This is a good explanation why some beginners/intermediates struggle in overpowered conditions: http://boardsurfr.blogspot.com/2011/01/sheet-in.html
short version: when you are sheeted in and going fast, gusts don't affect you as much.
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This is a good explanation why some beginners/intermediates struggle in overpowered conditions: http://boardsurfr.blogspot.com/2011/01/sheet-in.html
short version: when you are sheeted in and going fast, gusts don't affect you as much.
Fun with vectors!
I think because I came from dinghy and big boat sailing, I found it really hard to come to grips with the idea of bearing off to de-power... you always sheet out or pinch up to calm things down on a boat, I thunk. It seemed crazy (and scary!) to bear off until I 'got' the concept of apparent wind on a boat/board moving so fast. (Same thing for small catamarans). The aha moment came while trying to learn to duck jibe on a short board – as you turn downwind, there's a time (just a second or 2) when the apparent wind goes to zero and you can do anything you want with the sail... I know, I know "DUH" you're saying. Hey, I'm obviously no Rocket Surgeon, but eventually I got it.
It'd sure be nice to put what little I know to use. NEED WIND!