Get your board ready

There is actually not so much to do: install the mast base, set up the fin and if a daggerboard is provided, attach it. If you want to use foot straps, you have to attach them to the board and adjust them, if this has not already been done. Naturally, every manufacturer includes detailed instructions.

There are different mast base systems. They all have the base plate with the threaded bar for the attachment to the board in common. The mast base systems have different joints (often so-called power joints or cardan joints) and different systems to fix the mast extensions. The stainless steel shaft as shown below in picture 2 is very popular. The Sunshine system with a wide plastic circular tube and a pin lock mechanism is also utilized. The mast base has to fit the mast extension (check before buying!).

There are also different fastening systems for fins. The most diffused one is called Powerbox, which is the easiest to set up (explanation below). Very big fins are often attached by using a Tuttlebox system, which is a kind of big Powerbox, but with two screw joints. The US-Box-System offers additional trimming opportunities. The fin can be pushed forward and backward in the fin box to alter the riding characteristics of the board. US-Boxes are mainly included in waveboards.

There are many board types and sizes. You can find out here whichever one is suitable for you.

We show you the most important steps below:

1. Insert the mast base

Just take out the screw nut almost completely, put it in the wide hole at the back end of the mast step and push it forwards to the right position. Then, turn the base plate clockwise until it is tight. Done.

2. Adjust the mast base

The mast base can be screwed on the entire length of the mast step. The riding characteristics of the board change according to the position of the mast base. Basically, if the sail is big, the mast base is set up in the front and if the sail is small, it is set up in the back. The board producers give individual hints for their products.

3. Attach the daggerboard

Folding daggerboards (as in the picture on the left) are simply put upright and from above, with the thicker leading edge in the front, into the casing and inserted into the lever mechanism according to the instructions of the producer. During the ride, the daggerboard can be folded and popped up by using the daggerboard pommel. Small daggerboards are usually installed like a Powerbox-fin (as shown below).

4. Set up the fin

Powerbox is the most common fin system. The fin is simply inserted with the thicker leading edge in the front from below into the fin box at the tail of the board and screwed from above. It is not necessary to make any adjustments, because the manufacturer already chose the most advantageous position for the fin box.

5. Screw the fin together

The fin is fixed from above with the provided screw, until it is tight. A crosstip screwdiver is needed, which is included in almost every board. Some producers provide screws, for which no tools are needed. If the fins are not fixed right, they can fall out during the ride and it will be very difficult to reach land.

6. Install the foot straps

If you want to start using foot straps, but you don't have any, you can find the right model, which fits your board, in specialist shops. The straps are often attached to the board with 2 or 4 provided screws which are put into designated plugs. The same screwdriver as for the Powerbox-fin is needed. Please note instructions of the manufacturer!

: Photos Mistral

7. Adjust the foot straps

Concerning the position, beginners should keep the general rule "as much in the front and in the inside as possible" in mind. It is always good to choose the plug combination for the strap position which is the closest to the mast base and to the center-line of the board. The width of the straps has to be adjusted to the foot. Just open the Velcro, slip in and close it. If you want to surf with shoes, you have to adjust the straps a bit more loosely.