Just a quick question from a beginner . When ever I try to get into the foot straps the board turns upwind as the mast is racked back when Im in the straps . I ride a 270cm Mistral Board Thanks in advance
Its a technique thing. Make sure you are planing before going for the straps. When you are in make sure to keep applying mast foot pressure to steer you off the wind and maintain speed.
Sounds like you're not going fast enough. As you pick up speed and the rails come out of the water, the CLR of the board moves backwards, allowing the mast to be raked back further as well. You can get into the straps before you start to plane, but you have to lean forward on the boom, getting both the rig and your weight forwards, until you pick up speed. It's a subtle/gradual transition. The other important thing is to keep the board in trim, if you go into the straps before the fin develops enough lift to suport your weight you'll be sailing windward rail down, this will also cause you to point upwind, you have to "point the toes" ie, use the straps to lever the board level or even slightly leeward rail down, with your feet.
Are you putting your weight on your heels? Even if planning, this will also steer the board upwind. Get more weight on the balls of your feet and trim the board flat.
Yeah i use to have that problem. Even when i was well up and planning. I found it just sort of went away after a while when i got use to being in the straps.
