Just curious who and how often people are choosing strapless for downwind and free riding? Noticed the new JP Foil Slate has no straps. Also how much of difference it makes between a crossover board and dedicated flat rocker windsurf board in planing and touch downs. I've only got some SUP/Foiling exp. under my belt and ready to take the plunge into the wind foil realm. I'm a surfer at heart regardless of what sport I'm doing, so that will be my niche. Thanks ahead of time.

I've tried strap-less carving swells downwind, but feel more planted and secure in the straps. And I can pull up on the straps to carve tighter

Straps help counteract the sudden foil acceleration on the waves/swells and the uneven sail pressure when turning crosswind to downwind and back.
I think windfoilers are probably going faster than sups or prone foilers as we're going a longer zigzag path to ride the same swell?

I moved the straps closer to the center-line of the board, with the back strap in particular nearly in the middle of the board. Also have the straps very loose.

Coming off is more sketchy re. ankle/feet injuries, but (barring plain bad luck) the risk diminishes with TOW

My feelings are that strapless needs a board that's width closely matches the foil in as much as the combination needs to be well balanced.
sounds a bit vague but worth thinking about

I ride strapless on the Takuma 7'10" B.X. It is 30 inches wide and I primarily use the Slingshot Infinity 84 foil. The foil is wider than the board. I tried straps and while it worked fine I prefer strapless and tend to move my feet around on the board. I have no trouble staying in place and pumping. For my setup at least I see no advantage for me. I am not traveling at high speeds so higher speeds might change that.

Just ok from Physio for first sail since May when I broke my foot after getting stuck in the strap! .. have fitted the slingshot half straps plus used the shim plates that sell separately... quite expensive all up but will advise how it goes if the wind participates in the next few days

nice, I would've put the rear one the other way around. Let us know how it goes

I've put them just on the back on the formula board because i have been unable to get in the back straps. Ive put them the other way round and its easy to just slide your foot back into them and out again when i get out of controll which is still quite often.

Ok will hopefully try tomorrow... will spin one at the back around ie so can try both ways !

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azymuth said..
I've tried strap-less carving swells downwind, but feel more planted and secure in the straps. And I can pull up on the straps to carve tighter

Straps help counteract the sudden foil acceleration on the waves/swells and the uneven sail pressure when turning crosswind to downwind and back.
I think windfoilers are probably going faster than sups or prone foilers as we're going a longer zigzag path to ride the same swell?

I moved the straps closer to the center-line of the board, with the back strap in particular nearly in the middle of the board. Also have the straps very loose.

Coming off is more sketchy re. ankle/feet injuries, but (barring plain bad luck) the risk diminishes with TOW

That's what I was thinking....having the straps more towards the center line for free-riding and loose.

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Adam555 said..
Just ok from Physio for first sail since May when I broke my foot after getting stuck in the strap! .. have fitted the slingshot half straps plus used the shim plates that sell separately... quite expensive all up but will advise how it goes if the wind participates in the next few days

Let me know how you like the half straps...pro's...con's....ect.

Select to expand quote

Adam555 said..
Just ok from Physio for first sail since May when I broke my foot after getting stuck in the strap! .. have fitted the slingshot half straps plus used the shim plates that sell separately... quite expensive all up but will advise how it goes if the wind participates in the next few days

Let me know how you like the half straps...pro's...con's....ect.

Select to expand quote

Shlogger said..

Adam555 said..
Just ok from Physio for first sail since May when I broke my foot after getting stuck in the strap! .. have fitted the slingshot half straps plus used the shim plates that sell separately... quite expensive all up but will advise how it goes if the wind participates in the next few days

Let me know how you like the half straps...pro's...con's....ect.

Will post seperate thread on foot straps as spent a bit of time on this area after foot injury