I'm looking for some advice on best harness and lines for a novice. Which is more comfortable for general sailing full or waist? All you ladies out there let me know whether you've bought specific ladies kit or gone for one of the men's small harnesses.

Any info. gratefully received.

Having taught loads of level 2 courses (harnesses, beach starts, etc), I try and let my pupils try waist and seat harnesses and see which they prefer. It seems to be about 50/50 in favour of each.



Waist harnesses give you a lot more freedom with your legs, in other words you can move around more - great for contortions whilst in the air. They also provide protection to the organs in the lower body on big impacts, hence they are suitable for waves and freestyle. You will also notice that the hook is a bit higher so it is easier to hook in and get out, which is pretty useful when learning. They also look really cool.



Seat harnesses are, in my opinion, harder to use. The hook is a lot lower so harder to hook in and out, and people are often tempted into lowering the boom to get in easily. If you don't have problems getting in and out, then your stance will be better with one of these as you will be able to straighten your arms and get your shoulders back giving a great stance. It is also a really good feeling with a "seatie" as it gives your stance a very locked in feel.



With regards to lines I would go for long ones to start with, then you'll probably want shorter ones later. Adjustable lines will work a treat for this, go for 20 - 26 inch long lines.



Enjoy.

Thanks for the reply Stu. It would be really good if I could actually get out and do some sailing, as every time I'm free there's either no wind or gusting like a hooly.



I NEED more water time!!!

Don't we all mate!

I'd vote for a waist harness for a first harness. I learned using a seat, but with hindsight a waist harness would have made hooking in (and out) easier, and also I suspect cut the time I spent rounding up into the wind every time I hooked in and went for the straps. I've since switched to waist harness, and really now only use my seat harness to hold down sails in overpowered conditions, and it's not often we get those.



Have fun Ebbo. It sounds like you're about to hit the stage where it all gets really fun. If you thought it was good so far, just wait 'til you're planing in the straps. Even the catapulting stage is fun as long as you keep a sense of humour (and keep hold of the boom).

Are there any windsurfers without a sense of humour??!! I was the foolhardy novice girlie that went out with a shortie wetsuit and looked like she had been in a major car accident after climbing onto her board half a dozen times or so. MMMMmmmmm shortie wetsuits and climbing onto surfboards in a force 5 with suntan lotion - NOT RECOMMENDED. Gosh this windsurfing lark has a real steep learning curve!!! But hey I think IT'S GREAT!!!!!!!