Another question on footstraps

Question
Hi windlover, thank you so much for your quick response last time, I bought the Bic classic 283, and it just arrived! so hopefully I'll get to try it this weekend. I read what you said to Graham about footstrap positions, I was just wondering for somebody starting off to use them, would you recommend putting them as far in as possible on the board, and a single strap at the rear of the board? Do you think that would be the best position to start off?
And on a general note, I was just wondering whether footstraps wear and tear and have to be replaced after a while?
Thanks windlover

Answer
Hey Aaron,

Congrats on the new board. It should serve you well for a long time. You have the footstrap postion somewhat figured out already. The front ones should be as far forward and inward as much as possible. The frontmost rear strap should be as far forward as it can be. Once you start getting into them, you can adjust them for your comfort and sailing style. When working on getting into them, as the board increases speed, slowly move back a little at a time until your front foot is just in front of the front strap. Shift your weight slightly back to the rear foot and hang from the boom so that you can quickly lift your front foot and slip it into the strap. Then shift your weight back to even or maybe a bit on the front if the board has started turning upwind. Your back foot should have your instep directly over the center of the board just in front of the rear strap. You will probably want to sail this way for a while until you get comfortable with getting in and out of the front strap. When you are ready to try for the rear, just hang your weight off the boom and slip the rear foot in. When I say hang off the boom, move your hips toward the sail and literally hang off the boom so you can lift one or the other foot slightly. Arms should be bent and it will feel similar to doing a pull up. Let the sail help provide balance for you. Getting into the footstraps is not a difficult manuver but more of a balancing act. In a short time you will become proficient at it.

As for wear and tear, yes, footstraps do get worn and eventually need replacing. Not to worry as they should last 3-5 seasons or more. It is easy to find new ones and the prices are very reasonable.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover