Harness Lines

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AUS220 said..
Just curious about the applicability of wing harness lines, I have been going out in gusty conditions (17-25 kt wind range) and in the big gusts I'm finding it hard to keep consistent pressure on the wing (4m), especially as the session progresses and fatigue sets in.
My questions are:
-Do harness lines on the wing actually increase speed, similar to how it works in windsurfing?
-At what stage in wing foiling progression to harness lines become viable?
-Does the discipline affect whether or not harness lines are useful? (racing compared to freeride/wave)
-Are foot straps required for harness lines or are they independent of each other?
-Can the use of harness lines mean you can use a bigger wing in stronger wind than you otherwise would be able to (not being overpowered)

Cheers

1 probably not, but the harness will reduce fatigue a lot
2 As soon as you feel comfortable trying it out
3 It depends on how much upwind downwind you are doing, if just fooling around in a small area, there's not much point. But if you are doing significant upwind legs to ride bumps or long reaches across a bay etc, it's well worth it
4 Footstraps not required at all
5 no, but again using a harness will allow you to go much longer fully powered up

Select to expand quote

AUS220 said..
Just curious about the applicability of wing harness lines, I have been going out in gusty conditions (17-25 kt wind range) and in the big gusts I'm finding it hard to keep consistent pressure on the wing (4m), especially as the session progresses and fatigue sets in.
My questions are:
-Do harness lines on the wing actually increase speed, similar to how it works in windsurfing?
-At what stage in wing foiling progression to harness lines become viable?
-Does the discipline affect whether or not harness lines are useful? (racing compared to freeride/wave)
-Are foot straps required for harness lines or are they independent of each other?
-Can the use of harness lines mean you can use a bigger wing in stronger wind than you otherwise would be able to (not being overpowered)

Cheers

1. I do go a bit faster upwind hooked in but agree that decreased fatigue is the major benefit
2. Agree with sooner than later. Feels a bit sketchy the first few times but you will quickly get used to it. Be advised, there are a few different designs. the main decision is elastic vs inelastic. Many prefer the elastic as they stay out of you way better when not hooked in. I prefer inelastic (with plastic tubing over the line) for ease of engagement/disengagement. If you go this route, you need to learn tricks to keep the line from hitting you on the face/inadvertently hooking in while pumping up on foil.
3. Utility of harness lines is to reduce fatigue for upwind travel. You'll have longer sessions/less arm strain.
4. No footsteps required. As a side note, harness lines are, IMHO far simpler to integrate into winging than foot straps.
5. Agree with JonahL

Are there any elastic DIY options available?
dose it matter what type of harness is used?