GETTING THAT RIGHT FIT
Okay, so moving on from our first Dyno Set Up feature, we’re now going to assist you in how to fine-tune the position and fit of your foot straps. This will help you to get the most out of the ‘inboard single strap’ or ‘outboard double back strap’ set up. So not only will you get the best out of the Dyno, but we’ll maximize your own technique and performance. So here goes with some common questions that apply to all levels.
Q. Why should I move the straps forwards or backwards?
Regardless of whether you’ve gone for Freewave inboard single strap or Freeride outboard double strap settings, you can still move the straps back and forth to effect the boards trim and fine tune to a setting that suits YOU!
FRONT STRAPS BACK
Encourages more nose lift, greater top speed and drive off the fin(s). So experiment edging them back for smoother flatter water, be that blasting or a really fast glassy wave.
OUTBOARD STRAPS BACK FOR SPEED AND CONTROL
To help increase top speed, you can edge the straps back and outboard to sheet the rig in more and control gusts and increase acceleration. If you find the board lifts too much, edge the straps forward by one setting at a time until you feel more in control.
Q. How tight should the foot straps be?
Simon Says….
“You can also increase the actual strap width to suit all sizes of feet to make sure the foot doesn’t slide about. Equally, you can vary the distance between the front and rear straps to cater for different statures. As a guide, increase the distance between the front and back strap for jumping, wave riding and for those of superior stature. Narrow the strap spread for flat water blasting and if smaller in stature.”
Freeride FIT
For Freeride blasting your foot should be far enough ‘in’ so that whole of your the little toe is visibly through the strap. This crucially enables you to pull up on the toes to lock the rail which is a major core skill for greater blasting control – don’t underestimate it. You don’t want the strap tighter than this, otherwise you can’t curl those toes up, plus you hinder releasing the front early when gybing, which is common factor in slowing down your gybe speed and success rate. So yes you want a snug fit for blasting, but not too locked in. So, especially if you’re wearing booties, make sure your little toes is right through the strap.
FreeWAVE FIT
When you’re really throwing the board about, be that focusing on cranking gybes and playful moves open the straps so that the foot is ‘in the strap’ up to the bridge of your foot. For feasible freestyle and definitely when riding waves, have it open right up to your ankle. This allows you to get right over the board and flex the ankles and knees more than you might think you need to. This alone can be the game changer in getting to the next level. Note that you’re less likely to get stuck or hurt yourself with an ‘open foot strap’, than one that is too tight, especially in waves. When it comes to purely jumping, which the Dyno excels at, you can make the straps more of snug fit for mid air control, particularly on the front strap.
Simon Says.. “For part 3, we’ll be looking at mast base position and when to go for Tri fin thruster set up or single fin set up.“
In the meantime, any questions about the Dyno or any aspects of your windsurfing progression you can contact Simon directly – info@windwise.net.
Also check out www.windwise.net for a whole range of clinics where you can maximize your progress and try a Dyno!
Did you miss part one of our Dyno article series?