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any ideas what I am doing wrong

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If you're not sailing a sinker, then this can happen if the leeward edge of your board has too much pressure on it (mostly from the mast/sail). The cure is to push down on the windward edge of the board as you pull the trigger. When you get it sorted the windward edge will sink just as you start to rise up, the length of rail in the water will act as a brake stopping you from scooting off downwind, and making it easier to get on board.

If you are sailing a sinker, then this is normal, just remember to point the nose slightly upwards compared to the tail (and also point it downwind), then you'll pop out of the water no probs.

You could try with your back foot in back strap.
This method works for me very well, gives you great control of the board, and there's no way the nose will bury.

I'm in a minority though, not many people get on with this method.
But if you feel comfortable with it, there are some advantages.

let your boom hang on rear end of your board,makes lifting tha sail much easier to get wind under sail,also will lift nose outta water.showed a chick how to do this in kailua last year,she learned to waterstart the same day