VANCOUVER ISLAND WINDTALK

Currently riding a starboard futura 101L. When I was down in Baja at Christmas I noticed a lot of the rental boards had the back footstraps closer to the center. Right now I'm riding with the straps closer to the rail, is there a location that is better or is it a matter of preference?

kinda depends on the board and your sailing style. if you have a wide, fat tail and you really want to push the fin like when you are cranking upwind, its good to put your foot right out on the rail.
on the other hand if you want to slash a wave or land a vulcan you want your foot more in the middle of the board. A lot of the smaller boards wont have an option to put a strap more outboard.

as per DWD, forward for lighter winds, heavier guy, back for speed and lighter person or someone with a really tall build to spread the stance if you have no other choice.

two straps outward for flat water, big sail slalom sailing, lakesailing, single strap inboard for better control over rail and wave riding, freestyle. If you have another option for mid settings, the heavier/ bigger footed sailer would use these, my size 12 heels would always drag in the water if using the outboard most setting.

on the barndoors you won't have a choice but use two outer straps.

is that the futura that was lost in the woods last year? if so, good to hear you're reunited!

mine are inboard on my 92 litre, i find i have more control as the wind gets stronger, I probably lose some speed when its a little lighter