Not a sea horse in sight! Still want to windsurf? Windsurfers spend a fortune on equipment to cater for varying conditions. I just did on my first full carbon boom but is not the mast more important you may ask? What is important to get on the plane in marginal conditions? Apart from the skill level of the windsurfer and getting swiftly into the foot straps perceived importance for easy planing in marginal wind (In brackets equipment in video) 1) To have a wide board is more important than volume (85cm) 2) A big "baggy" (or camber) sail for grunt power (8,6 sqm no cams) 3) A shorter/softer mast allows the sail to fill earlier profile for forward draught as the mast bends 4) Apply normal downhaul and neutral outhaul 5) A big fin for lift fitting the sail size and board width (46 cm) Once you are on the plane the sail and fin keep you planing. To get planing in the first place: 1) Hook in and bear away down wind 2) Transfer your weight forward by putting your front foot near the mast foot 3) Bend your legs and sink your weight through the boom into the mast foot being feather light on your back foot. This way the board becomes horizontally level lifting it slightly out of the water to gain initial speed. 4) Pump the sail firmly if needed with back hand or booth hands a couple of times for additional power. 5) While pumping gaining speed simultaneously push the board forward with your feet quickly moving towards the foot straps increasing board speed through the water helps to lift the board further. If possible time this step to use a wave to accelerate you. 6) Once speed is picking up and the board begins to transition into early planing commit to get fast into the front and then back foot strap to channel the sail force into the fin for increased speed. 7) Keep pumping with your hands simultaneously releasing feet pressure for further speed if necessary. 8) As soon as speed picks up start to head more upwind for increased fin pressure and lift also avoiding sailing into the next wave breaking your speed. Once you are planing you sail on the fin rather than the board and accelerate. Tip on volume v.s width. To be able to up-haul in light wind conditions when water starting is void choose your own weight in kg +20 to 30L. The rig and board can weigh 15 to 25 kg depending on size and standard. Since this film I've lost weight and can now up-haul on 104L.