Floating around wrote: ↑Thu Jun 30, 2022 8:34 pm
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easer strapless starts, easer travel and robustness.
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130cm length is primarily to assist with lighter wind days as I recently
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As a rider doing 95% strapless I don't really see the benefits.
For what it is worth: I have had no real issues whatsover (learning) with a volume board and strapless.
It might be a litle bit harder depending on your foil setup but with a high volume wing and carbon mast like the 633 it just stays parked on its side.
With the 679 it will slowly sink, still super easy once you get the technique, which I prefer over staying on its side and not coming downwind after a crash.
Last but not least: I would recommend learning with a single front foot hook.
This is a good way to progress into strapless and gives you enough control with your feet to keep the board on its side for the learning sessions and a bit of support while riding.
You probably get good enough at it in a few sessions, not really something to get a new board for.
Riding without support from straps also takes some getting used to but that will be the same regardless of the board type (again foothook helps for intermediate feeling).
Regarding easysier travel: I would argue that the smaller/lighter board will be easier and the volume isn't super relevant while outer dimensions and weight are.
Robustness: be carefull what you get, no carbon (or it would be same/fragile as your current board in regards to handling) so it will be heavier. And even a fiber board you would pack it with as much foam as you can regardless if you are taking a plane anyway.
I also wonder if a 130cm board with low volume will have better low wind performance then a +- 15L short board.
I don't think it will to be honest.
So all in all I am not sure how much of a usefull upgrade it would really be. It will probably be heavier and more annoying to cary / put in the car due to its size.
IMHO: just get a foot hook