The best way to set up your trapeze lines.
Trapeze lines are an important part of your windsurf set.
You attach them to the boom and the trapeze lines and when you are hooked up, as a windsurfer you no longer have to extract all the strength from your arms, but you control everything from your body.
Harnesses in combination with trapeze lines provide much longer and more enjoyable sessions. Most windsurfers consider trapeze lines to be an essential part of windsurfing. Correct setting is of course also part of this.
In this blog we therefore discuss the question of how do I adjust my trapeze lines.
How do you set up your trapeze lines?
Finding the right length for your trapeze lines can be very tricky.
Should you buy longer or shorter lines? Or the adjustable one? Fortunately, there is a handy way to find out which size fits you best.
To find out place your elbow in the trapeze line, when the boom comes between your palm and fingers you know the length is right. It is important to know which length you want to purchase.
This can differ per person and even per discipline in windsurfing, if you are in doubt you can always opt for adjustable trapeze lines.
Placing the trapeze lines on the boom is of course also very important. In principle you should be able to sail straight ahead without hands.
One way to check if your trapeze lines are in balance with your sail is to lift your sail horizontally on the trapeze lines.
If your sail then hangs nicely straight, then you know that your trapeze lines hang well. If not? Then you have to keep shifting until your sail hangs nicely horizontally.
How long do trapeze lines last?
A harness line generally lasts a very long time. It is important to replace them in time when they start to wear out. If trapeze lines wear out, they can also break, especially with the less qualitative lines you have a greater chance of this.
Of course you want to prevent this because it is annoying and also dangerous when they break during your windsurfing session. Fortunately, there are also trapeze lines that are transparent so that the rope is clearly visible. This has the advantage that you can check whether they are still good or not.
'What do you pay attention to when setting your trapeze lines'
Short or long trapeze lines?
The choice of short or long trapeze lines depends on the windsurfer. You may experience changes while surfing.
Then it is important to take the following points into account:
You may want closer to:
- You constantly slip out of line during choppy sessions (but usually this is from pulling too much on your back arm).
- You notice that your hips keep touching the water.
- You are sailing with a boom that is too low.
- Windsurf Foiling, where it is common to have shorter (1-5cm) trapeze lines for a more upright stance when there is a lighter "pull" through the sail.
You may want longer trapeze lines with:
- Learning to windsurf with harness and easier hooking.
- Wave & freestyle sailing for maximum freedom.
- You are overloaded and want maximum control with fewer slingshots.
- You are a racer who wants to keep the sail more upright for maximum control.
- You sail with a high boom.
- You notice that it is more difficult to hook up because you have a seat harness.
Vario or Fixed trapeze lines
There are different types and trapeze lines, namely adjustable and fixed lines. These are called Vario lines and Fixed lines. Especially when you know what you prefer, it is useful to have Fixed lines so that you will always have the same power distribution.
When you focus more on Wave & Freestyle it can be more pleasant to have Fixed Lines so that you can feel a constant pressure and can quickly hook in and out. If you change your preference or, for example, have not yet found out what you like surfing the most, it is wise to get Vario Lines. This allows you to always adjust the lines during the session.
Conclusion: Set Vario, Fixed, short and long trapeze lines
Personal preference always applies to the purchase of trapeze lines. If you are not sure about this yet, it is wise to start with Vario harness lines. You always measure the distance for your trapeze lines with the trapeze lines attached to the boom.
The placement of the trapeze lines is important for central force distribution in the sail. Always check your harness lines for wear before and after your session so that you can purchase new ones in time and feel safe on the water. Trapeze lines are always seen as an essential part of your windsurf set!
Watch our tips & tricks video for more explanation!
