Waist harness vs. PFD

Question
QUESTION: Aloha Windlover,

I've read many of your comments over the last year and you've always seemed insightful. Maybe you can help me out??

This is a copy/paste from a previous forum where I did not get much response:

"Aloha guys,

I was wondering if any of you have had problems with your PFD as in it
doesn't stay put (it slides just a little bit up) which is really
annoying since the shoulder straps starts to scratch your face as you
try to maintain the correct posture on the board.


I have a NP High Hook in a size large (I think) ... which slides over
my waist harness which is a Pat Love "Cult".


I am beginning to think that the NP PFD might be too big for me. I
weigh around 65 kg (i.e. 140 pounds ... i think)


I'm getting a rash here... any thoughts?


//Just Jon "


Thanks again
Jon


ANSWER: Hey Jon,

I'm not sure how NP sizes their PFD's but my guess that you may be on the right track thinking that it is too large. I would think that with your size (you only list weight) that a medium might fit better. PFD's aren't usually used for activities with as much upper body and arm movement as windsurfing. (Most places in the USA don't require PFD's). If you have tightened all the lower adjustment straps and the vest is still riding up, then it probably is too large for you. Also, if your upper body (chest area) is not built wide and is similar in width to your waist area, there may not be much to hold the vest down.

Does your waist harness stay down where you want it to? You might try using some extra velcro straps to strap the vest to the harness to help hold the vest down. This method may work better with a seat harness. The other possibility is to maybe cover the area that is causing the rash with some terrycloth or other soft fabric. Not sure what else to recommend.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Windlover,

Great to have someone knowledgeable to spar with.

1) RE NP High Hook: Thing is that they only make 'em in a few sizes like XS-S, M-L and XL etc... this makes it somewhat problematic. Any thoughts?

2) I'm 171 cm's tall (5' 8" more or less) and kinda athletically built (pectorals need some work though).

2)My waist harness is really comfortable (I guess?!) but to answer your question... yeah it does ride up a bit and that might keep it down. But I can't really tighten it anymore or I might not be able to inhale fully... maybe you are not supposed to do be able to do that while windsurfing with a harness?! :-)

I use a PFD because I would consider it hazardous to do otherwise - we don't have people looking out for us in the Fiords -- so if you bang your head on the boom or mast and are knocked unconscious... well you get the picture.

Thanks again for your prompt response, Windlover... keep the great feedback rollin' in.

Kind regards
Jon

ANSWER: Hey Jon,

On the sizing issue, I guess NP makes their PFD's to fit a wider variety of people instead of making more size choices.

Waist harnesses do tend to ride up regardless of body type. Wider chest/shoulder folks don't tend to have quite as much problem.

Is a waist harness your preference? Do you do much wave sailing? Waist harnesses are normally used by wave sailors and folks doing freestyle tricks. They want to get in and out of a harness more quickly and they also tend to ride in a more upright stance which a waist harness is a bit more efficient.

A seat harness can usually be adjusted to have the hook riding higher. Maybe not quite as high as a waist harness at it's low point but usually within an inch or two. Seat harnesses allow you to lay out off the side of the board for better sail control in higher winds. You can also get into a better position for speed control. If better sail control and speed are something you would like to do, consider a seat harness.

It sounds like you might be sailing alone occasionally? Not usually recommended but it does happen at times. Thus, a PFD is a good choice on those days. I wasn't sure if they were required in your area. Many parts of Europe do require PFD's. If you are concerned about bonking your head, consider getting a helmet. I definitely recommend a helmet for higher wind sailing, solo sailing, and trying new maneuvers. A helmet can prevent injury or the potential knockout. It could also give you enough piece of mind to ditch the PFD when you are sailing with other sailors. Even if you don't know them, talk to them about keeping an eye out for each other.

Hope this will help.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: 1) With regards to wave sailing: Not at this time, but I definitely want to get
into that later, once I have nailed the gybe. I was recommended a waist
harness to start out with in the DVD "Beginner to Winner" with Jem Hall and
Lars Petersen...  but maybe it is time to consider getting a seat harness.
What would you recommend?... I think my local surf store has Dakine, Pat
Love, Neil Pryde, Prolimit, Naish and Maui Magic (maybe some others too).
Which is your favorite?

2) I do sail alone at times, because I don't own a car and thus am prohibited
from visiting the really good spots *sigh*, i.e. that's where the others are
when a gale is approaching :-)
I prefer not to sail alone and don't to full throttle, but regardless I know it's
not a risk free scenario :-)

3) What kind of helmet would you recommend... preferably something of low
bulk with good visibility but still adequate protection when blasting. Any
thoughts?

4) RE ditching the PFD: Yeah, thinking about it - might consider it when out
with friends, but other sailors (here at least) tend to just want to blast away
and not look out for others...  I try to look out for fellow sailors, but I am not
without fault here (maximum speed! *woohoo!*)

Thanks again Windlover, you are the man! (or woman?!) --- answering
during Lent... wow!

Keep the good stuff coming!

Kind regards (again!)
Jon

Answer
Hey Jon,

Waist harnesses tend to be recommended due to being easier to hook in and out than seat harnesses. But once you have figured out how it works, seat harnesses tend to be more comfortable and definitely help for more speed.
My preference over the last few purchases has been the Dakine XT. The bar height is very adjustable, the leg straps are very comfortable, and it has an adjustable lumbar support to ease stress and strain on the low back. Check out their line at this site;

http://www.dakine.com/windsurf/harnessesbars/harnesses/

If you are sailing alone, I highly recommend a helmet for any sailing just to be safer. I like the Protec line of helmets but there are various others. I've listed a couple of websites for you to check out.

http://pro-tec.net/water/helmets_overall.html

http://www.gathsports.com/

As for sailing with other sailors you don't know, you would be surprised at who will check up on you if you are down in the water for a long time. I can't keep track of all the folks sailing but if I see someone down for any extended period, I'm usually sail by and ask if they need help. I would hope that someone would check on me if I'm having trouble.

For some online shop listings, check out windsurfingmag.com under links for helmet and harness shopping.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover