Am trying an 86L/56 wide Isonic and whilst its super once on the plane over 30 knots I am finding getting going on the 1st 20m from the beach hard work compared to the hop on and bear away of more floaty larger slalom boards. Waterstarting out deep no issues, its just the beach start - I have no issues even on a 100L compared to this. Am 80kg. Weight/feet too forward and its just sticking and I cant hold the sail, too far back and am tail sinking. Apart from losing dignity I am wasting energy fast. Appreciate any clues on what the trick is with these smaller boards.

Trying heading deeper off the wind to get more power in the sail and keep your feet back. Whatever ground you lose bearing off, you'll soon be able to make back up once planing.

All good tips. Most of the problem comes from not using these boards very often. Like all things practice makes perfect. The next time you get some decent wind, try all of the above, see what works for you and then practice until it feels second nature.

Alternatively, just don't stop during a session. Your gybes will certainly improve and you'll rack up the KMS quickly.

I've got an 80 ltr isonic. I haven't used it for a few years.
Yesterday I was finding it hard starting underpowered when I had to beachstart..mud was the main issue. I didn't want to get thrown around the front so I had my front foot against the mast base. This made it very uncomfortable and harder to bear off. I felt horrible until I got a little speed,bore off and could get in the rear strap. Very tiring.
I've been having trouble getting into the rear straps as they are outboard.
Powered was easy. Lie on the bottom, push the front of the board away, rear foot in the strap ,hook in as you come up and away we go.
Front foot in as you come up.

You've got to really commit your weight to your boom so that, although you have front foot in strap and back foot between the straps, you have very little weight on your feet. As the board speed increases (only a few seconds) you can then quickly start transferring the load to your feet.

The run jump works well and worth practicing or plant your back foot just behind the front straps to get going and front foot just ahead.

sboardcrazy said..
I've got an 80 ltr isonic. I haven't used it for a few years.
Yesterday I was finding it hard starting underpowered when I had to beachstart..mud was the main issue. I didn't want to get thrown around the front so I had my front foot against the mast base. This made it very uncomfortable and harder to bear off. I felt horrible until I got a little speed,bore off and could get in the rear strap. Very tiring.
I've been having trouble getting into the rear straps as they are outboard.
Powered was easy. Lie on the bottom, push the front of the board away, rear foot in the strap ,hook in as you come up and away we go.
Front foot in as you come up.

Yep, it's about time to get rid of that board Sue. I'll give you a few $$ for it. You must be getting to old for that thing now. ?

Yes Sue, after you wisely talked me out of that other speedboard, the 80ltr sonic will do lovely please and thankyou

80 litres, 53 to 56 wide is a good size for a speed board. Easy to get going and capable of 40 kts in the right hands. There are a number of candidates available second hand. Some are speed boards, some small slalom. Brands include the Isonic, JP, Duotone, Fanatic, Tabou, Patrik, Carbon Art, Tribal. I have a Tribal 53 which I really like. It replaced my JP 56 which is for sale for a really good price.

In this video from Lake George you'll see how I beach start my 45 wide 60L speed board in shallow water (I'm 95kg). I call it a "Le Mans Start" and as others have said, three quick steps and then jump quite far forward, bearing probably 120 off the breeze. It helps having a weed fin as it's more forgiving dragging through the sand without catching.

The idea of doing a running jump start with muddy feet ( Budgy) sounds like a recipe for disaster. ?
I know people do it but I have enough trouble doing beachstarts with muddy feet. ?

sboardcrazy said..
The idea of doing a running jump start with muddy feet ( Budgy) sounds like a recipe for disaster. ??
I know people do it but I have enough trouble doing beachstarts with muddy feet. ??

Why ask if you're not willing to try!

John340 said..

sboardcrazy said..
The idea of doing a running jump start with muddy feet ( Budgy) sounds like a recipe for disaster. ??
I know people do it but I have enough trouble doing beachstarts with muddy feet. ??

Why ask if you're not willing to try!

I didn't ask..
I agree that the running start is a good technique but not for me at Budgy..unless I'm somewhere sandy .