Advice/help somebody!

I'm surprised there aren't multiple positions available for the straps. Sometimes additional plugs are there, but hidden by the straps, have a look under the straps. Is this a new Isonic? And when you say the position is impossible for you - what do you mean exactly? You're planing when you get into the straps?

Ah ok. Yeah older boards had the straps more centred on the board. I think you'll find you'll adjust in time. What's probably happening is you're getting into the straps and the there is pressure on the rail and the board ends up pointing up wind, knocking you off the plane. I would persevere, I think you will find that after a few sessions you'll get a bit more comfortable with them. Also you can try loosening the straps to give your feet a greater range of movement, it will help you get used to them.

Modern boards are wider and use bigger fins, the extra width allows you to control the twisting leverage the longer fin exerts on the board. But if you get into the straps too early, before the fin has developed enough lift, you'll sink the windward rail, same thing if the fin isn't big enough for the board.

I'd try using the board as it was designed, that's how it will work best once you get used to it.
So maybe a bigger fin is needed.

If that doesn't work, you can modify strap position with aluminium or stain less straps.

Here is an example. (and on an isonic)
http://mtbest.net/isonic50.html

Hang off your boom.
Older boards had the mast foot way too far forward, which meant if you hung off the boom too much the weight would be too far forward..
Get most of your weight off the boom before you jump in the straps and you should be sweet.

Mate, you've come back to windsurfing after 15 years, and jumped straight onto a full blown race board

The best thing you can do, is a get a freeride board, like a futura, and get your straps inside, and slowly move them out as you get more confident.

Funnily enough, I am currently using an iSonic 125 that I bought months ago. I found it wasn't usable for me in Sydney, as the volume for me is low, and you do need to get out on the straps to get these boards to go. If you are slogging, then the straps are too far out.

Having said that, the board is very good as a light wind board for me, as long as there is 'some' wind. I am currently using it in WA, and it has got me planing far easier than I expected.

I would also agree with Decrepit, that you probably need a bigger fin. Some of these boards just don't work well with a smaller one. Although in the case of mine, having some steady wind means I can get away with a relatively small (34cm) weed fin, without too much spinout.

If you install new inserts, at least the Starboard glue they use on the pads seems to remove itself, so that bit won't be hard :-)

My advice is to get a FSW. Any brand would probably do. There are currently two in the buy a sell a JP 112 and a Starboard Kode 113. both of these would be better for your situation.
what is your weight??

I'm about the 95 Kgs mark and my small board is a 107 Litre JP FSW.
Its got plenty of float and you can have the straps well in board. I use a 5.2 and 6 m sail on it. Maybe one of the guys with more experience might want to speak up cause I've only ridden 3 boards and I don't wantt to give you a bum steer.

Hi mate,

May be a silly question but are you still using your 15yr + rigs on the new board? The geometry/relationship between straps/mast/fin positions have changed a bit so perhaps borrow/hire a couple of newish RAF rigs and try them out with a suitable fin.

Altering strap positions does seem the wrong approach considering the reasonable price of second hand rigs(try the very helpful crew at 2nd Wind Sailboards).

Also there is another guy doing high quality board repairs and alterations NOR in Perth, he has a woodworking, boatbuilding and composites background. He used to build custom race fins and worked part-time at Wind Tech Sailboards doing repairs/alterations etc.

Good luck and happy sailing!

Adam Prince
Man Over Board
0415271184

Well I can waterstart no prob, I like flat waterfree ride, I can (could) gybe, and wind strenght is no prob will adjust my sail size, I have my eyes on a JP x-cite 160 it is in mint condition and has good possibilities to adjust the straps (that was my big prob), has good volume as well for my fat middle aged body. I sold the Isonic.

I think a Futura would suit you perfectly. They have inboard and outboard footstrap settings, and are a fast early planing freeride board that is good in chop. You can even use them in the ocean. They come in a variety of sizes to suit your weight and the wind strength you most often go out in (93, 101, 111 ,121, 131, 141). The main problem is that people like theirs so much second hand ones don't come up for sale very often.
I don't think you said how much you weigh. How was the 101 iSonic in terms of volume?
The 160L will be an easy reintroduction to windsurfing but soon will be too big, slow and unchallenging for you.