Angle of foot straps?

skent · Tue Jun 05, 12 9:12 pm **Angle of foot straps?**

What angle would you suggest placing my foot straps?

lloyd · Since 16 Aug 2007 108 Posts Hood River Stoked

Assuming you're talking a twin tip board? And am also assuming your kiting level is beginner/intermediate?

Go with a moderate "duck" stance. 8-10 degrees on each. I'm 6 feet tall and like my stance to be 21 inches wide.

Some free style riders like a wider stance with even more angle on the duck stance.

Weaz · Since 23 May 2012 360 Posts Beaverton Obsessed

Where they are comfortable going both directions.

skent · Wed Jun 06, 12 8:51 am

Yes, I am a newbie. I have windsurfed for over 30 years and I still can't get comfortable with my stance on a TT.

Weaz · Since 23 May 2012 360 Posts Beaverton Obsessed

I'd set it up like lloyd said. Try that for a hour, adjust the angle by 1 degree, try it for an hour... then start tuning based off of those 2 trials. Make sure you do it for a bit though to try to fully get the feel.

lloyd · Since 16 Aug 2007 108 Posts Hood River Stoked

I've done most board sports and have never been truly comfortable with the twin tip type set up, whether it be snowboarding, kiteboarding, skateboarding, etc. Seems to me that in gaining the ability to ride in both directions, the board loses it's ability to truly carve and track in a straight line. The center of gravity feels off to me when set up twin tip. I was always a stronger windsurfing on starboard tack than on port. I am truly, a directional rider. I finally conceded to that fact this year and have my surfboard set up to ride "goofy" foot only. Love it!!

If you're new to the sport, it might just be an adjustment phase. But then again, it might not be. There are options out there for boards if you end up not liking the twin tip thing.

Weaz · Since 23 May 2012 360 Posts Beaverton Obsessed

Also taking your board to a shop/instructor and asking their advice for the strap setup may help. I'm sure they'd gladly help out for a few minutes.

I found out adjusting my stance helped quite a bit with the feel. Basically sliding my rear heal a bit more perpendicular to the edge, while moving the front slightly more askew. I'm also "goofy" footed and learned where I had to always start of going regular... a bit of a pain but it's a learning process.

J_Matic · Since 14 Oct 2011 158 Posts InDaHo Stoked

f*ck the TT, ride a surfboard and lose the straps. Winning!

skent · Wed Jun 06, 12 8:41 pm

What about trying different foot straps? I have the Cabrihna Co-Ax and was thinking of trying the Cabrihna Sync. Does anyone have any opinions on the Sync? I just don't feel that connected to the board.

Weaz · Since 23 May 2012 360 Posts Beaverton Obsessed

I've heard good things about Slingshots Joint. I want to pick up a pair because I'm not quite comfortable enough to try boots.

Nak · Wed Jun 06, 12 9:43 pm

Here's a good technique. Walk naturally. Stop and stand without thinking about your feet. Look at the angle and width of your natural stance. Do it several times, you probably will have the same stance each time. Remember, stand naturally and comfortably. Now, try and mount the pads so that they match your natural stance, both width and angle. This will give you a very good starting position, one that you'll be comfortable with. As you progress, you may choose to modify the position of the straps. For now though, keep it natural.

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

Get some boots or got to NSI and check out the plates and straps. Many of the OEM plates don't offer very much angle adjustment.

Go wide on your stance. Angle is for your knees. You should be able to squat down with out putting your knees at an awkward angle. Just try to squat with you feet at different angles. You feel the difference in your knees.