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1. Set up for the tack from head to toe. Think about where you want to tack and what went right and wrong on previous attempts so you can make adjustments. Look to avoid tacking into the path of oncoming sailors. Reach back on the boom about six inches to keep power, and drop your front hand down to the mast at about waist height. Unhook from the harness moving only your hips with no arm bending. Hang your weight from the boom to keep your feet light and maintain speed.
2. Move your body forward without losing speed. Hang from the boom and slide the back foot out of the strap, placing it as close to your front foot as possible. Slide the front foot out of the strap all the way forward to the leading edge of the mast base. If this step seems too big, an extra slide forward with the rear foot may be necessary. The key to keeping speed while moving forward is to stay sheeted in with the back hand while keeping your feet light by hanging from the boom.
3. Carve upwind into the tack. The board may begin turning as you move your feet forward, but not necessarily. Start carving gradually by subtly weighting the windward rail. Take care not to over-weight the rail, creating drag that kills your plane before reaching the eye of the wind. As you get more comfortable with this entry you will gain more ground to windward before falling off a plane. This newfound speed is the secret to transitioning around the sail and full completion of a planing tack.
Jason Voss is a professional instructor sponsored by RRD, Hansen Sails, HPL, Powerex, Epic Gear, Ultra Nectar and jrvwindsurfing.com .
Head to Toe setup
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Head to Toe...
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Move forward...
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Carve into tack
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