Question for the tuning experts: if the tail of the board is too deep in the water, what to do?
- mast foot forward to create more mast foot pressure to put the nose down?
- mast foot back to create more fin pressure to lift the tail more?

(assuming one doesn't want to buy another fin and is using the recommended carbon fin for a board)

other suggestions?

Mast foot back for lift, boom down enough for mast foot pressure. Combine positioning until sweet spot....works for me if enough wind for the fin.

Thanks for your reply. The last session I tried a higher boom (for fin pressure) with the mast foot further forward (for mast foot pressure) which seemed to have the same effect. What is the difference between the two? Or is it a matter of preference?

More downhaul also seemed to work, but made the sail twitchy. Too many variables ...

Check out the following.

//vimeo.com/channels/slalomtechnique/243688484

To fly the fin:
- lift boom height
- move mast base back
- use bigger fin

Both John's and my answers were much the same, answer I think more likely fin size is key. Sail with John a bit, usually same sail size but fin size for me a bit smaller due to the fact that I am am lighter...

More board speed.
Adjusting things can work, but you need to go faster.

Using your GPS, do a couple of runs check GPS then change one thing.
Do a couple more runs check gps, make another change in the same direction
Rinse repeat stop when things start going downhill, dial it back a notch.
Adjust something else
Repeat process.

Remember, if you feel like you're going 100 mph then you most likely aren't. Comfort is confidence, confidence is speed (as allows you to push harder)

I find the best tool is a mobile phone (and headphones) with GPS action replay or other software which actually tell you what speed you are doing when you are doing it. That way you find out instantly if things are getting better, you'll also be able to see if changes your technique affects your speed and develop that as well.

Select to expand quote

poehaaa said..
Question for the tuning experts: if the tail of the board is too deep in the water, what to do?

Diet maybe?

To add to above, its dependant on how your kit is feeling generally, and how comfortable you are sailing it on the angles you are wanting it to be balanced on.

If it's lifting at the nose and the top of the sail is flogging constantly then let the downhaul off a little till it sets. if the sail is setting fine but the nose is lifting Then it's either a boom height adjustment, or mast base forward.

Boom height will also influence how well you go upwind, and overall front hand/back hand weight balance. Too low and you'll struggle to get upwind. Too high and you'll constantly feel front hand heavy (you won't be able to adjust it out by moving harness lines around either).

if those two adjustments are right, then move the mast base forward bit by bit to drop the nose. (And lift the tail.)

it takes a bit of screwing around bit by bit to get it right. But it feel so much better when you get it right.

Thanks! That's very helpful. Will try your method next time. It was too much trial and error up till now.