Forums > Wing Foiling General

Foot swaps with footstraps

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Created by MilesH > 9 months ago, 17 May 2023
MilesH
181 posts
17 May 2023 7:55PM
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I am fine with footswaps on both sides until I try to do it with footstraps fitted. My front foot (when I swap from toeside to heelside) keeps getting caught in the strap when I try to bring it back and if I make a wider arch when I bring it back to get it out of the strap it upsets the board? I have tried loosening the straps and it still does it so its not that my foot is caught in the strap.

I have tried swiveling my foot in the strap to straighten it slightly before swapping feet but it still catches.

Any tips? Thanks

Nikita
QLD, 222 posts
17 May 2023 10:07PM
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I usually wriggle my front foot out of the strap by a few cms before initiating the foot swap.

MProject04
622 posts
17 May 2023 8:13PM
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I have my footstraps pretty wide. So less high arc, more wide. I don't know if that made a difference for getting stuck (which I did do)
The straps are also mounted more longitudinal. So more at a 70 and 110 degrees angle rather than 45/135.

I do admit I don't use the footstrap to be strapped in but more as a reference for foot placement, and sometimes when I need it I move my foot more inside, but I like to able to move my foot at all times. This is complete personal preference and maybe its completely wrong.. but it works (for me)







mikey100
QLD, 1097 posts
18 May 2023 7:25AM
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Because I wear booties all the time, I have given up on foot straps as my feet got continually stuck, no matter how loose I had them. (In bare feet, had no issues. )

Qtwind
74 posts
18 May 2023 6:11AM
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Nikita said..
I usually wriggle my front foot out of the strap by a few cms before initiating the foot swap.

Same technique for me works well. I tend to also bring my back foot up a little to ensure my weight stays neutral.

airsail
QLD, 1536 posts
18 May 2023 8:21AM
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mikey100 said..
Because I wear booties all the time, I have given up on foot straps as my feet got continually stuck, no matter how loose I had them. (In bare feet, had no issues. )


Yep, same with me, can't foot switch in booties, hence I never wear booties.

Browy
QLD, 47 posts
18 May 2023 9:16AM
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Pull your foot out of the strap and put it on top of the strap ready to switch.

kersh
NSW, 143 posts
18 May 2023 2:19PM
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Because I'm old, value my ankles and knees and don't jump, I see no reason for footstraps.

If not jumping, why do people use them? Is it habit?

gneve
126 posts
18 May 2023 10:42PM
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kersh said..
Because I'm old, value my ankles and knees and don't jump, I see no reason for footstraps.

If not jumping, why do people use them? Is it habit?


More with the front strap, but I feel like you can "pull" on the footstrap to help control the board. I think it's all a matter of preference. Having a bit of a snowboarding and wakeboarding background, I like the locked in feel of footstraps.

Oahuwaterwalker
293 posts
18 May 2023 11:47PM
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If you're using standard "rectangular" shaped foot straps you can also try getting the ones that are wider on the nose side and skinnier on tail side. I'll post a link later.

Grantmac
2317 posts
19 May 2023 12:29AM
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I absolutely hate not using straps. Everything is easier in them (for me, an intermediate).

For me the swap is accomplished by bringing my back foot forward, weighting it, then pulling the front out and swapping.

MilesH
181 posts
19 May 2023 12:37AM
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airsail said..

mikey100 said..
Because I wear booties all the time, I have given up on foot straps as my feet got continually stuck, no matter how loose I had them. (In bare feet, had no issues. )



Yep, same with me, can't foot switch in booties, hence I never wear booties.


Thanks all for the comments.

I've never tried it without boots (UK based). I might have to give it a try when summer arrives :)

MilesH
181 posts
19 May 2023 12:40AM
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Select to expand quote
Oahuwaterwalker said..
If you're using standard "rectangular" shaped foot straps you can also try getting the ones that are wider on the nose side and skinnier on tail side. I'll post a link later.



That would be good thanks



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"Foot swaps with footstraps" started by MilesH