This photo popped into my inbox from Paula over at Windchaser Photography.  She asked few questions and wanted me to examine this shot - I thought it was something that we could all learn from so here some dialect back and forth -
"Hi Matt,
I was wondering if you could do me a huge favor. Could you just look at this pic my husband took of me yesterday. Is my hand too close to the mast? arms too far apart? any other suggestions. The boom height and harness line length feel good.
Thanks in advance for taking the time.
Aloha!
Paula

Here is my reply:
"HI Paula,

No problem……. when I look at the shot a couple things stand out-

yes, your front hand looks too far forward-
I can also see a lack of mast foot pressure going on there- see how it looks like your weight is on your heels and you are pulled over the side of the board too much to windward- think about getting your weight on your toes more, dropping your butt down to engage the harness lines and get more mast foot pressure to keep the board driving from the mast- make sense?
Also, check you head where it is looking- if you are trying to go upwind, you should be looking upwind!
Same with the hips, if you twist your hips upwind, you are in a better position to cruise upwind more naturally.

Some other things to think about would be to really focus on using your body weight to engage the harness and let the harness do the work- this also achieves the mast foot pressure we are looking for AND takes the work out of the arms!

Food for thought……

Hope to see you on the water : }

A few simple things that can correct a lot of issues that a lot of windsurfers have- My favorite words of wisdom are:
LOOK where you want to go and STAY LOW!!!