a quick plug for these footstraps -



these are kite straps that I recently bought and setup on my freestyle board.

They are made of 3 layers of EVA foam, with the highest density on the outer layer, and the inner layer comprising the softest foam which provides some cushioning.

The best thing about them is the EVA foam holds no water - so they weigh pretty much the same wet as dry. Dry weight is about 40 g per strap (on my dodgy kitchen scales - still extremely light). The standard straps they replaced weighed about 160 g dry, and something like 180-200 g wet, so these straps knock nearly half a kilo of the board weight.

I've had 3 sessions with them now, and am really happy with them. The weight difference is noticeable for me and they also have a bit of give which can potentially save an ankle or two. They look like they should last ok too.

google "nice x-light EVA strap" - they are only sold in sets of 2, but per strap are quite cheap I recon, so buying two sets is ok (have a spare strap if you only need 3).

umm.... where to buy?

Mmmm, I often wondered this myself - whether kiting straps would do a better job than standard windsurfing straps. They are so much more comfy, likewise with kiting harnasses. A lot more effort seems to go into the design and production of kiting accessories.

It would be interesting to hear what you think after 1 full season brett_perth. Please keep us informed.

I wonder if they are as strong as windsurfing straps. I would think given how much lighter kiteboards are than windsurfing boards that kiters could safely get away with a lighter build.

That being said, I'd love to find a great pair of superlight straps.

yeah - surf connect is where to get them.

puffin - nice is a US based company - so maybe ask them direct ?

they are obviously a copy of the kovalski footstrap (lorch windsurfing use tehm).

I rate them - but probably like the Dakine core contours, some hate 'em some love 'em.

I've had 10 sessions with them now... still going strong

EVA foam is strong - and anyway the neoprene on the f2 footstraps were already getting tatty after only 100 odd sessions.

They have been around for over 20 years. if you order 200 you can have what ever name you want on them. The logo patch holds a lot of water. Try The Windsurfing Shed.

Select to expand quote

AUS4 said...

They have been around for over 20 years. if you order 200 you can have what ever name you want on them. The logo patch holds a lot of water. Try The Windsurfing Shed.

i havent used any of those straps ,but i was quoted about $50 a strap, i made a few sets from kevlar and EVA for less than $5 a strap and dropped the weight of my CA55 by 400grms dry and wet about 800grms , i don't know if it makes any difference to your normal bump and jump sailor but im sure the formula and slalom would like to save 800grams
if anyone is looking at makeing some the light rubber inflatable high pressure is the go

All these foot straps are non adjusting, does the company make any that do adjust?

Select to expand quote

SHEETIN said...

All these foot straps are non adjusting, does the company make any that do adjust?

Select to expand quote

SHEETIN said...

All these foot straps are non adjusting, does the company make any that do adjust?

you know SHEETIN adjustable straps are one fits all ,once there adjusted there done ,how often does your feet grow or shrink imagine a porche with 4 doors

Select to expand quote

keef said...
...
if anyone is looking at makeing some the light rubber inflatable high pressure is the go

How did you make those Keef?
What is "light rubber inflatable high pressure"?

notwal have a look on my pic page , the hose is flat and inflates with pressure, just cut it to length and shape the EVA and bond them with silastic, and seal with a heat gun