Telstar Surf blog

SETTING TRAPEZE LINES

THE BEST WAY TO SET YOUR TRAPEZE LINES.

Trapeze lines are an important part of your windsurfing kit.

You attach them to the boom and the trapeze lines and when you are hooked in, as a windsurfer you no longer have to get all the power from your arms but control everything from your body.

Trapezes combined with trapeze lines make for much longer and more enjoyable sessions. Most windsurfers consider trapeze lines an essential part of windsurfing. Setting them correctly is obviously part of that.

In this blog we therefore address the question of how do I set my trapeze lines.

HOW DO YOU ADJUST YOUR TRAPEZE LINES?

Finding the right length for your trapeze lines can be very tricky.

Should you buy longer or shorter lines? Or still those adjustable ones? 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. With this, it is important to know what length you want to purchase.

This is because this can vary from person to person and even from discipline to discipline in windsurfing, if you are in doubt you can always opt for adjustable trapeze lines.

The placement of the trapeze lines on the boom is of course also very important. Basically, you should be able to sail hooked in, hands-free straight ahead.

One way to check if your trapeze lines are balanced with your sail is to lift your sail horizontally by the trapeze lines.

If your sail hangs nice and straight then you know your trapeze lines are hanging properly. If not? Then you have to keep shifting until your sail hangs nicely horizontal.

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 break, especially with the lesser quality lines.

You want to avoid this because it is annoying and dangerous when they break during your windsurfing session. Fortunately there are also trapeze lines that are transparent so the rope is clearly visible. This has the advantage that you can check whether they are still good or not.

'WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN SETTING YOUR TRAPEZE LINES'

SHORT OR LONG TRAPEZE LINES?

The choice of short or long trapeze lines depends on the windsurfer. However, you may experience changes while surfing.

Then it is important to consider the following points: 

You may want to get shorter by:

  • You constantly shoot out of line during choppy sessions (but usually this is due to pulling too much on your rear arm).
  • You find that your hips keep hitting the water.
  • You sail 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 to add longer trapeze lines:

Learning to windsurf with harness and easier hooking.

  • Wave & freestyle sails for maximum freedom.
  • You are overloaded and want maximum control with fewer catapults.
  • You are a racer who wants to keep the sail more upright for maximum control.
  • You sail with a high boom.
  • You find it more difficult to hook in because you have a seat trapeze.

VARIO OR FIXED TRAPEZE LINES

There are different kind and trapeze lines, namely adjustable and fixed lines. These are called Vario lines and Fixed lines. Especially when you know what your preference is, it is convenient to have Fixed lines so you will always have the same power distribution.

 

When you start focusing more on Wave & Freestyle it can be nicer to have Fixed lines so you can feel a constant pressure and can hook in and out quickly. If you're switching preferences or haven't figured out what you like to surf the most, it's wise to get Vario Lines. This allows you to adjust the lines at any time during the session.

CONCLUSION: SETTING VARIO, FIXED, SHORT AND LONG TRAPEZE LINES

When purchasing trapeze lines, personal preference always applies first. If you are not yet sure about this, it is wise to start with Vario trapeze lines. The distance for your trapeze lines is always measured with the trapeze lines attached to the boom.

 

The placement of the trapeze lines is important for central force distribution in the sail. Before and after your session, always check your trapeze lines for wear and tear so you can buy new ones in time to feel safe on the water. After all, trapeze lines are always considered an essential part of your windsurfing kit!