Something I haven't really found much information on. Just how tight to have your foot straps.....

I tend to go for a snug fit, but now am rethinking my approach because of the comments on the topic on going upwind on small boards and fins... a few people mentioned to twist body to point to where you are going, makes sense and will try this, but this will also require a good bit of twist in the straps too....

So for those who bump and jump and play around on more wave boards but on bays and lakes, how tight do you like it?

And for your slalom boards? Snug works okay for me at the moment.

So many variables in windsurfing, and sometimes one little one can make all the difference... eg. Wish I focused more on the leading foot pressure going upwind

And because I am thinking straps, many of you dudes mastered strap to strap? Does the tightness factor in here too?

Cheers advanced full strength.

d1 said...

I read somewhere (perhaps Peter Hart?) that one of the most common injuries in windsurfing is broken ankles due to the foot being too deep into loose straps. Apparently, even more common than bruised ego.

I personally cannot sail on loose or "in-between" straps, especially in bump & jump conditions. I'm tight Don't think this affects strap-to-strap much.

^^^ As above - tight is better for control & confidence IMO. (even did my best to keep it clean...)

Personally a bit of both - loose for wave riding to get ya back foot across / front foot near the centre and a bit tighter for strong cross onshore B&J

Loose for waves boards(3 straps) and just a little tighter for freeride boards(4 straps). In both cases my feet slide into the straps easily, I find if my straps are too tight I get sore feet quickly. With big straps I can sail all day without a problem. When I set mine I undo them all the way and put my foot in fully and do the strap up real tight around the highest point of my foot, When I pull my foot out it seems to be set in just the right spot for a comfortable fit. When you first go with looser straps you often pull your feet out accidentally, especially when jumping but you soon learn to grip with your feet and it won't be a problem anymore.

Jem Hall said in his instructional DVD that "Big is Beautiful", He's right.....And I'm sure he was talking about foot straps.

Cheers.

K Dog, As for going up wind I've found that a harness with a sliding hook helps me. I use a Dakine T4 which allows the hook to slide almost around to my side which allows me to twist and lean forward and feather the sail to maintain power. I know this works for me because I've just bought a new ION harness that has a fixed hook, I can no longer lean as far forward as it over sheets the sail and I loose power. Longer lines may help with the fixed hook but it was so bad I had to take the ION harness back and swap it for a new T4. It might be all in my head but the sliding hook works for me, especially when slogging upwind.

Your toes should be visible completely (as in, their whole length) when you bung your foot in on the beach and look directly down at the strap - except for maybe 1/3 of your little toe not being visible

Careful of too loose as if your whole foot goes through in a crash, it will not come back out easily and you will be having a hard time keeping your face out of the water (= bad)