I don't have any experience with windsurfing. Will their harnesses work on our cats? specifically the Dakine Nitrous short/harness combo.
http://www.murrays.com/archive/60-61.pdf

I wish someone would make the pfd/harness combo but if the harness is built into the shorts then at least all i have to do is add a pfd.

thanks for the input.

cc

Windsurfers hold their upper body with their arms most of the time, sailors generally don't have anything to hold onto.

Probably hurt your back and tire your abs a bit too much without shoulder straps and back support.

They're pretty much like the old butt buckets or diaper harnesses. They're okay for short periods but, with no back support, will kill your back and abbs over an extended period.

I've been using various windsurfing seat harnesses for years, and have been very happy with them, often finding them on sale for $40 or $50. But I only sail for 3 or 4 hours at a time, they may not be comfortable for substantially longer periods.

Dave

Great Thread, I've been wanting to ask about a particular harness. The harness I'm talking about is:

www.kitesurfari.com/store/nitrous.html

I've seen one in person and I think the internal harness is strong enough, I thought this might be a good harmess for "round the cans" as my Worrell xt is bulky and constricting. What do you guys think?

I use my windsurfing harness all the time. In fact, I got a full catamaran harness the end of last year and have yet to use it.

That said, my harness (DaKine Slalom Seat) offers very little back support. It is a very low harness. That's why I ended up getting the full harness, so that while racing, hopefully it will be easier to hike fully flat. The windsurfing harness is nice because it's very simple and the spreader bar (which all cat harnesses have now anyway) makes it comfortable.

My advice, try before you buy if it's possible.

sm

I have the largest full harness Gul makes. I cannot breathe with it on.

I used a butt bucket the whole time I sailed the H-16 and 17. The sheet gave me all the additional support I needed. That was just around the cans, no distance sailing.

You wear your sheet around your cans!?

Pete,

better do more walking or Kettle aerobics <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Some people!?

Is that part of your bondage exercises? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

I don't need no stinkin' harness! I need a flak jacket! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

[/quote]

I don't need no stinkin' harness! I need a flak jacket! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> [/quote]

Now, THAT, I agree with!!! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I have a dakine Hawaii (no longer made) with a t-bar that I've been using for the last six years. It's held up extremely well and is more comfortable than any Murray Marine harness (with or without back support) that I've ever owned. The harness has a built in air bladder for lumbar support and I've never had a problem with long distances. Here's a couple of pics of the harness (and some chick who'd never been on the wire before this weekend). She's wearing it a little high though.

I've been wearing the Magic Marine Hydro for the last three versions - half harness with good back support. I have a couple of full harnesses that sit in my gear bag - the freedom of movement provided by the halfsies is so much better, IMO.

I was wondering about when that those PIC's were taken because that's not Dawn <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Haha, no worries, that's her friend...

just some feedback on the dakine nitrous shorts/harness. this thing is great. I went out and bought it yesterday. you don't feel like you have a harness on and its got great support. it has no shoulder harness so if you pale at the idea of an ab workout, perhaps its not for you. I love this thing. Just thought you would like to know.

There she is and I might say for the record there is no more capable camper in area than Dawn. She is a inspiration to all of us. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />