How to Harness, a Basic Guide- Windsurf Ride-Along Sessions with Cookie

Windsurf Ride-Along Sessions, the basics of moving from beginner kit to using the harness. A full ride-along run through of everything you need to know to improve your control whilst in the harness and starting to gain speed.
Follow this series for regular uploads on windsurfing skills and techniques. Make sure you subscribe and comment to really make the most of the channel!
Cookiesports.co.uk for more info! 🙌🙌

[@gazawylde1375]

You have saved many people Alot of money And probably me myself and any others from giving up ❤ thanks so much

[@Cookiesports]

🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@MasterS691]

Cookie I have watched many of your Ride Along Sessions now. Only one word to describe them and how useful they are ….. BRILLIANT If Im lucky I might persuade the new wife that Vassiliki is great for our honeymoon Might not succeed this year as I am fighting in the Worlds Championship in October ( also in Greece ) PS I am 67 I the absence of my divorce we will see you this or next year Keep up the good work and many thanks

[@Cookiesports]

Thank you so much. Comments like this keep me motivated to keep recording. Hope you can make it to Vass at some point! 🤩🤩

[@juancarlos4006]

Hello cookie, your videos are gold. As a learner is very useful when you say the board and the sail you are using, but would also be helpful know the kts you are sailing. I watched some of your videos where you are getting speed on "low wind", but doesnt know what is exactly low wind. I see you chilling then after a few seconds of harnessing getting a lot of speed and i'm like "woah", because I live in a low wind area and in situations where I was just chilling because I thought there were not enough wind maybe I could push it more. Again, thank you for all your videos!

[@Cookiesports]

Thanks for watching! This video is just as I started out on the channel… newer ones have notes in the description, and animation/pop ups showing more key info like you’re asking for! 👍👍👍

[@krehlcook406]

Love your videos! Thank you!

[@Cookiesports]

Thanks!!! 👍👍👍👍

[@jamesdougall2886]

Wow your series is absolutely fantastic! The best, most complete and easy-to-understand videos I have found. Thanks!

[@Cookiesports]

Thanks James! This series hasn't been going long at all and really blown away (excuse the pun) by the support people have been showing! Feel free to share around you friends and windsurf community! 😎👌 Thanks!

[@pepesven9545]

I think it is one of the best channel I have seen on windsurf. Keep going. Looking forward to see new videos. If possible, I would like to see more on early planing tips.

[@Cookiesports]

Thanks Pepe. Next video I've nearly finished will be on here tomorrow on Gybing, but a lot of the tips in there (particularly on the exit part) are about getting back onto the plane early (so the same points can be used in normal windsurfing- not just on the exit to a gybe). Don't worry though, full video on early planning is coming, thanks for watching!

[@suporter1024]

Love your vids, helped me allot. Tnx

[@Cookiesports]

Thanks Johnnie!

[@thedanceclubbyaigaleo2283]

All your video's are top..thanks a lot for your different style of coaching!!!🤙😎

[@Cookiesports]

Thanks very much! Glad you’re enjoying them! 👍👍🤣🤣

[@Noory2233]

Began windsurfing this year. Got a tip on theese videos and I keep coming back to watch them again and again to refine my skills. Great focus on the important details most videos seem to miss. Keep posting please 👍 Thanks for accelerating my progression 🙂

[@Cookiesports]

Thanks for watching Noory! I'll be back on the water soon so stay tuned!

[@marcosgallodgp]

the thumb tip! thanks for that! it's actually very helpful :D

[@Cookiesports]

Thanks Marcos!

[@sikamikan]

Great information in this video. Thanks a lot

[@Cookiesports]

Thank you! I’ve uploaded a lot on this channel from last summer, and more coming soon… hope you’ve managed to check some others out! 🤟🤟🤟

[@kristianmartincic3011]

The single best trick I've seen is the thumb flip for clicking the harness lines in or out, so simple but makes a huge difference!

[@Cookiesports]

👍👍👍👍

[@andysurridge]

Loving your tutorial technique my friend, I've only just started windsurfing and im still at a very basic level, but by watching your vids and applying bit by bit some of your techniques I'm getting some fantastic results.👍 so a big thanks and keep up the good work.

[@Cookiesports]

Glad to help! Thank you!

[@seangilman7883]

Thank you for the great video. I appreciate the very detailed and live descriptions. I have been teaching myself and I can tack and jibe but I have been struggling with the harness. I think this will help.

[@Cookiesports]

Thanks Sean, hope it helps! Many more videos in the channel to help you more as you progress!

[@andreas49er]

Beautiful conditions out there in Λήμνος dude ! Thx for this.

[@Cookiesports]

Thanks Andreas, some great conditions out in Keros!

[@hoppertje71]

Hi Cookie, just wanted to share my appreciation for these wonderful video tutorials (both content and visuals). Last Saturday I hang into the harness for the first time ever, for about 15 seconds before I was catapulted on choppy water (15 knots). For me, it was once again one of these great moments in my windsurf life, for the first time feeling the acceleration but not feeling the tension on my arms. Nevertheless felt curious why things went out of control and then found your channel with all the answers to my questions (in this case specifically to much "broad reach" and no understanding how to de-power the sail). Looking forward this winter to consume all of your videos and also looking forward to your new videos next season. Happy ski season, Ard.

[@Cookiesports]

Hi! Thanks for the message. Really happy I've been able to help you, and by the sound of it you're right on the edge of your windsurf milestone- it all becomes faster and faster from here! Get as much time on the water as you can- and watch all fo these videos of course! ;-) First ski video will be out in a couple of weeks, then as regularly as I can from then on! 🤙😎

[@ericlee7841]

I've watched this video multiple times since it got posted, but was revisiting it again before teaching some beginners myself. I love the tip about using a thumb to get out of the harness lines. I'd never picked that up on my own after years of sailing, and can't wait to try it out tomorrow. Great finding a new trick from an old video, but hope to see some more windsurfing content on the channel soon!

[@Cookiesports]

Thanks Eric! New videos coming soon- just finished opening up the school in vass and ready to get back on the water! Hope you can come visit and maybe a clinic!

[@woodyadal962]

Good to see a different point of view. Your unique presentation/teaching style is greatly appreciated. Thanks. There are a few channels that provide foiling tutorial; however they focus on foil boards 80cm plus and High aspect foils. What I would like to see. A series of Foiling videos technique WITH a freeride/freerace board with Low aspect foils.

[@Cookiesports]

Hi Woody, Thanks for the nice comment. I'm actually mid-way through a foil edition of Ride-Along exactly like your asking for! Have a look on the instagram page @cookiesports and you'll start seeing a few previews. I think I'll break it down into a few videos- First flights and control, then Gybing on the foil will be there first I'll have ready in a week or two (weather permitting of course!). I've got a few different foils to play with and a mix of non-foil specific (but foil ready boards) - 135 RRD Firemove Flight seem to the be the best I've got my hands on so far (out of the non-foil specific range!)

[@salmashindy1046]

Love it thanks 😊

[@Cookiesports]

👍👍👍👍

[@lukevaughan3498]

Just discovered your ride along videos, amazing. So helpful. Dreaming of Greek islands windsurfing

[@Cookiesports]

Glad you found me! Hope you can make it to Vassiliki one day!

[@mehmetsoyer5907]

Great stuff, appreciate if you could do a video on waterstart. Thanx!!

[@Cookiesports]

Thanks Mehmet. Stay tuned, waterstart video is in its final stages, will be here next week! 👍👍👍

[@Cookiesports]

Just encase you missed the uploads!.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/amfFZYGhqNqqp6s kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIqTppiQp8p8ha8

[@MrSquinker]

These are the best tutorials i am 37 and teaching myself to windsurf for 2months now, struggling with the harness lines,and i got hard time to stay in plane though..

[@Cookiesports]

Stay with the channel and have a look at some videos already up… plus many more coming to help you

[@walterl2006]

Thanks !

[@Cookiesports]

No problem!

[@Ash-cy7yw]

Thank you Cookie your tutorials are really helping me in my beginner phase. At 180lbs I'm down to a 160l with a 5.2 so far. After today, I'm at approx 24 hrs of session time now, at 2 hrs per day. Had the biggest winds today at about 18knts and I was sort of planning off and on. But in the session my wrist started hurting on one arm which then affected my ability to grip the boom. I'm pretty sure it's time for me to harness and the place I rent at said I'm definitely ready. I'm looking forward to it but I'm also a bit nervous getting that connected to the sail and powered up. It's fairly choppy water where I sail so that's another thing to contend with.

[@Cookiesports]

Maybe take a few deliberate falls forward and backward in the shallows to get used to the feeling and realise it’s quite easy to unhook and swim out? Get the confidence up then move to deeper waters and higher winds.

[@LeroyYue]

I finally understand why it was so hard for me to get in the harness - my coach bought me a hip type harness, so the hook is much lower than I can see from your video. Every time he set me up to a boom height that he thinks is normal, but impossible for me to hook in. So I had to adjust the boom down in the water. I see that your hook is well above you belly-button, whereas mine is well below. So there is a eight inch difference..

[@Cookiesports]

Hi! Sounds like you're describing a "seat harness". Theres a time and a place for them, but learning and developing harness control it not it. You're quite right, the hook should be above your belly button, keeps the boom at the same height and gives you a lot of control.

[@dhferret]

Hey cookie, love your tutorials, having the ride along really seems to lock in what you're saying. Any chance you could do one on beach starts and progressing through ti water starts? My issue with beach starts so far is struggling to control the sail in high winds, (gusts pulling the sail out of my arms kinda deal). Cheers, Allan. (getting back into windsurfing after a 21 year hiatus)

[@Cookiesports]

Hi! Thanks for the comments. Water starts into beach starts are on the list for sure... watch this space! Quick tips- start pointing into the wind. Hands forward on the boom de-power the rig- front hand by the clamp and back hand by the back harness line and you'll have little/no power to control it before you're ready to stand up. Steer the board slightly away from the wind to power up, most likely you'll need a move of both hands back a bit to give you a little punch of power to then rise up.

[@timholland5805]

Hi Cookie, we are loving your tutorials they are really helping. My daughter is loving the lessons and cant wait till she can start learning. She would love to be taught by you, do you know where you will be next summer?

[@Cookiesports]

Hi Tim, Great to hear from you and really glad the videos are helping! I'd love to teach your daughter next summer, chances are I'll be in Vassiliki, Greece! Great spot for beginners to advanced!

[@PanosAmelides]

Hi, thanks for your videos, really helpful. Could you also do videos for complete beginners please?

[@Cookiesports]

Hi Panos, it’s on the way.... Subscribe and watch this space!

[@11ingham]

Congrats on a unique & informative approach to coaching windsurf techniques !. The ‘Get into Footstraps & Get Planing’ video is the first guide I’ve seen to footsteering however, I’m still confused. Can you clarify why you sometimes recommend toe & heal pressure and sometimes either pushing through front leg to bear away or through back leg to head upwind ?. Can you also record a Heli Tack video ?.

[@Cookiesports]

Hi Colin, Thanks for the message. Heli-tack video is on the way, stay tuned! 👍 So foot steering.... To speed up, head off the wind, bear away or get onto the plain you need to keep the board flat; do this by pushing through your front foot, in particular your toes. To slow down, head up, head into a tack you’ll need to get pressure onto the windward rail. You can do this through either foot... front foot heel pressure will work, but the board will react slowly- ideal for situations like staying on the plain and heading up wind. Pressure through your back foot will affect the trim of the board quickly and crack the board upwind- ideal to head quickly into a tack. From a distance the only way to tell which a rider is doing/using to head up is by the speed the boards reacts- quickly will be back foot pressure, slows change of direction will be front foot (heel) pressure. Hope that makes sense!?

[@11ingham]

@@Cookiesports Perfectly clear & comprehensive - many thanks !

[@Marcelfm22]

Thanks for this great video. I was wondering how you steer with a harness on?

[@Cookiesports]

Same as normal, just harder as your attached. Foot steering helps a lot too- I’ve got a video coming soon to explain that a little more. 👍👍

[@lefterislef5630]

hello again cookie! I have a question: I find myself that I change my stance whenever I am hooked it. I also feel that I have a constant stress about going upwind. These combined kinda make me do the same awkward thing, over and over. That thing being, trying to get on the plane while kinda going upwind while hooked and with a weird hanging-outward stance. This causes me the same problems of not having enough power or having bursts of power and of being scared to use both footstraps because I dont feel I have control. Even when I get hooked and into the footstraps, I feel too tense, I speed a lot and I don't have this chill planing feeling. This troubles me because when I am not hooked in, I find that I have so much more control even taking advantage of the gusts to speed up and quickly get 1 or 2 feet into the straps. Once again thank you so much for all your videos and your advice!

[@Cookiesports]

Hi! Tough one to answer here. Getting upwind/remaining up wind should be a consistent thought, I know it is for me! I'm always thinking where the wind is, has it switched slightly, can I get back up, if there was a problem where would I end up/what could I do. It's just good risk assessment! Changing your stance is something you can work on though- have you watched the Fast formula video I uploaded? Remember VISION is your starting point for everything- look where you want to go- Head, shoulders, hips and your leading front foot. kzbin.info/www/bejne/maCUfYeiaq97fZY "relax" is a tough thing to do also, I've got a video in the pipeline about "how to relax" but it's not easy! Same point to stabiles you though and get you going- utilise your vision! Knowing what the wind is doing will help you settle into the ride! When gusts/lulls change and you're not expecting you'll be caught out- and tense the whole time!

[@lefterislef5630]

@@Cookiesports Hey thanks a lot for your reply! Yes I have watched your fast formula and I understand what you say I'm just having trouble putting it into practise. I do look where I want to go but if I overdo it I just go to the no go zone. Then I bear away a bit to get some speed and suddenly I'm quite off my desired track! And that's OK I always go out to the same spot I got in from. It's just that I don't feel comfortable trying jibing etc. that would make me go downwind a lot.

[@Cookiesports]

@@lefterislef5630 Can you get to Greece? It'd be great to do some face-2-face coaching and problem solving along the way with you! I'll be in Vassiliki running bespoke clinics from Mid-June!

[@lefterislef5630]

@@Cookiesports I am really thinking about it! I am in Greece as I live in crete yes! However with work etc. I don't know yet. I do have it in mind as I would really like to do some lessons with you! Until when are you there? My schedule is quite unstable. There is a possibility to visit a place nearby Lefkada for work and I'm kind of waiting for those work plans to play out so that I can arrange my vacations!

[@Cookiesports]

@@lefterislef5630 All being well I'll be there until end of Spetember. I'm on Instagram as @cookiesports, drop me a message on there if you can make it and we'll work out a plan!

[@danieldempsey357]

Hey - love the video! I’m a beginner but getting used to being in the harness. I have a question on gybing. I’m finding it difficult in gustier winds to get the board turning downwind and on to a run as the sail feels too powered up. Do you have any tips to control this, improve the turn of the board? I’m on a 195l Windsurfer Go and a 5.4 sail. Thanks!

[@Cookiesports]

Hi! Thanks for watching! Windsurfing is addictive- you’re in now! I’ve done a few different videos to help gybes…key points if you’re powered up… - stay low - get back - hands wide 👍 Try this video out too… kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWWTqJyHgpJjo5o

[@lanedavy8943]

Great video! i have been able to plane in the straps but still haven’t got the harness down. i noticed in this video how high the harness sits on your belly. Although my harness is not a seat harness i wear a pfd that stops it from coming to far up which makes it very hard to hook in as the lines are you far because the harness is around my waist. Do you have any idea of buoyancy aids that are more harness compatible? thanks!

[@Cookiesports]

PFD shouldn’t make too much of a difference, as long as the hook sits around the belly button it’s all good!

[@maikelvantures3660]

still going for a couple of days without harness just to get comfy again, after 3 years no windsurfing. The day before i was plaining in the straps, but fell a few times. I think because my weight was way to much on the front leg and pullled over. The day after i putted my weight more to the back and felled way better. But yeah... its super hard on the arms. So i should try harness.

[@Cookiesports]

Hi Maikel, Thanks for the message! If your planing in the straps you definitely need to be using the harness- your arms will fall off otherwise! 👍👍👍

[@maikelvantures3660]

@@Cookiesports I noticed, could use a couple of new set of arms haha. Today i tryd a little bit of harness but i aint still commited fully. Even a guy of ion club Karpathos said "why ain't you using harness" yesterday. But i'm here till end of September. Thanks for all your informative video's they help me alot. I feel more confident ever day.

[@dck272]

Great videos Cookie thanks! I'm trying to get into harness and get planing. I'm having no luck and getting close to quitting and I don't quit easily! I'm 195cm tall and about 100kg. The largest daggerboard-less board here is a 360 evolution large - 257 x 81 x 158litres. I'm thinking it may be too small for me. What board/sail combo would you recommend and what windspeed do you think I might need? Thanks!

[@Cookiesports]

If you’re already thinking it’s too small, then it likely is… can you find other one? We have 200lt and bigger at my school here in Vass!

[@dck272]

@@Cookiesports I'd better visit then!

[@joakimyliruusi]

Do you have any opinion on seat harness vs waist harness? I have a seat harness (it came with my first kit, a Severne Pod) and I'm wondering if it affects stance, harness line length, boom height how much? Thanks!

[@Cookiesports]

Hi Joakim, thanks for watching and supporting the channel. Sear harnesses are fine- just important not to sit/squat into it- ensure the pull is out and back to drive the board forward. I’ve heard lots of chat about book height and line length but it’s always worked best for setting the kit up the some as any other windsurfer regardless of harness- the hook placement difference is only a few cm so should affect anything much!

[@franogracin2326]

Your tutorials are great! I'am 100kg sailor on 155L board and 5.2 sail. I am learning sailing in harness and planing. Is it possible to progress with 5.2 sail or should I get bigger sail? Greeting from Croatia :)

[@Cookiesports]

Hi! Thanks for watching these videos, glad they’re helping out! So equipment selection needs to make a few things... -your weight -your skill -your conditions -your aims/goals of the session The kit you have could lay you for years, or you might need a bigger/smaller sail (for more or less wind. Really depends right now how much power you have. To get planning and into the straps a little extra power is usually a good thing- can make up for the lack of skill 😜 A good sailor will be more efficient and theirs can take a smaller sail. Usually windsurfers have a quiver if sails, I tend to have 4 or 5 to choose from depending on the above factors on the day. Whoever has the most toys wins at the end of the day! 😉

[@franogracin2326]

@@Cookiesports Thanks for the detailed response! :) I hope there is some benefit regarding overall progress if I just cruise around with my too small sail? :) At least until I get bigger sail to start planing. :D

[@blakebrown8716]

How do you recommend harness line length?? I keep feeling off balanced while standing, like the sail is is going to pull me off the board.

[@Cookiesports]

To start with keep them long. When your first begin it will feel off balance, no longer are your free to counter balance the sail- but are attached to it! Maintain your VISION- looking forward and toward the wind, this will help.

[@saadkhalid7718]

Hi cookie! thanks a lot for sharing your videos :) they are extremely valuable for progressing into the harness and windsurfing :) i had some questions about windsurfing in Vassiliki ( or in greece in general): do you have a private email where i can reach you ? hope we get more videos very soon ;) saad.

[@Cookiesports]

Sure do… links in the video description! Thanks

[@emilcizmanski]

Hello there, What is the spot where you are filming your class?

[@Cookiesports]

HI! This was filmed last summer on Keros beach, Limnos, Greece. This summer I'll be filming and running clinics in Vassiliki, Lefkada, Greece. Hope to see you there!

[@aykuttakak]

hi cookie can i ask someting ? i learning jibe theeseday and firstly i was speding up and i squat my hands moved back and unhook my harness and i press carve point than i did attached(stick around) harness lines what do you think about what is wrong

[@Cookiesports]

The boom is too close to you- look at the entrance position- the boom should be a long way away from you throughout. 👍

[@aykuttakak]

@@Cookiesports Thank you, 👍

[@riesum128]

Do I have to ride a longer harness line, when I use a sitting harness instead of a hip harness ?

[@Cookiesports]

Top-tip… unless you’re slalom racing don’t wear a seat harness- it will hinder you’re progress. 👍

[@riesum128]

@@Cookiesportsthanx for quick answer 👌 I use a sitting harness until 25 years. Don't know if i'am still able to switch 😅

[@Benas_]

I noticed you have your harness bar quite loose, just wondering what your advice on this was, I tend to have mine tight, maybe this is wrong? thanks.

[@Cookiesports]

HI Ben! Hope you enjoyed this, and other videos in the series! As first timers I would recommend comfortably tight and not sliding/as loose like mine- as you improve try out other styles and types to see what you prefers. My harness is a Dakine T9 slider bar. The main part of the harness is tight (ish) but the bar on top is free to slide from side to side. It’s really a personal preference thing. I love a loose fitting harness that allows me to breathe- and move the bar from side to side. Others prefers to be locked in super tight.... whatever feels good for you!

[@Benas_]

@@Cookiesports Thanks, good advice, I tend to have my harness quite tight which feels OK, but I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing a trick. Love the videos. Keep em coming. (also a good choice of skis - I'm several pair of whites dots in!)

[@Cookiesports]

@@Benas_ Great choice of skis, can wait to get back on them, snow due this week so fingers crossed!

[@windsurf888]

Do you always wear your bar so loose?

[@Cookiesports]

As first timers I would recommend comfortably tight and not sliding like mine- as you improve try out other styles and types to see what you prefers. My harness is a Dakine T9 slider bar. The main part of the harness is tight (ish) but the bar on top is free to slide from side to side. It’s really a personal preference thing. I love a loose fitting harness that allows me to breathe- and move the bar from side to side. Others prefers to be locked in super tight.... whatever feels good for you!

[@shonazzoulai1659]

Yoooo I got the same RRD 5.5 sale

[@Cookiesports]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@BrGoBu]

How you were able to make this video without wind noise on the microphone pickup, baffles me???

[@Cookiesports]

Hi Bruce- this is a light wind one, check out the channel for high wind sound recording! A few cheeky hacks have made filming and recording sound in high wind and water ok... I'll do a tutorial on it all when/if i reach 5000 subscribers! ;-)

[@robertobraga91]

Dear Prof, How to translate to portuguese, your vídeos, because there is a lot of windsurfers here ,that will gets benefits to then. Excuse my english

[@Cookiesports]

I’ll have a look into how the YT translation subtitles work. Thanks 👍