Windsurfing Harness

A windsurfing harness is a trapeze like equipment that connects the sailor to the rig. An elasticized belt-like device encircles the sailor and has hooks that are attached to the boom. A harness takes the weight of the sail off the windsurfer, thus making windsurfing more easy and enjoyable.

Windsurfing harness made its first appearance in 1974. It was developed by Pat Love and Ken Kleid of Windsurfing Hawaii. The earlier harnesses were vest-like nylon jackets with a hook attached to it. This hook on these harnesses bore the load of the sail that painfully squeezed the sailors' chest. Later, spreader bar was developed to ease the load off the hook and consequently prevent this injury to the sailor.

There are four types of windsurfing harnesses:

• The waist harness goes around the waist and the lower back. This type of harness provides immense support to the sailor while sailing.
• The crossover harness fits around the backside and comes with a soft padding for the back.
• The seat harness like a crossover harness fits around the backside but comes with straps that pass between the legs. Seat harness provides more support while sailing.
• The chest harness is a padded jacket worn over the chest.

Harness lines are like elastic ropes that connects the sailor to the rig. Unlike harnesses which go around the windsurfer, harness lines are elastic ropes that connect the windsurfer to the rig. Certain windsurfers prefer harness lines over seat or waist harnesses as they find them restrictive while windsurfing.

Harness Brands

Depending upon the types of sailing, the manufacturers have designed harnesses having maximum functionality, while providing ultimate comfort to the rider. Some manufacturers even include spreader bars with the harnesses.

Dakine Harness: Dakine has introduced harnesses in various lines like Pyro, Renegade, Tempest, Storm etc. Each of these caters to a specific type of windsurfing. While the other harnesses are unisex, harnesses like Starlet Shorts and Wahine are predominantly designed for the female windsurfers.

Dakine harnesses are available in sizes from S to XL. They also provide interior pockets to store accessories.

Naish Harness: Naish specializes in seat and waist harnesses. Each type of harness is available in different sizes ranging from XXS to XL. Thus, each sailor can easily find a harness that fits his size. The wider front area and the neoprene lined soft interiors make these harness ultra comfortable. Such harnesses can be worn without a wetsuit.

Bic Harness: Waist and seat harnesses by Bic are perfect for wave, freestyle and freeride windsurfing. Bic harnesses have internal belts that keep them secured in their place. Bic harnesses are available in sizes S, M, L and XL.

For the comfort and the convenience that it offers, many sailors prefer using a harness while windsurfing.