Dear Panel,

How can I stop the blisters that I get on the top of my feet from the foot straps? I don't want another week away ruined by sore feet and then to come home with a hole in my foot which takes ages to heal. Is there anything that can be done to prevent it and what are your top tips for minimizing healing time?

Mark, Penzance

Get out the Comfeel!

Andy: Well it shows you're sailing hard! Virtually every pro sailor has scars on the top of their feet from continous foot strap abuse. Stopping this completely is nigh on impossible unless you start wearing boots, and we won't go into that here! So my top tips are:

Be aware of sandy shorebreak type waves. Sand sticks to the underside of the straps causing additional rubbing. You can’t obviously avoid this but if you feel your feet getting sore then stop sailing, undo the velcro on your straps and give them a good rinsing in the deep water or if you can be really bothered, find a hosepipe.

Some people tape their foot up with duct tape. This is: one, a hassle, and two, not good for your skin. Guranteed after one session, the sand will have crept underneath the tape leading to extra abrasion.

Ok, so if you do get a blister then please take it very seriously if you're sailing in a tropical climate. Places like Maui are the worst for catching skin infections that can seriously wipe you out. To cover the blister whilst sailing I use Comfeel (a hydrocolloid dressing) which is a big patch made of gel that sticks to a dry foot and acts like a scab providing instant heeling. It seems to be pretty water resistant once you have taped it over with fabric water tape. You leave the whole dressing on for a few days (up to five) and heh presto, your foot heels in half the time.

Dear Panel,

I have been given contradictory advice on boom height and I'm now totally confused. Eye height, shoulder height, knee height - help me out!

James, Scotland

Ben: Instructors or well meaning windsurfing buddies tend to teach two ways.

1. Adjust the boom to eye level when you are stood on your board holding your rig upright. When you rake the board back in the sailing position, it will naturally lower to shoulder height.

2. Others teach setting the boom 2 inches back from the back of the board. This is more dubious as boards vary in shape particularly with wide style kit.

You really need to experiment; the higher you have the boom, the earlier you plane but the less control you have. The lower the boom, you get going slower, but you have more control. But we're talking a difference of 3 inches max.

Also think about harness lines as well. Buy long lines (28 cm plus) and then adjust your boom. 80% of sailors are sailing with lines too short. Trust me, long lines are the only way to sail effectively.  And if you want further proof, I bet you can't find a single pro sailor (big or small) who sails with short lines!

Is he standing or sailing?!

Be honest with me - is windsurfing in sunny climes and not stopping for lunch affecting my appearance? I am only twenty four but some days I feel much older and the children at my local beach are fascinated by me.

Roberta, Portugal

Boardseeker Team: Roberta - you look great! The fat kids are merely envious. And by the way, the Editor wants to know where you got your bikini line done - good job!

Photo by: http://largado.futeboltotal.com

I've recently bought a set of sails from a Pro sailor and consequently they are covered in his sponsors' stickers. I'd like to remove these without leaving a sticky mess on the monofilm but I am worrying about damaging the sail fabric. What do you suggest?

Neil, Dorset

Louise: This is dead easy and won't harm your sail. Firstly give the sail a good rinse in fresh water to remove any sand from around the stickers. Plug in a hair dryer and gentle blow hot air on the edge of the sticker so it begins to melt the glue (keep it about a foot away). Carefully and slowly remove the stickers at the same time as blowing hot air onto the sail. Then with a damp cloth, wipe remaining glue. If there is anything left, borrow your wifes/daughters/sisters nail varnish remover and using the same damp cloth sparingly rub on the liquid to remove the most stubborn of sticky residues. You're ready to go!

But do you really want to take that sticker off?