getting into the back foot strap

Question
Hi Windlover
I'm trying to get into the straps but can't get the back foot in. what usually happens is: I'm planing, the front foot is in the strap and the back foot is on the back strap (wearing booties). when I try to get the back foot into the strap, my heal touches the water and either causes me to get off the plane or makes me lose control.
Thanks

Answer
Hey Ron,

When you are at the point you describe, bear off the wind just a bit more to gain a little more speed. Drop your hips just a bit so that you are hanging off the boom on your harness. Put a bit more pressure on your front foot so that you can lift your back foot off the board slightly. Now twist your back heel forward to get the toes pointed back, then slide your foot back and into the strap. This will keep your heel away from the water. You can also lift your foot off the board moving back over the top of the footstrap (light pressure). Then just pull your foot back and slide your toes in. Hanging off the harness/boom will keep your board going on a plane and allow you to move your back foot without disturbing your position.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover