Using straps for the first time

ROBWIN · Joined: 22 Feb 2001 Posts: 16

My wife is trying to use straps in a Tecno 283 with a 7.0 Sail. Would thank you any tips to help her to use straps.

Thanks a lot

cpainter1 · Joined: 10 Sep 1998 Posts: 12

Dont let her get discouraged...in my opinion, learning to get into and sail comfortably with both feet in the straps is one of the most difficult hurdles in windsurfing (yes, tougher than the harness and waterstarting). This is partly because you must learn to sail on a plane at scary fast speeds!
Phils comments are good. I would add that its relatively easy to get the front foot in the strap. For the rear foot, try placing the heel of the foot on the edge of the board about 3 in front of the strap. With as much weight as possible in the harness and thru the arms, rotate the foot about the heel into the strap. With more proficiency, she can start to just lift the rear foot and place it directly into the strap, but this requires lots of practice and the gradual development of muscle memory for the movement.