Flying XC Without a Pod Harness:

Benefits, Safety, and Comfort - my personal experience

Its too funny... I show up to a XC launch site with my Ozone Alpina—high aspect ratio C-wing—and then I pull out my bulky, upright acro harness. I can practically hear the thoughts of the pilots around me: "Does she know how to fly that wing? Where is her pod? Where are the instruments?"

In a world where everyone is chasing the ultimate aerodynamic profile, I’m the outlier sitting bolt upright. But while I might look "slow", my setup is the result of very specific, personal choices that make me a better, safer, and happier pilot.

Here are 5 reasons why I choose an acro harness for XC.

1. The Weight Games (The 47kg Struggle)

I weigh only 47 kg, which puts me at the very low end of the weight range for most XC gliders, usually starting around 55 kg. Flying with a typical pod harness plus a reserve parachute often means I’m barely within the recommended weight range. This can affect the wing’s handling and performance.

Using an acro harness with an extra reserve helps me reach a more optimal flying weight of around 60-62 kg. This setup feels more balanced and responsive without having to lug around a specialized (and expensive) heavy competition pod.

2. Comfort

I’ve tried pod harnesses. I know they are "better" for aerodynamics, but to me, they feel wrong. I hate the reclining position; it feels disconnected and, a bit unsafe.

I’m used to sitting upright, which lets me easily look around at the landscape — streets, houses, trees — while flying. This upright posture helps me stay aware of my surroundings and enjoy the scenery.

The acro harness supports this upright position perfectly. It feels more natural and gives me confidence, especially when flying in unfamiliar places.

3. I Don’t Need the "Extra" Glide

I fly XC about four weeks a year. I’m not trying to break 200km records or win the PWC😂. After two hours in the Colombian air, I’m usually drained and already ready for landing.

In a place like Valle de Cauca where thermals are everywhere, I don’t need the extra glide performance or aerodynamic advantage that a pod harness offers. The acro harness gives me enough performance to enjoy XC flying. It’s a practical choice that fits my flying style and goals.

4. Direct Feedback and Tight Turns

One of the biggest advantages of the acro harness is the direct connection it provides to the wing. When I turn tightly in thermals, I feel more precise weight-shift input. This feedback helps me stay centered in the lift and make quick adjustments.

This kind of responsiveness is harder to get in a pod harness, where the reclined position and extra padding can dull the sensation of the wing’s movements. For me, feeling the wing clearly is essential for safe and enjoyable flying.

5. The "Safety First" Mentality

Safety is a top priority, especially when flying XC where landing spots can be unpredictable.

• The Foam: The massive foam protection of my Acro Harness gives me immense peace of mind. Thermals for example can cause collapses during landing approaches, and having that extra protection makes me feel secure no matter where I end up.

• The Double Reserve: as i am not pushing for any big goals, i never found myself in rough or risky conditions, but if there are, i know i have my Beamer3 with me (which gives me from the beginning on a good feeling) and in the worst case another rescue

  
  

Sidenote on the BEAMER 3 from Highadventure.ch

Before the Beamer, like probably many pilots, I had a fear of the "what if." What if I throw the reserve over power lines or a forest? In XC, you don't always have a safe "box" like you do in acro.

Knowing I can steer my rescue changed everything. It removed the hesitation. If things go wrong, I’m not just a passenger under a canopy; I can choose my landing spot. That confidence allows me to fly more relaxed, which ironically makes me a better pilot.

Final thoughts

Flying with an acro harness on my C wing might seem unconventional to some XC pilots, but it works perfectly for me. It matches my weight, supports my preferred flying posture, offers direct wing feedback, and provides excellent protection. Most importantly, it fits my personal goals and flying habits.

It’s the Pilot, Not the Pod

The biggest takeaway I want to share—especially for pilots heading to places like Colombia—is that you do not need a pod harness to fly XC. If you are currently flying an open or acro harness and feel comfortable in it, don't feel pressured to upgrade just for the "look."

If you’re worried about gear, remember:

• Instruments: You don't need a massive flight deck. You can easily add a small cockpit/deck to an open harness, or even mount your instruments on your legs or risers.

• Performance: Aerodynamics are a small piece of the puzzle. I still regularly fly 50 or 60 km in 2 to 3 hours, keeping pace perfectly fine with other C-wings in pods.

• Skill over Gear: XC is 90% about your line choice, your ability to read the sky, and your mental game. A comfortable pilot who feels safe and stable will always out-fly a "sleeker" pilot who is struggling with an unstable reclining position

  .

Colombia’s thermals are generous, and the flying is spectacular. Don't let the equipment "norms" hold you back or make you spend money on gear that might actually make you feel less confident. Stick to what you know, enjoy the upright view, and trust your skills. 😇