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2035 said..



Given I had my first sail in 15 years yesterday, but found waterstarting at 85kgs on a 93ltr board was much like riding a bike, I'd have to disagree with getting the back foot up first. Spose it depends how powered up you are... certainly in lighter wind putting your whole front leg (up to the back of your knee) provides more balance around the mast and keeps a smaller board square to the wind. Back foot first will weigh down the @rse end, bogging you down and pointing you windward where there's no power.

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I always start back foot in back foot strap. No matter how strong or how light.
With foot in back strap you can pull the tail towards you, no spin out, no turning upwind. In light winds all the weight is on the boom, and once up, front foot goes as far forward as I can stretch, and back foot comes out of strap and moves forward.
I'm aware that most people have trouble with this technique, in that case starting front forward in light winds may be a better alternative, don't know never done it.

Seems water starting is a personal thing, whatever works for you is fine, but feel free to experiment.

You say "waiting for forward movement" so you are talking about once you are on the board? If so it sounds like you may need to get your mast forward and sheet in a bit to bear off downwind to get moving. Just don't take too much wind. :-) You can also use your back foot to pull the back of the board round (which is what decrepit is on about) to point the nose downwind. Actually all this also applies when you are in the water waiting to get out.

Hope that makes sense.

I've just stepped down to a 69 ltr , its taken me 4 sails to get any sense out of it & still can't jybe it . I might look like a fool but the only way to learn is to keep at it !

Starting with back foot in back strap is near impossible for me save being way overpowered, Decrepit you're my new hero.
The back foot first mast foot pressure, front foot against mast base description has my vote.