Having just started with an intermediate board I have noticed that once I've hooked in and go for the straps the board wants to go upwind. I am using a seat harness and was wondering if this had anything to do with it as another member said something about it being easier with a waist harness.

The harness won't make a lot of difference.... You need more Mastfoot Pressure as you move your feet back towards the straps. You'll get there though, it happens to everyone, but before long you'll be wondering why it was so difficult.



Al.

edited by: justal, Aug 03, 2003 - 08:40 AM

Quote:You need more Mastfoot Pressure as you move your feet back towards the straps. You'll get there though, it happens to everyone, but before long you'll be wondering why it was so difficult.



Totally agree with this - I remember that on the 'old _style_' boards when the mastfoot was further forward this was even worse - scotty I hope you're on a modernish board ?? (say < 5yrs ?)



Quote:The harness won't make a lot of difference....



Not sure I totally agree with this - It might not make any difference to an accomplished sailor but for someone learning, the different harnesses could influence the amount of mast foot pressure you put on without noticing - I find them really quite different especially if you use a really low hook on a seat harness. A simple way to compromise might be to leave the straps etc a little loose around the legs - let the hook ride up a little. Could look a little odd and give you a wedgey !? but might be more manageable ?



I also remember that when I was learning I didn't really know what mastfoot pressure 'felt' like - it's like you're really leaning forward - your feet are in the straps but you're trying to look forward around the front of the sail with your head and your body is on a wierd angle to the kit. If you hook in, put your feet in the straps and lean back and expect the kit to pull you along with you 'behind' it you'll probably screw up into wind - you need to have your feet in the straps and lean forward so's your upper body is forward next to the mast....



Bert

thanks a lot for all your help i will give this a shot next time out but go away to work for two weeks on thursday so something to look forward to hopefully blasting in he straps