Footholds vs Footstraps?

[97superjet]

Hey guys, Im fairly new to stand ups but not to skis. I got decent air off a wakeboard boat wake a few weeks ago and my superjet started to flip around and basically my feet went out from under me and when the ski came back down both my tibia's hit the back bumper super hard. I thought I broke my left one right away because it hurt so much (I was in the water doing the old peter griffin holding the knee thing! haha) I idled back to shore and called it a day! So since then I have been searching for footstrap install threads and cant find any, but there are alot of footholds install threads. How do you install footstraps so they are solid and wont come off or wreck the tray? Also what are the pros/cons for straps vs holds? Thanks guys!

 

[swapmeet]

http://www.x-h2o.com/threads/7820-Footstraps-Dakine-Foot-Straps

Old but should help. It's pretty easy, really just a matter of where you want to put them.

From my experience the biggest thing you have to be careful of is sealing up the inserts so you don't get water in the foam under your tray etc.

 

[97superjet]

So you just seal up around the screws really well? Do you have to reinforce the tray at all around the screws?

 

[WaveDemon]

I don't like putting screws in my tray.

I epoxied down some aluminum and tapped it for foot strap bolts.

 

[97superjet]

I don't like putting screws in my tray.

I epoxied down some aluminum and tapped it for foot strap bolts.

How thick was the aluminum? I cant really picture how that would work unless it was fairly thick enough to be tapped? Either way that is a better idea then drilling and putting screws into the tray, but when you decide to take the foot straps off that could suck to get a epoxied piece of aluminum off! haha

 

[WaveDemon]

I don't remember, somewhere in the 3/8-1/2" range.

 

[97superjet]

^Thanks ill keep that in mind, that for sure sounds like the way to go if I do footstraps, any advice on the footholds vs footstraps idea?

 

[D-Nice]

ahh footstraps are a lil leary to me. seems like an ankle break waiting to happen since u cant slip out real easy. use footholds an one strap in the back of the tray an a front foothold for surf stance

 

[Waternut]

I have used both. I like foot straps the most but I will admit that breaking an ankle is much more possible if one foot comes out since you can lock in so tight. Footstraps work great barefooted too which I really liked. That said, I am using footholds mostly because I like having an elbow brace when getting on the ski and you lose a lot of footstrap effectivity in the colder months when it's too cold to ride barefooted.

Regardless of what you decide, you need something fast. I have 5 scars on my shins and EVERY single one of them was because I slipped out of the holds or came out of the holds. I've pulled something in my knee by getting stuck in the holds but that goes away in a few days. Scraping or bashing your shin down to the bone hurts a whole lot more and takes a whole lot longer to heal.

 

[MADMAT]

Footholds and PP front foot hold foreva! Never straps again...

 

[Crab]

straps all the way

 

[97superjet]

^^ Thanks guys, the info has helped so far,but it sounds like there are people on both sides! If it helps I ride barefooted and Im still learning so im not doing any big tricks or anything, just dont want to slip off the back again, my tibias still hurt! haha I am going to re-turf my ski probably this winter so either way they will be going in then.. keep the input comin guys, I appreciate it!!

 

[suva]

I like the wider stance having cut out footholds gives you.

That said my current ski will most likely end up with a strap and a front foothold fire extinguisher tube, mainly because I don't want to go through the work of installing holds.

 

[NVJAY775]

A lot of surf riders are happy with straps, because they suit the app. But some other surf riders use holds, or a combo of both. Flat riders mainly use holds. I use holds and a Tom21 front foothold / extinguisher holder. Couldn't be happier.

Like Suva said, the wider stance with the footholds is a great feeling and WILL improve your flatwater riding. Once you get used to holds, it's almost claustrophobic to ride a ski without them. But you need to get them installed properly and also get the fit and padding right. It's very important to get that right. I like the top and bottom padded with 25 mil. Set it up a bit tight so when you kick in you are in.

 

[swapmeet]

As others have said.... both have applications.

I would put in a strap/ straps and ride the rest of the season. In the mean time, find a set of holds that you think will work well and install them over the winter. Do research, lots of padding is important to a lot of people, so you want something thats too big. There are lots of good options, including Tom21's holds.

Do you know how you ride?