Any recommendations on a new wave/wast hardness, I've had dakine in the past, and recently a Severne Air, looking for super light, strong and well made.
Was happy with Severne, but 2 seasons of use and I'm in the need for a new one, is their anything else to consider?
I know it's a personal thing, open to suggestions?
Unfortunately shops aren't handy to touch and feel, as I live regionally and I'll have to order. Any recommendations ?

+1 for FO

I have 3 seasons on mine, looks like it will well and truly do this season too...

sailboardsforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=416

I must say first that recommending a harness to someone else is a bit like telling them what make of underpants to wear.
The debate between seat harness versus waist harness is also bit like the 'boxers vs briefs' argument.

But there are general things to say about harnesses.
Firstly, try one on in a shop, because they are not things to buy on the internet. A good windsurf shop should have a hook on the wall with lines for you to hang off.
Secondly, watch out for the padded ones - as padding doesn't necessarily mean comfort and many padded harnesses get really heavy when wet, meaning 5kgs is added to your body weight and then you can't get planing.

There's also the arguments about hook height and whether to have sliding hook or not. Personally, I like a low hook attached to a waist harness that drops down over my hips. I like a long spreader bar too, as that stop the harness acting like a corset when under load.
Sliding hooks are a complete no-no for me too, as you never know where the hook is when you come to hook in after a planing turn.

Recommendations? I had a Pro Limit harness for a long time which was great until it finally wore out. I now use a Flying Objects one which has minimal padding - but I fitted it with a longer Pro Limit spreader bar.

Cheers, thanks all for the info, I know harness are a personal thing, but didn't even know if some of the other brands mentioned. I'd only ever considered, Severne, FO, Dakine. I think I'll have to wait next time I'm travelling to Brisbane or the Goldie to check them out. Thanks

I was lucky to be able to try 1/2 doz at a local store with a harness line rigged to a structural post. I've had dakine since late 90's up to t7 model I think. in the end, I went for a mystic. chosen from among them andthe dakine and ions on offer.

it is a matter of personal choice but my thing is sore/tired lumbar area after sailing. the biggest difference was subtle to understand at first but was this - the dakine for example supported me from lower ribcage to pelvis. it had a nice lumbar curve but still - when I was hooked in, I could feel my back settle into one of : more, or less concave relative to the support. meaning the lumbar curve was not always matched to my posture and load bearing since ribcage/pelvis were positioned to take load as well. the mystic on the other hand didn't quite bridge pelvis to ribcage and so the lumbar area is supporting me - and feels great and back seems less strained after sailing

normster said..
does anyone use seat harness in surf ?

I have had long break and now back on water with LT windsurfer - but looking forward to going in surf this summer on wave gear and wondering if i can use same harness or need new one ?

thnx in advance

I use a seat harness for everything