Quote
All these footstraps look a lot like just that, footstraps. I tought the idea was to use them as toestraps, just as on windsurfers. I for sure would not want to do a pitchpole with my foot/ankle firmly in one of those. Isn't this how Glenn Ashby broke his ankle some weeks ago?


Yes correct... I use windsurfer straps like Scooby. These straps are as far back as possible and are only used by me (skipper) on a fresh bear away at the top mark. The strap will keep you there for most part, however on a big decelloration, you physically cannot keep your foot there and you slip out. It does not have the same effect though if you fall behind the boat though...... Just ask Gashby

Anyway my crew always uses the chicken line in the fresh stuff and to this day, on both the T and F18, we have burried it BIG TIME and never cartwheeled when locked into the strap. Boat slows and you just drive right through it just as TigerMike described.

Below is a better pic of our chicken line set up.

[Linked Image]

Now below is how we use it (see pic below also). When fresh, it is not important to get weight out rather than get it back. If you are both sitting on the tramp, then you can not get that far back......My crew will put his back foot on the rudder geoungen (spelling??). His front foot as far back as possible whilst keeping ballance. Now the angle he is trapping is roughly at 45 degrees. Clip the chicken line on and its length should be adjusted so whilst you are at this angle, you lean back pulling the line taught, forcing you feet down into the platform. Now to balance, hold the end of the kite sheet under load with your rear hand. If you loose balance forward, a little pressure on this will hold you there. Now with your front hand hold the other end of the sheet (note offcourse both ends are tied in the middle). If you start to fall backwards, pull back on this end and it will steady you.

Now if you nosedive your front foot will likely slip a bit and you will remain locked in and trapping. Worst case, you will pivot over your front foot and hip slam the side ( note GAshby's comments re hip bruises)..... Not as painful as it sounds and can be a LOT worse.

[Linked Image]

If you are doubtfull, just give it a go and see. I have converted MANY people who were dead against chicken lines for so called safety reasons..... There is nothing to worry about but plenty if you do not use one.

Hope this helps.