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Im 125kg, 208cm sailor, been sailing a Fanatic Viper and JP Superlight wind and an Exocet foil. Straps in Viper are as forward as possible. I had the superlight wind modified to move the straps forward. Just bought a STARBOARD CARVE 169l and having problems getting into foot straps. Keeps fish tailing and turns into wind. I can plane fine standing on board but without straps can't hold the wind. I am sure my technique needs improvement but feel I'm just to heavy for strap position. Before I move the strap positions asking group if I should persevere or take it to the fiberglass shop. TIA

I'm 115 kg on a good day and 6 ft tall. You are too heavy and tall for standard foot strap positions, especially at almost 7 foot tall. It can work but can be so much better. I make my boards so it's easy for me. But before then I always moved my strap plugs. While I was at it, I made them 15mm wider than standard. I'm presuming your feet are wider than standard? It makes such a difference when you're comfortable. For me, I have my foot plugs 50mm more inboard front and back. Half because of my weight and also because I don't like my feet too far in the straps. lengthwise to the board I have the rear straps about where they should be. The front I move at least 120mm more forward. It widens the stance to more comfortable, it makes you feel steadier and less catapoolty and most important it allows more weight to the front of the board if you want it. Everything improves. Absolutely do it. The odd thing is, when lighter and shorter people ride my boards, they still feel comfortable. The only slight negative is, when your overpowered and bearing deep off downwind for maximum 2 sec speed, it would be nicer if the front strap was back a bit. It's a tiny price to pay.
PS , if you move the front straps as much as I do, make sure there is reinforcing under your new foot position. Boards tend to be weak just in front of the straps.

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Imax1 said..
I'm 115 kg on a good day and 6 ft tall. You are too heavy and tall for standard foot strap positions, especially at almost 7 foot tall. It can work but can be so much better. I make my boards so it's easy for me. But before then I always moved my strap plugs. While I was at it, I made them 15mm wider than standard. I'm presuming your feet are wider than standard? It makes such a difference when you're comfortable. For me, I have my foot plugs 50mm more inboard front and back. Half because of my weight and also because I don't like my feet too far in the straps. lengthwise to the board I have the rear straps about where they should be. The front I move at least 120mm more forward. It widens the stance to more comfortable, it makes you feel steadier and less catapoolty and most important it allows more weight to the front of the board if you want it. Everything improves. Absolutely do it. The odd thing is, when lighter and shorter people ride my boards, they still feel comfortable. The only slight negative is, when your overpowered and bearing deep off downwind for maximum 2 sec speed, it would be nicer if the front strap was back a bit. It's a tiny price to pay.
PS , if you move the front straps as much as I do, make sure there is reinforcing under your new foot position. Boards tend to be weak just in front of the straps.

Thanks, I wish I was capable to make my own boards. Thanks for advice re reinforcing, I did pull out my plug on the superlight wind.

Also, if you're going to rip up the pads and move the plugs, while you're at it, I'd put an extra layer of glass or carbon over your standing area to over the mast box. If you want any life out of it. New boards don't take our weight well especially behind the mast track. At 125kg your super lightwind would be making cracking noises just standing on it. They are built soo light.

Not that heavy for the board ..... so whilst may need a wider stance, i dont think its a strap position issue....
Not loading the mastfoot enough when moving back and "standing on" the board too much rather than lateral fin loading

Yes persevere. What fin what sail?
Keep straps forward. Weight forward even though you're moving back. Extend front leg keep downwind course and yes pressure down that mast foot.

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Manuel7 said..
Yes persevere. What fin what sail?
Keep straps forward. Weight forward even though you're moving back. Extend front leg keep downwind course and yes pressure down that mast foot.

Thanks. Todate I've sailed using a 6.5 mtr, and 7 mtr sail and supplied Drake FreeRide Power 48 fin

I think everyone has this problem when moving down board sizes to begin with.
Its probably down to technique, too much weight over the board etc.
There are some good videos on Cookies' UT channel.
?si=uyVMoDRFGVqUoeNq


PS There is no mention of mastfoot pressure in the video. Thats just a confusing term people use from days of old which doesnt help.

Yup it's technique and can be fixed pretty easily and I'd also look at your sail size.

cookie is hands down the best teacher Online. I've done things from his videos and got immediate results on the I water.

additional to what cookie says in the video above you may also have your front hand too close to the mast. When this happens as you step back, the sail rakes back and leans to windward, which turns you up wind and kills the power. This can hold back progression.

try moving your hands back 4-6" on the boom and see if that helps. Maybe Longer harness lines also. Try one thing at a time.

Also 6.5 is a little small at your height and weight when using outboard straps. I'd think an 8m sail may help too

I remember when I was learning to get into the footstraps had the same issue, for me the turning point was when I got a seat harness: when you get a gust bear off and get some speed, sit into the harness and put the front foot into the strap without moving the body back.

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DJR999 said..

Manuel7 said..
Yes persevere. What fin what sail?
Keep straps forward. Weight forward even though you're moving back. Extend front leg keep downwind course and yes pressure down that mast foot.

Thanks. Todate I've sailed using a 6.5 mtr, and 7 mtr sail and supplied Drake FreeRide Power 48 fin

That's most of it right there. At your size the smallest sail worth considering on that board is a 7.5. and you'd only bring that out when everyone else is on 5.5 or less, so a legit, filled in, 20kt with whitecaps everywhere. If you can afford a good 9.5 or 9.0 that should be your next purchase, but you'll need a real-deal mast for it. You can go stiffer than standard because you're going to be loading the sail much more. The fin is OK for now but something around 56cm would be better, and won't be likely to break out the box.

Thanks everyone, will preserve a little longer. Happy sailing

If your going to persevere, open your straps , so your feet slide in more . Some straps have offset plates where the screws go through. If so , you can flip them around to get a few mm wider strap.

My friend who had Carve in about 135L and whose weight was about 100kg had some similar issues with it too.

not sure if anyone can easily advise you on the board for your weight and height. If you are into slalom or race, you shall not have huge issues finding the board that can support you. However, if if you are more into bum jump or waves then you may likely need a custom. 125-130L will be a sinker for you which is pretty crazy. And 135-145L would be perfect. But how many FSW in 140 L are there. :)

I would get the new inserts , you could go back to the original ones after your technique improves .Get in the straps and send it down wind till you get going then head up wind when you're up to speed.