KennyK said..
HI,
I am looking to get my first harness and wondering what is the difference, other than the obvious between using a seat or waist harness?
Is one better than the other, or are the intended for two different applications, or maybe just two options for the same purpose coming down to personal preference?
Cheers,
Ken.

Back in the day there were only seat harnesses. now the majority use waist harnesses as most reckon they are more comfortable. Some keen racers reckon they get to hold the power down better on a seat harness. But by far the majority of sailors now use a waist. A waist harness has a higher hook which is easier to get in and out of the harness lines. It also promotes a more up right stance. The straps between the legs were never comfortable and wasn't a great look with boardies. But essentially they do do the same thing, so its just personal preference.

Also are kite harnesses the same as windsurf harnesses?
So perhaps I could by one from a kite shop?

Don't most racers (ie including those on FW, Raceboards and other longboards) use seat harnesses?

Chris 249 said..
Don't most racers (ie including those on FW, Raceboards and other longboards) use seat harnesses?

EVERY RS:X sailor I know uses a seat harness, I don't think i've ever seen one with a waist harness... Id say thats it similar for formula, but I wouldn't have a clue for raceboard...

I have just been out for a quick sail, my first time in 20 knots.
I had only been out in 10 to 15 before, takes it out of you without a harness!
All I know is, I want a harness. But I am still none the wiser as to which to get.

I use a Dakine Reflex seat and I am really happy with it, I also have a Dakine T5 waist which I really like as well.

Mostly I use the seat harness because I use a life jacket as well. The waist harness is easier to hook in and out of but the hook is to high for use with a jacket. I wouldn't say one is better than the other. Probably a waist is easier to learn with but if you need a jacket the seat is the go.

As for Dakine quality I think most will agree they are pretty good.

Seat harness is better for bump and jump, freeriding, fast sailing, slalom. If you have a dodgy lower back seat is also best. If you want to use a lifejacket (and you should) the seat harness is best. Waist is better for wave sailing only. You have more options and less problems with seat. Choose seat.

PS. Choose seat.

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That's great feedback fella's, think I'll lean towards a seat!
Thanks muchly!

KennyK said..
Ok these are some harnesses I am looking at, what do you think????
I am attracted to these because they are cheap, but that's not always a good thing.

http://www.surfsailaustralia.com.au/showProduct/Windsurfing/Harness+Windsurf/46001601/Da+Kine+Chameleon+Waist+Harness+2011+%28On+Special%29

www.surfsailaustralia.com.au/showProduct/Windsurfing/Harness+Windsurf/4000355/Da+Kine+2014+Reflex+Seat+Harness

www.surfsailaustralia.com.au/showProduct/Windsurfing/Harness+Windsurf/4600352blkw/Da+Kine+Vega+Seat++Black+2013+%28On+Special%29

Go to a shop and try them on! It won't be as difficult for you as for a woman ( less choice) but you want one that will fit comfortably and not rice up and everyone has a different shape so the only way you'll know is to try before you buy.
In Guy Cribb's clinic he emphasises the importance of a low hook -and keeping it there! Much easier with a seat harness.

I've used a seat harness almost exclusively in all forms of windsurfing for 30 years. Its what I'm used to. I like the fact the the harness attaches to the hips, which is the strongest part of my body. Ease of hooking in and out can be an issue sometimes, but iis lessoned with good setup (boom height and harness rope length) and technique.

They tell me thet waist harnesses are much better these days and many sailors swear by them.

Like a lot of windsurfing questions it comes down to a matter of choice.

benyip said...
There is something hybrid..seat harness with a high hook..I am using it..It is a hot sail wave seat harness.. I cannot comment on it since I am learning. It is easy to hook in and out...and not getting tired since my hip is attached to it... I quite like it myself..

I saw one of the pros (I think it we Steve Allen) at peli point in Perth, he had a waist harness on that had a "butt scoop" kinda thing going on. I think it mighta been a flying objects special....

Some people can only use one or the other or they end up with a sore back.
Seat probably easier to learn with.
Different seat harnesses have different hook heights, some are about the same as a waisty.
I recently switched from seat to waist, what I notice is with the waist your legs are much more involved, on a seat you can just bend the knees and sit down to counter the force of the sail but with the waist you need to be pushing thru the feet then legs as you lean out. If you just sit with a waisty it will ride up to your underarms. I feel the waisty promotes better sailing stance and technique.
Also when sailing upwind on a waisty you can let the harness swing around your waist keeping the harness and hook pointed at the sail as you twist your body around to look and lean forward. I find this very helpful on the longboard.
And if it matters at all to you a seat harness looks like you are wearing a nappy

sboardcrazy said..
Only thing I dont like about my seat harness is with the leg straps done up really tight it can be hard work getting my legs up onto the board to beach or waterstart as I'm pulling against the harness.

???

Find a good/comfortable length, then tie a knot in the excess webbing.

I got the Dakine Reflex seat harness. Seems nice, went to try it out today but my lines aren't long enough.
So will get some adjustable's I think.
Thanks for your help guys!