Most of you probably dont have this problem but as a weakling I rely heavily on the harness & like to be hooked in even when in subplaning conditions as my arms kill me even to pull on the sail long enough to gybe.
I find it really hard to hook in.I usually have my boom at chin height with a seat harness.Also sometimes in gusty conditions when a lull comes & I want I cant unhook fast enough & end up in the sail..Should I just lower the boom for those light wind days?
Yep, when you're grovelling, you can't rake the rig back as far, because it's more vertical, there's a greater distance between harness and boom, you should be able to drop the boom to shoulder height, (or a tad lower), without a problem.
I use adjustable harnes lines so when i have to slog off the plane i just lengthen them so i can hook in easily.
Try and keep your boom up as it will assist in early planing by unweighting your feet (all weight hanging off boom) and allowing the board to trim nice and flat(as most weight will be on your harness lines giving more MFP)
look up Guy Cribb he explains it so in his website.
Hah..Youve just confirmed what i suspected..I was thinking I needed adjustable lines &a lower boom.More B $ !!
Might try some adjustable lines & keep the boom height as the conditions im talking about blow 5kts one minute & 20 the next..
I was trying all different harness lines to try to find my favourite length, for the third set I noticed the adjustable neil pryde lines , they are adjustable on both ends so they'll go from 24'' to 30''. I never thought I'd use all that adjustment but I find them great. On the other hand you see a lot of the good sailors with fixed line length . we're all different.
I have adjustable lines. I used to adjust them regularly. Now I keep them fixed at the length I like and adjust the boom height if necessary. It only takes a couple of centimetres up or down to get it right.
I used to use adjustables but then went back to fixed.
Definietly drop your boom, sounds pretty high. A higher boom does mean that its generally easier to get planing in light winds, but compromises your ability to get into or out of the harness, water starting and tacking jibing etc. Armpit to shoulder height is about right.
The best advise is to keep an eye on the conditions upwind and anticipate the gusts. That way you can quickly get unhooked or drop back a bit to handle the power.
Another suggestion is eat some weetbix!!
Get rid of your harness for a couple of sessions.. It will hurt like hell but you will be strong in no time.
I also do chin ups and push ups when your off the water. Keeps you strong for your next sail.
Get rid of your harness for a couple of sessions.. It will hurt like hell but you will be strong in no time.
I also do chin ups and push ups when your off the water. Keeps you strong for your next sail.
Be great if I could do it but Ive got a neck/shoulder problem that would HATE any of that!
don't drop your boom. It won't make anything better and it'll take you longer to get planing - so more arm pain
Get a waist harness and when you feel the wind is falling away, tip the rig back gently and sheet out - harness should unhook and then you'll be fine
I haven't read all the other responses but I presume everyone has already suggested HTFU
i'm onboard with ginger pom.... hehe again. 
definately don't drop your boom, should be shoulder to chin height. on big kit nose height.
a higher boom is a must in light winds. the difference to your early planing is massive.
what i do is jump to unhook as i'm to lazy to extend me adjustable lines.
also longer lines are needed in light winds. i run 28in on my bigger gear and 24in on my smaller gear. with seat harness....
having longer lines in light winds allows you to keep your rig upright and swing out taking your weight off the board.
If you decide on new harness lines, stay away from Da Kine.
They break, & not when you are close to the beach.
