Forums > Windsurfing   Gps and Speed talk

Trouble with 1st 20 meters on speed board

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Created by Jasonwave 2 hours ago, 12 Apr 2026
Jasonwave
160 posts
2 hours ago , 12 Apr 2026 1:19PM
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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.

decrepit
WA, 12854 posts
1 hour ago , 12 Apr 2026 1:33PM
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I've seen Stropo do a running jump on. Maree does a semi water start, Elmo and few do a full water start. It's about getting a bit of speed up before the sail is fully into the wind.
What do I do??? Sheet out I think ,as I step on, gradually sheet in as I pick up speed.

AUS02
WA, 2042 posts
48 minutes ago , 12 Apr 2026 2:40PM
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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.

elmo
WA, 8886 posts
32 minutes ago , 12 Apr 2026 2:56PM
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As Decrep said I mainly go the full water start unless theres enough power to get going straight away without the board bottoming out.

I find if marginal (not hop and go) hanging under the boom tends to help this muppet and distributes the load on the board better.



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Forums > Windsurfing   Gps and Speed talk


"Trouble with 1st 20 meters on speed board" started by Jasonwave