEVE THORP:
I grew up sailing slalom gear on a lake, (back in the days of BIC Electric Rocks, Tiga 260s and Sputnik 270s) so always used a seat harness.
Then Freestyle and waves came into my life, the slalom stopped and I just used a waist harness.
When I returned to speed and slalom I tried a seat harness again, but found it really hard to get on with after using the waist harness for so long.
So I now just use a waist harness for everything.
I think there are actually advantages for speedsailing.
You spend your whole time sailing very overpowered and, with a waist harness, I find I can manage the power much easier.
If I get lifted by a gust it's easier to sheet out and stand slightly more upright over the board - or sheet in and drop my backside further outboard as it's not tied to the rig!
Basically, with a waist harness, I can handle anything nature throws at me and this gives me much more confidence.
I guess for the heavy guys a seat harness is ultimately more efficient, as you can apply more mastfoot pressure when needed - and get your head and upper body slightly further outboard when needed.
But to win, you have to finish, so for me a waist harness is the best choice!
Clearly, for waves (and freestyle), a waist harness is always best as it gives maximum freedom of movement and is easier for quick hooking in and out. ST
Posted by Brian McDowell, Marketing.
Read more tips one choosing the right windsurfing gear for you