Footstrap Order

[Sailboards]

My little brother (11) got into the footstraps for the first time today. On the way out he put his back foot in first and on the way in (small 30cm wind waves) he put the front foot in first. Is there any thing dangerous or speed sacrifices by doing this.

[John I]

Great to hear about 11 year olds on the water. Keep it up. I weigh 96 kgs. If I put my back foot in the footstrap first, I'll trim the board nose up and kill my speed. So, I don't think adults should do that. Your brother won't be 11 forever, stop the habit now. I've seen people quit because they never got out of that trap as adults. Sail lots and have fun.

[LeeD]

Hi
Agree that big guys normally put feet into front straps first.
HOWEVER, if the winds are blowing hard, you are well to overpowered, getting into the back straps first is safer, as you are more in the sailing position, and getting launched is less a problem as you already have some triangulation and also have the leverage of the back foot already in.
You gotta know both...just like you need most of the different jibe technique sequences, and all the sail flip ideas.
Ever notice how BIG guys almost always get launched while trying to get into straps as a big gust blow thru?
Us little guys just sheet out, and reach waaaay back to the rear straps first, to be stable and safe.
Of course, us little guys don't sink the tail of the board.

[John I]

The last time I got launched was when I went aground with formula gear in a strange (to me) area. Before that, its been so long I don't remember. The best way to keep from being launched, no matter what your size, is to use a little caution on those few days where the gusts seem like cannon balls.

This technique I mention to everyone who brings up the subject: don't hook in on blasting days until after you've got your front foot in the strap. This way, if the sailor is taken by surprize, there's an easy out while out of control- sheet out or let go of your rig if everything gets too wild. Meanwhile, the basics of front foot first dogma apply. Keeps the issue really simple. Pretty important for most folks. KISS.

[LeeD]

Hi
First of all, John is an advanced sailor, and a big guy.
I'm a little guy who tries to ride all the hi wind days, and in our area, it gets up well over 40 mph, whether gusts or lulls. In those conditions, it's pure survival sailing, and not a whole lot of fun. The sailors who successfully sail in those conditions almost always get into the back straps first, and that INCLUDES waterstarting, if you ever fall.
Of course, the really skilled big sailors try the proven technique of front straps first, but they still get launched big time on occasion.
Me, I don't get launched in high winds, because I'm quick to release my sail, go into back straps first, am very cautious in my jibes, and I sail like an OLD man (meaning NO sky high jumps, big air tricks and loops, or major faceplants).