harness first steps...

[schakleton]

Hi,

What is the best way to start with harnesses: getting the boom down or using bigger lines?

Tks

[spyder]

hi Tk -

I would keep the boom at slightly below shoulder, with fairly lengthy harness lines to start.

Adjustables are a good thing, as you get better, you can pull them in a bit.

A rule of thumb is grip the boom, and the line loops around your elbow. This is probably too long for most people, but good for starters.

BTW, here is series of older posts on this subject:
Spyders harness advice is right on. Take it from there, and on your next day of sailing add this: hook in, stabilize, unhook, stabilize, hook in, stabilize, unhook, stabilize, hook in, stabilize, unhook ... etc. In one day like that youll be teaching others to use the harness.

Another Mike \m/

I also vote for back foot first, for Mikes reason and others. So do several people who tried it that way after floundering too long attempting front foot first.

[schakleton]

Hi Spyder,

I tried following your advise but my lines still seem to be to small...(as well as my abilities, acctually)

Anyway, ill keep my boom low for now and then raise it little by little ( this helps me with beachstarts also)

[lturkevich]

I feel your pain -- I finally got it down last season after a lesson.

Adjust the boom to your sternum (just below shoulders) -- any lower and youll be airborne at the first gust. Adjust your lines as described (grip the boom, and the line loops around your elbow), and make sure they are balanced so they have equal pull when the sail is powered.

On the water, get in the harness once theres enough power in the sail (i.e., you need to lean back to counteract the pull). This naturally brings the lines closer as the rig tilts to windward. The key is that you should be lifting your hips UP and INTO the harness line. Once in, imagine sitting down.

Im an intermediate working on getting into the straps, but this worked for me. Good luck.

[schakleton]

Actually, I am doing exactly what you described...i was just wonder if that should be the right way...

Unfortunatelly, ive been facing strong ( for me, at least) and gusty winds, which have made it hard for me to get it down!

Thank you.