Lately I have found it more comfortable out of the rear strap going upwind and even across the wind.Powered up comfortably not overpowered ( for once) 125ltres + 6.6m sail.
It got me wondering if there is any 'rule' /guide to the distance between the straps for different heights.It feels like the board is a bit too big / wide a stance for me to be comfortable in the straps..I'm 5'6.I sailed with my rear foot pressed against the front of the rear strap unless it got a bit dodgy with chop or wind strength.Previously I would have stayed in the straps but this felt more comfortable and I seemed to go upwind better.
I get in the straps when I'm really powered up or in chop - it was reasonably flat and 15 -18kts wind.
I know you are going to ask how I have the straps set but the board is in it's bag! I think they are as close together as I can get and inboard(?) a bit.
Not sure but; the combo seems big for your size in that wind to foot strap; I too tend not to weight the board/rail especially going upwind and comming out of a slalom gybe; but hang off the boom and confidence before placing my foot in the outer back strap:) Hope this helps?
Sounds like the back strap needs to come forward if possible, or the front strap back.
Agree that is a big board for 15 - 18 knots.
I'm sure taller people have their straps wider apart.
If I'm not really powered up, and want to get up wind, I'll do the same thing with my back foot, just forward of the back strap allows the board to sit flatter, and engage the leeward rail.
On my wide board, I had the upwind back strap further forward than the downwind back strap, works well if the upwind tack is always the same direction.
Totally agree with Decrepit. Seems too know what he's talking about for an old bloke
.
Although when powered up in chop the back foot always goes in the strap.
sboard, place your open hand and finger on the middle of the front strap. Your elbow should rest at the middle of the rear strap, or as close as you can get to it. This is termed your "natural feet space stance"
Getting in and out of rear strap is a whole lot easier if its set like this, or as close as possible to this setting. Not sure but on my Rocket, I cant get them as close as I could as the JP X-Cite ride or the Supersport
Chugging up wind, its easier if you are struggling, to place the rear foot towards the centre line in front of the rear strap, so what you are doing is correct.
Just try moving your straps closer together to see if it feels more comfortable.
It only takes 30secs with a screwdriver.
With my freestyle board with it's tiny fin I have moved both my straps all the way forward. When I sail I swing my body as far forwards as I can and almost pull up on my back foot.
Does the board have inboard strap options?
If you have a look at the 'What causes this?' thread, it may be that by tuning your gear, you could make the balance between your front and back foot more even and further back.
I then got some info here and started to move it forward ( centre of the track). The last few sails I've had it right forward for the first time and it does handle chop better but I wonder if that's why I have been out of the rear strap. Mind you it could be that I'm fitter at the moment so I can concentrate a bit more on fine tuning my stance ( rather than just surviving..
) and that's why I was trying standing up out of the rear strap .
I then got some info here and started to move it forward ( centre of the track). The last few sails I've had it right forward for the first time and it does handle chop better but I wonder if that's why I have been out of the rear strap. Mind you it could be that I'm fitter at the moment so I can concentrate a bit more on fine tuning my stance ( rather than just surviving..) and that's why I was trying standing up out of the rear strap .
Just moved the straps and now only about 2" off recommended..It might be an 'interesting' sail next time as it's the first time I've had outboard front straps..
It will be better when I'm really up and going though as I find I usually am trying to get more outboard ( half out of the straps ) anyway.
Hope it works for you, it's great when you try something different and things are suddenly much better.
Might have been 3" 
..Didn't have any trouble finding the straps 
but there wasn't quite enough wind to plane much. I think they will be better in planing conditions.
I find it amazing how at 15k -16kts everything feels great and your planing along but 12 - 14kts and it's all work and I feel glued to the water..
