Straps or No Straps... old, old question

[joekitetime]

I sure love those straps! I love feeling connected to the board, love the control. My only complaint is those tan lines!

But seriously, I'm back and forth over whether strapped or strapless is the better long term way to go. I will never jump on my foil (I know, I know, never say never! - but, if I want to jump I'd rather fly a bigger kite and ride a surfboard or twin tip - plus I've already had numerous injuries smacking the face to board from botched jumps that I can't even imagine that on the foil)...

So, forget jumping.

So, better future for strapped riding (which I like) or strapless?

Thanks for any insight...

Aside note, it sure seems that some of the really, really good freestyle riders (not all, but lots) are riding strapless. And, the ones I see riding strapped are boosting big airs...

[Wazza Foil]

Foot hooks are best of both worlds for the average foiler imo.
I only use a front hook set a little forward then when up I can have strapless freedom.
Yes kite lines can get caught in a foot hook but one soon learns how to quickly deal with that.

[jumptheshark]

I feel like I've pretty much turned a corner. Haven't ridden anything but a foil this season. Last year there were more than a few good tt days and a couple on surfboard, but this year it just hasn't happened, or when it did, I still wanted to foil.

I can tell I'm going to miss going big. Have no designs to jump big on foil, its just gotta catch up to you eventually... right?

For normal riding, strapless all the way. From starts to well, everything but jumping, I have no want for straps

Still a part of my brain keeps asking if I should try em just for "little" airs. So far I haven't really listened to that voice, but its there.

[DukeSilver]

If you enjoy using straps and don't want to jump, there's no reason to go strapless.

I learned to foil strapless and have remained strapless for the past 2.5 years. Initially, my reasoning was more a safety concern along with the fact I was used to riding a surfboard strapless prior to foiling. Also, one of my first motivations for learning to foil came from watching Drexler on his strapless pocket boards. I like the freedom of movement you get on a clean deck during transitions and the ability to make small adjustments to optimise trim or just for comfort. I have no desire to jump or race at the moment.

If you've never tried strapless riding for long periods, maybe give it a go to see what you think. I would think you'd need to try it out for a good block of time - maybe a week or 2 - as a short session may initially be just frustrating for you due to water starting issues.

[foilfun]

Do both. I like straps for jumping and freestyle. But I also enjoy getting out of the straps and riding with my feet side-by-side. Feels a lot like parallel snow sking. Lots of fun in small waves and swell. Also very challenging on a mono foil. Ride what's fun to you while here and there trying something new! You might find something else that's fun. Always be sure to try it long enough for your brain to adjust to the foiling differences.

[grigorib]

Straps could be useful for absolute lightwind when a kite requires too much piloting to prevent it from falling out of skies.

Race, jumps or aluminum heavy setup warrant straps as well. Otherwise - single front hook and strapless as next step is pretty awesome

[Peter_Frank]

Some prefer straps for changing feet and stepping easy into the right position as the straps can lead you, especially in tacks.

Others got it just opposite, the straps are in the way when changing feet.

If you don't jump, there aren't (m)any advantages using straps on a hydrofoil, because you stand centered in balance and there are absolutely no bumps or bouncing from chop, always totally clean and smooth on a hydrofoil.
So no gain with straps.

As opposed to surfboards, where you can do so much more with straps, and where the water chop is constantly trying to get you off balance bouncing the board.

Personal preference what one likes in both cases though.

Peter

[matth]

Foot hooks are best of both worlds for the average foiler imo.
I only use a front hook set a little forward then when up I can have strapless freedom.
Yes kite lines can get caught in a foot hook but one soon learns how to quickly deal with that.

That's a great idea, because having a front strap makes water starts so much easier... also i do find it easier to do foot transitions without straps

[junebug]

Strapped (2 front straps only) for the first 2.5 years. Strapless for the last 6 months on my pocket home build. Not really interested in jumping or racing, so I don’t see myself ever going back.

Free your feet, free your mind.

[jakemoore]

Free your feet, free your mind.

I like it.