In my never ending search for the ever eluding free time when it blows I finally got it after months of waiting.
Had a blast in 17-20 knots on the Kona One with a KA 6.4 Kult on the local Queens Lake, the board flies! True planing on the fin and feet in the straps for the first time in near 20 years! What a hoot, it all come back to me really quickly. This board's a great confidence booster, sure it's a big mutha but once it picks up its skirt it really takes off. I'm really impressed with it and the sail especially when it loads up.
Unfortunately my fitness level is down and I tired really quickly, the old mid '80s Gaastra Wave harness contributed to most of the tiredness as after one fall the thing was nearly around my armpits! Being a little larger than back then around the middle doesn't help. The end result was the harness lines seemed to have lengthened by 4" due to the chest high hook. I was man handling the sail in most runs which killed my arms and back. Nevertheless I was enjoying the feel of planing again even if the runs were cut short due to me sheeting out to rest my arms. If that harness stayed down it would have been a much different story.
Front straps were easy to get into but the back ones were more difficult as this is the first board I've ever sailed with 2 parallel rear straps and they are wide apart compared to my old single rear strap wave board. If there was a single strap I would have found it as my foot instinctively found its way a little forward and between the 2 rear straps and missed them altogether! I would have maintained more speed and longer runs if I found those rear straps (+ being hooked up properly). Just have to retrain my brain, having a strap off centre feels really weird. But all good and all positive progress, I can still sail heavy winds! Yay!
Waterstarts in that kind of wind came back to me so quickly too, they were a doddle even with the big floaty arse of the Kona One and mine! I was stoked I could still do them confidently and without thinking. Terrific confidence booster.
A few more fast runs on flat water to get around handling a modern rig and my gybes half sorted and I'm off to the ocean again and really test myself in breaking bumpy water. I'm having a ball. I've been away way too long! 
That's what windsurfing is all about, haven fun what ever gear you have, and you dont need high wind, to have fun with your board, wich is awesome. I would love to have a shot at the kona mini tanker one day in the waves. There great boards, and there doing a good job bringing guys back into the sport, wich is awesome.
Great to see the stoke
If you're having trouble with the harness riding up, perhaps you might try a seat harness? If a new one seems a bit expensive then with a bit of determination you could sew some straps onto your waist harness to go around the legs, this will keep the harness where it should be. With practice you can keep a waist harness where it should be by leaning out more as well.
As for getting into the back strap, you'll find it before you know it, and then there'll be no stopping you!
Good stuff, keep us posted how you go 
Great to hear you finally got some wind & had fun! I can relate to the finding the back strap thingy..my new 95 ltre has 2 rear straps which Ive never had before and I find myself searching to get into them which is a bit hary when your overpowered..Also relate to harness line problema & arms wearing out..
Great to hear old son, your hooked again and will have to join those pesky Marauders[}:)]
OBTW, can I have my DVD's back please?
Kona One has been clocked at 30knots...will make it a personal goal to seek and destroy it . Just need a harness to fit....and up my sad arse skills...and get more water time. One day at a time. 
I bet you break it out before the end of the season.
It's not that hard. You are planing again. Won't be long before you want that feeling of cranking on a small board.
Betcha !!
