Hi - i see some people have the 3 straps in a Y config and some two...and the two the front is offset a little

What are the pros and cons of each...i come from windsurfing so was going to set up with 3, but i see for example JB on here (his videos) has 2 and the front isnt straight?

And is one set up specifically easier for switch stance ie after the gybe?

You'll find when you ride switch your front foot can be fairly offset and nowhere near the strap . Plus when you jump you'll do it on your preferred side . So that's why you see 2 strap set ups just set up for your preferred side plus the more you ding the less you switch . 3 strap would be optimum but I know I won't use the third strap . Also by not fitting the third strap you get more position options on the front strap . Everyone is different just do what feels right for you.

I started about 2.5 months ago and use three straps and like it a lot for being able to jump both ways. I have a solid windsurf and kitefoil background. I find it strange that one of the few hot shots using three straps is Balz Mueller. Is it possible that many of the two-strap-users come from prone- or surf-foiling and are just used to always stand in their natural stance?

yeah i wonder if its simply reflecting background
ie
- if you windsurf - you go 3 straps as you are used to going both natural and goofy footed. The riding is easy - but does mean you have to switch feet before or after the gybe* which is an extra step to learn
- if you have come from prone surfing / foilng then you ride 2 straps, which im guessing has the adv that you dont switch feet ever (in the gybe) but i assume much harder to learn flying consistently and upwind in switch mode (ie from the get go, if you are goofy footed and wind comes from the right, you learn to go out to sea switch stance on day 1?!!).... and means u only jump only 1 tack

*seems some riders on one tack switch feet before rather than after the gybe..maybe on their goofy foot tack?

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ulx said..
I started about 2.5 months ago and use three straps and like it a lot for being able to jump both ways. I have a solid windsurf and kitefoil background. I find it strange that one of the few hot shots using three straps is Balz Mueller. Is it possible that many of the two-strap-users come from prone- or surf-foiling and are just used to always stand in their natural stance?

Exactly right.
Only when I was much younger could I ride all day without switching my feet and never get tired. I so regret that today. Maybe the hip in my right leg would still be good, if I had switched my feet more often.

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northy1 said..
but i see for example JB on here (his videos) has 2 and the front isnt straight?

Can someone give JB a nudge to tell us why?

If you go strapless first you will work out where to put your straps.

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makesurf said..

northy1 said..
but i see for example JB on here (his videos) has 2 and the front isnt straight?

Can someone give JB a nudge to tell us why?

If you go strapless first you will work out where to put your straps.

Hey Wingers, Apologies for the delay. Very busy right now.

Ok. Here we go.

2 Strap. I like off setting my front foot because it is quite uncomfortable with a straight front foot strap especially when you are surfing both with and without the wing. You can loosen the strap ridiculously but then it nearly defeats the purpose. So I like to make my front strap on an angle for my Goofy stance stance as this is the way I will be standing for surfing and when I am doing airs and riding at more speed and driving harder. When I switch my feet (Natural), I choose to only just put my toes (or less of my foot) into the strap. Whilst it is not super comfortable, I am not using the strap as much as I do on my Goofy stance. This is an easy way to get a rock solid strap set up for your good side where you are likely actually going to use it, and on my Natural side it is more than enough for additional support to drive up wind etc. Also I am quite happy to ride and not switch for an entire session when I am in the waves.

3 Strap. This is actually a lot better than you'd think. I have been riding 3 strap a lot lately especially doing some longer journeys due to the fact I can drive and push harder with my Natural stance locked in more. I generally choose to switch every tack/jibe when I have the 3 strap setup as it is easier and more efficient. The only down side is having your front foot off centre for wave riding and free winging. It is not a huge thing, but noticeable when you're lightening everything up on swells.

Strapless is also important. You can become too dependant on your straps and loose the real connection with your foil. I strongly suggest every now and then taking the straps off and getting your synergy back on with your gear. It will heighten your foil sense and lift your riding to new levels. On another side note of things is the weight of wet straps too. It is noticeable when you take them off.

I hope this helps all. There is no right or wrong, but try things and keep changing until they feel right. I generally take about 10 sessions to fully tune in my gear. Foil mount being the most important, the stance. But they do work intertwined with each other, and each adjustment will affect the other. It is all half a centimetre at a time and back again.

Ride safe,

JB

Poke done ;)