The good old catapult has been a part of windsurfing since the advent of harnesses and once you've got it on your back, you're off at full speed - regardless of whether you're a beginner or a pro on the boom. The adrenaline rush is often short-lived, but sometimes the sling also leaves lasting memories of the equipment or even fears. Henning Terstiege, who is part of the marketing and R&D team at manufacturer Patrik, explains what advantages the new Free Fall hook can offer.
Henning, Patrik recently introduced the Free Fall harness hook, which can be released if necessary. Why should that be an advantage?
The idea originally came from French windsurfer and foiler Frank Gressier, who, following an injury, had been tinkering with a system that made it possible to detach from the sail in the event of a bad catapult. This is how the free fall harness hook was created. At some point, contact was made between him and Patrik Diethelm. Patrik found the idea exciting and offered to use the expertise of the foil production department, which specialises in CNC-milled parts. This led to a product ready for series production.
Explain exactly how the system works.
This is a harness hook that can be combined with any commercially available harness strap. The hook has a mechanism that ensures that the hook can release under extreme loads, i.e. releases the harness line. This can help to prevent injuries or material breakage. Anyone who takes a catapult on a foil or slalom board often destroys the boom or even the sail. This can be prevented.
How do you prevent the harness hook from being released unintentionally?
There is also an adjustment screw on the system that can be used to adjust the hook to the respective body weight and requirement profile.
But what is the ideal way to set the resistance?
All you need is a loop or rope somewhere where you can hang in with your full body weight. The system should hold your own body weight without any problems and only release when you give a strong downward jerk. This would be the basic setting for foiling. For windsurfing with a fin, you would choose an even firmer setting, as the chop and traction forces in the harness are generally somewhat higher.
Can the release mechanism also be fixed?
Yes, the system can also be locked and used like a normal hook.
Who would you recommend the system for? Is it more for experienced racers and regatta use? Or also for hobby surfers?
I would say that it makes more sense for hobby surfers because it can take away the fear of really stepping on the gas on the foil. But it also makes sense for windsurfing with a fin, freeriding or racing. There are three different sizes - S, M and L - to choose from. If you are interested, you can simply measure your old hook and then choose the right hook width. All dimensions can be found on the Patrik website.
Where can I get the Free Fall Hook and how much does it cost?
Surf shops that stock our brand will also offer the new hook, which costs 189 euros.
