Kitesurfing has grown rapidly in recent years. With this increase in popularity, kite brands have worked hard to develop even better kite designs, harnesses and accessories. From board bags to gloves and from leashes to bite valves, there is now a wide range of kitesurfing equipment on the market. One of the most important pieces of equipment you will need are the footstraps on your board. They are essential for safety and can also help you progress faster when you are learning. In this blog post we take a look at everything you need to know about kiteboard footstraps, including all the different types, features, benefits and our top picks.
What are kiteboarding footstraps?
Board footstraps are a crucial part of kiteboarding gear, and can make a big difference in your experience when learning or when you get out on the water. If you’ve never used or tried kiteboarding footstraps, they are straps that attach to the bottom of the board. They are used to keep your feet in place on the board and in the correct position. Footstraps pull your feet towards the center of the board to give you better control and also allow you to pump the board for improved speed and control. Footstraps are usually attached to the kiteboard by a pair of screws. The screws will grip the board tightly and the footstraps will not move or slide around on the board.
Kiteboarding footstrap types
There are many different types of kiteboarding footstraps, but three of the most popular are ratchets, straps and buckles. There are also some hybrid models, which are a combination of the above. Ratchets – These are the most common footstraps, and are popular in kitesurfing and windsurfing. These straps are a great choice as they are easy to use and quick to adjust. They are also great for beginners who are learning, as they are very secure. Straps – These straps are very similar in design and appearance to ratchets, but are not adjustable like ratchets. They are non-adjustable straps that are good if you have a specific foot size or use the same board regularly, as they can be adjusted to fit your board. Buckles – Buckle footstraps are a bit more complicated than the previous two types, but are easy to use once you get familiar with them. They are ideal for kitesurfers who have specific needs or who prefer a certain type of footstrap. Hybrid straps – These are a combination of a strap and a buckle to make them more secure and easier to adjust.
Kiteboarding board footstrap positions
There are two main positions for footstraps on a kiteboard. The first position is known as a centered foot strap, which is where both footstraps are in the center of the board. The second position is a side foot strap, which is where one footstrap is in the center of the board and the other is on the side of the board. The footstrap position you choose will depend on your individual kitesurfing needs and skill level. A centered footstrap is best for beginners who are just starting out in kiteboarding. This position is also ideal for riders who want to learn to kiteboard with a wide range of tricks. A side foot strap is best for experienced kiteboarders who want to perfect their kite loops and other advanced tricks.
How to place the footstraps on the kitesurfing board?
It is important to place the footstraps correctly, in order to get the most out of them. Start by locating the holes on the bottom of the board where the footstraps will be attached. Next, screw the footstraps into place so that they are securely fastened. This can be done with a hand screwdriver or sometimes with an electric drill. Once the footstraps are attached to the board, make sure they are in the correct position and the screws are tightened securely.
Benefits of different board footstrap positions
Using a specific footstrap position has many advantages. The board footstrap position will depend on your individual needs and skill level. A centered footstrap is good for beginners who are learning to kitesurf and want to try a wide range of tricks. A side footstrap is best for kitesurfers who want to concentrate on perfecting their kite loops and other advanced tricks.
A centered foot strap is good for beginners because it allows them to try a wide variety of tricks.
A side-foot foot strap is good for advanced riders who want to perfect their kite loops and other tricks.
Tips for choosing the right footstrap position for your kitesurfing board
When choosing the footstrap position for your board, it is important to consider your experience and skill level. A centered footstrap is ideal for beginners who are just starting out in kitesurfing, as it allows them to try a variety of tricks. A side foot strap is best for advanced kitesurfers who want to perfect their kite loops and other tricks. Other things to consider when choosing the footstrap position for your board are the size of your foot, the type of water you ride, the type of kite you use, and the type of board you use.
I’m Sergio Turégano and I’ve been practicing kite for 10 years. Since I was little I was passionate about the sea and I started to jump into the water with boards since I can remember, I’ve tried body, surf and windsurf but kitesurfing is my passion. I was champion of the Kitesurf TT:R Open World Championship in 2017 and I have been runner-up of Spain in the Junior category. Now I dedicate my life to enjoy kitesurfing as much as I can and teach others how to practice this amazing sport in Tarifa. I love to write about it and share all my tricks, tips and secrets about the kite world.