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Directional board start advice

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BigPaul
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Directional board start advice

Postby BigPaul » Tue Apr 15, 2014 8:22 am

Hi All

I have just become the proud owner of an 2013 North Whip X 6ft. :D

As this is the first directional i've had. I was wondering if there is a easy to use technique of getting up.

Obviously my biggest concern is damage to the fins. So how do you avoid this.

Is it case of getting out into deep water and tilting the board towards your feer? Or would you wade out to above the knee and kind of step up?

Cheers for the help.

An excited wave virgin

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Re: Directional board start advice

Postby Hawaiis » Tue Apr 15, 2014 8:39 am

You can do it either way, if you have the straps, you can start like a twintip.

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Re: Directional board start advice

Postby BigPaul » Tue Apr 15, 2014 9:14 am

Ok well that sounds like the best idea. I will have to buy some straps now :o

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Re: Directional board start advice

Postby TomW » Tue Apr 15, 2014 12:07 pm

No dont get the straps. it is way easier without straps first. they just get in the way and you cannot adjust your stance according to wind and water conditions.
strapless is actually easier than straps. it looks totally impressive- but its easy.

start in flat water. bend your knees to get up and keep board a bit tilted but not too much, head down wind first to get up, then edge.

when jibing, when on weak side tack, change feet first, then turn. when on weak side tack- turn then change feet.

change feet by moving back foot forward and then front foot back. 1-2 real fast.

practice finding the balance point of board by edging a bit and putting feet close together

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Re: Directional board start advice

Postby Peter_Frank » Tue Apr 15, 2014 6:50 pm

Agree, start without straps if you are not used to surfing (surf or windsurf waves) :thumb:

You need to learn how different a directional works, so start strapless and in flat water or small waves, so you get to know how to "drive" a directional, and use the full board and the edges.
Very opposite technique than a TT, truly.

Later you can put the straps on and perform much more, and you know how to use the edges and board correct now :rollgrin:
Or dont, continue strapless, if you feel better with that - personal likings and nothing but that :naughty:

8) Peter

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Re: Directional board start advice

Postby Thor SFBay » Wed Apr 16, 2014 4:57 am

I agree, try it first without straps. Also, don't try to step on it and go. Instead, do a water start like you would with a twintip. Grab the downwind edge of the board and pull it up while putting your front foot in the middle and your back foot towards the rear. There should be just enough pressure to hold that position if you do it right. It's not very hard to figure out. Once you're stable, dive the kite and stand up. Off you go. It's actually not very hard at all. Until you try to change direction. That's where the fun starts...

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Re: Directional board start advice

Postby BigPaul » Wed Apr 16, 2014 10:25 am

Thanks Guys.

Well the board turns up tomorrow and Saturday is looking good. I will let you know how I get on :thumb:

Thanks again
Paul

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Re: Directional board start advice

Postby H53Driver » Wed Apr 16, 2014 8:16 pm

I grab the board (upwind edge) with what will become my backhand (just forward of the stomp pad) then rest my heels on the board. Front heel in the center, back heel just in front of the hand holding the board. Then send the kite with your front hand and let the kite pull you up onto the board and ride away. Agree with all the 'start strapless' comments. Being able to freely move your feet around the board depending on conditions and what you want the board to do is highly addictive :jump:

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Re: Directional board start advice

Postby BigPaul » Thu Apr 17, 2014 9:17 pm

Here's my board :)
Attachments
20140417_193147.jpg

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Re: Directional board start advice

Postby topmick » Thu Apr 17, 2014 10:50 pm

Board looks great, you may want to get some deck grip for between the pads - enjoy.


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