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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
