Im just new to planing on a regular basis( what a rush)....I do feel out of control and tend to reach further down wind then more experienced sailors...what can i do to stay up wind more when planing and when will i feel more in control?

Depends how often you do it. Time on water is the key.
It's all very complicated and without seeing you sailing almost impossible to point to just what your problems are.

turn your hips and shoulders forward. this will bring your rig back and hopefully prevent you heading downwind too much.
at least one thing to try

kpb, it's natural when you are learning to plane to sheet out which causes you to under commit to the harness lines. The best thing to do is concentrate on weighting the harness lines - this puts mast foot pressure on the board which trims it well and keeps it from bouncing around. Once you've got that control you will find it easier to stay sheeted in, trim the board flat and not lose ground.

KPB - are you in the footstraps yet?

Thanx for the replys....im windsurfing at least twice a week and not in the footstraps yet...by the way which foot goes in 1st

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kpb said...
Thanx for the replys....im windsurfing at least twice a week and not in the footstraps yet...by the way which foot goes in 1st

Once you get into the foot straps you will have more control and be able to stay upwind a little easier due to having better board steering but it will still require good technique and it's front foot first.

thanx again for the replys...next stop getting into the footstraps

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kpb said...
thanx again for the replys...next stop getting into the footstraps

Get hooked in then put as much downward pressure on the harness lines as you can and pull down on the boom not back towards you. This will take the weight off your board and help to stop the board steering into the wind when you go for the foot straps. Don't rush it just make it a slow smooth motion and keep saying to yourself "mast foot pressure" "mast foot pressure" and you will be in the straps in no time. Remember front foot first then SLOWLY go for the back strap once your front is in while applying mast foot pressure. Good luck

Hi kpb!
This link may help!

Good to buy this DVD.
Good luck.

that vid is awesome thanx for that i really appreciate it....i do have a question it looks like the windier it gets the smaller the board...are bigger boards harder to control in windy days?

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kpb said...
that vid is awesome thanx for that i really appreciate it....i do have a question it looks like the windier it gets the smaller the board...are bigger boards harder to control in windy days?

Pretty much kpb, bigger boards are generally harder to sail in high wind and the sea state high wind produces. There's also the factor that smaller gear is "generally" lighter, faster, more manoeuvrable and more fun in higher winds/rougher seas.

You can make a large board easier to sail in high wind by putting a smaller fin on it.

planing in the footstraps today...i was very supprised how safe you feel as well....i still headed down wind a bit but practice makes perfect....that vid helped so much...really appreciate all of ur help....happy sailing

I paid $30 or so for that DVD fairly recently, wish I knew it was available for free on Youtube

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Beaglebuddy said...
I paid $30 or so for that DVD fairly recently, wish I knew it was available for free on Youtube

Beaglebuddy!
don't be sorry you bought it;- it's good to have.

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DaniS said...

Beaglebuddy said...
I paid $30 or so for that DVD fairly recently, wish I knew it was available for free on Youtube

Beaglebuddy!
don't be sorry you bought it;- it's good to have.

i will probably still buy it...