Harness lines

Buying Harness Lines

Are you past the beginner stage and ready for the next step within windsurfing? Then using a harness is your next challenge. Besides the windsurfing harness you also need to buy harness lines. Before you buy harness lines there are some factors you need to take into account. Harness lines come in different shapes and sizes. Below you can read more about choosing the right harness lines.

What are harness lines?

Harness lines are advanced ropes that you attach to your windsurfing boom. Then you can hook in with your harness. Because of this you can catch the force of the sail with your body, so your arms will not get sour easily. You will also experience that by surfing with a harness you get more performance out of your material and you will be on the water longer.

What to pay attention to when buying harness lines?

Within our assortment you will find different windsurfing harness lines. Each one has its own characteristics and properties. From fixed to adjustable lines, you can find it all at Telstar Surf! To help you select the right harness line, you can find some useful tips below.

What length harnesslines do you need?

Harnesslines exist in different lengths. The harness you use determines the length of the lines. The hook of a waist harness is higher so shorter lines are sufficient. On the other hand, the hook of a seat harness is lower so you will need longer harness cords.  

Besides the harness you wear, your own level and way of sailing is also important in making a choice. A shorter line feels more direct and is therefore harder to use when you have limited experience. This is because hooking in and out can be tricky and in gusts you have less time to react. A longer line is more forgiving and gives you more freedom. Lines that are too long, on the other hand, take away all the advantages of harness lines because then you fall back on the strength of your arms. 

A nice average is between 24 and 28 inches. Would you like to be more specific? Then measure the length of your forearm and multiply it by 2. This will give you the length of your harness cord. Keep in mind that it is a matter of personal preference and therefore a lot of trial and error.      

Fixed harness lines vs. adjustable lines

When you know exactly what length harness lines you need you can choose fixed ones. Not sure yet? Or do you share your set with other people? Then adjustable harness lines are ideal! This way you can try out different lengths. Real speed and race fanatics often choose adjustable lines. By varying the length, you can change your position while surfing, so you always get the most out of your set, no matter what course you're on. 

Placement of the harness lines

To adjust the position of the harness lines, many brands have indicated where the pressure point is in the sail by means of dashes on the boom or the sail. Does your equipment not have this? Then keep your hands on the boom in a relaxed manner while sailing. The center of the distance between your hands is most likely the pressure point in the sail and therefore the right place for the harness cords.

To check if your harness lines are in the right place, you can hook yourself in while sailing and try to let go of the boom for a few seconds. Is it possible to keep sailing straight ahead? Then your harness cords are in the right place! Is this not possible? Then check on which hand more force is being applied and slide the harness cords in the direction of the overloaded hand until this phenomenon no longer occurs.

Advice on buying harness cords

We understand that this is a lot of information. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. You can do this by phone, email or in our surf shop. With a lot of enthusiasm and years of experience we are more than happy to help you!