Footholds.. Yes or No?

[_frontend]

Coming from this thread: http://www.x-h2o.com/index.php?threads/footholds-to-do-or-not-to-do-that-is-the-question.144112/

I have a 2017 SJ b-piped, full OVP steering, and worx 228 installed.. Finally tore through the stock turf and have ordered a mat kit/glue from blowsion.. I consider myself advanced enough in the surf/flat to finally pull the trigger on footholds.. However, I am still unsure as the gulf side is more often than not flat. I know many of you will say, YES, BUY AND INSTALL FOOTHOLDS GUY... I get that I'll finally be able to submarine for days, finally be able to efficiently do my 180 nose stab off a wave, etc... However, these few things do not have me sold on cutting into the tray and learning this install process.. So, my question is what else will I gain from taking the plunge? Thanks fam.

 

[Mike W]

It’s a safety thing from my aspect. As you progress you want to be able to stay in the tray especially when you’re doing bigger jumps. You definitely don’t want to come out of the tray and face plant into your ski. This is just my perspective.

 

[SXIPro]

Coming from my SJ with footholds to my FX1 without, I feel handcuffed without the footholds. Even if I'm just messing around chasing boat wakes I at least like to have one foot stuffed in a foothold.

 

[bored&stroked]

Worst question ever. Explaining why they are so much better is a waste of time, you already know they are and everyone thinks so by your comment of what many will say, so just go ride some footholds. I do not enjoy ski's without them.

 

[37]

I'll vote 'no' and suggest a helmet instead. It saddens me to see a brand new race hull cut up just to jump waves, then upgraded to an aftermarket hull in short time and the original left for some racer to piece back together.

But, I grew up in a time when big jumps and 180 nose stabs were done with nothing more than technique and foot pressure.

 

[Jarrett1999]

I'll vote 'no' and suggest a helmet instead. It saddens me to see a brand new race hull cut up just to jump waves, then upgraded to an aftermarket hull in short time and the original left for some racer to piece back together.

But, I grew up in a time when big jumps and 180 nose stabs were done with nothing more than technique and foot pressure.

Don’t waste time doing poop like that during summer. Just surf strap and shred that’s all you need.
I’d just wood screw and put thrust mini drains in your tray. That way you don’t have tear up turf and don’t have to worry about a waterlogged tray.

A helmet isn’t a bad choice either, concussions aren’t fun.

 

[_frontend]

I'll vote 'no' and suggest a helmet instead. It saddens me to see a brand new race hull cut up just to jump waves, then upgraded to an aftermarket hull in short time and the original left for some racer to piece back together.

But, I grew up in a time when big jumps and 180 nose stabs were done with nothing more than technique and foot pressure.

Dudes like you are the reason I made this post and was wanting to hear more. Nice to know I’m not the only one circle jerking to the group think. I am rocking the new Fly black MIPS helmet with black/smoked dragon hydro goggles (When I need to). Thanks buddy!

 

[TOBY]

I think you should make your ski your ski and yes put the footholds in and returf you will never race that ski so make it fun for you.

 

[TheBuzzard]

[QUOTE="37, post: 1990820, member: 18173"
I grew up in a time when big jumps and 180 nose stabs were done with nothing more than technique and foot pressure.[/QUOTE]
thankfully I got into it just as guys like you were getting out of it. I cant/wont huck a ski without holds. and they better be FN good and keep me nailed in cause I go flyin. lol i'll vote no on the hell mutt lol never use em

 

[bird]

The only thing difficult about installing holds it making sure don't cut through your rear exhaust tube, hiding in the gunwale. This is one of those mods you'll never go back on. I have a pancake pete hold in the front and use that often as well. Most of my 180 stabs are done with one foot on the dash pushing the ski down, and the other in a rear foothold.

 

[Jhucke]

I agree they are a waste of time. What can you do on a superjet with them that you couldn't without? When installed all they are is protrusions sticking into a tray that is already hurting for real estate. And "progressing in freestyle", what does that even mean anyway? Going from jumping a boat wake normally, to over rotating slightly and landing on your back? Freestyle bro! Footholds decrease value of ski IMO.

 

[Req]

I have 20hrs on my first set of footholds and I hate them. I assume its the location they were placed or my style of riding. I use the hell out of my sqaure nose front foothold however.

I am modding a second square to put all my parts in. As of now footholds are not on the list, just widened tray and a foot strap for surf stance. I may beef up the gunwhales for adjustable holds in the future but Im having a hard time seeing the merit for me.

Consider however that I am the exception to the rule on this. I see them as ankle breakers but I have heard more people say they prevent such injuries. They scare me tbh.

 

[Vumad]

The biggest value in foot holds is that they open your stance which reduces the risk of back injury. The narrow superjet tray is horrible for body mechanics.

But if you are getting AM soon, then just ride responsibly.

 

[rhugo21]

All around footholds. Shape your foam, glass over and turf. Adds 3 inches to your tray on each side too. Only cost me materials and my time. 10000x better than any normal footholds that stick out in the tray. Wider stance is also way better around the buoy course too



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[rhugo21]

All around footholds. Shape your foam, glass over and turf. Adds 3 inches to your tray on each side too. Only cost me materials and my time. 10000x better than any normal footholds that stick out in the tray. Wider stance is also way better around the buoy course too



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I have also had normal footholds in many different squares and roundnoses and absolutely hated them. If you don’t want to chop up your new SJ, @tomski makes a sweet bolt in front foothold. I have one in the pictures I posted.


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[augustaf]

Modified mine to have more room in the tray- I don't use, therefore don't need footholds.

 

[tor*p*do]

yes
just do it

 

[uwswimmer]

Aside from being useful in the air, the wider stance you get, with both feet back or one, is worth the install for me. Its not real difficult either. Good advice waiting until winter though. If you are happy with the tricks you are doing now, and dont plan on finding bigger waves or going for new tricks, maybe stock is the answer.

 

[Z28ricer]

The gulf may often be a flat spot, unfortunately, but there are areas where we still get good riding conditions, and daytona doesn’t take very long to get over to, Ive got a 17’ as well, and the Rickter ninja holds are here, just waiting to buy some vac bagging stuff before I start cutting.

 

[be_lain]

I don’t like footholds personally. Ridden Superjets and Fx1’s with holds and they just constrain you to have your feet in an uncomfortable position that doesn’t help much for surf stance riding. Adjustable footholds are ok but even considering ditching them on my AM hull for rec riding because they just dig into your ankle unless you are wearing riding shoes.

I would opt for a rear foot strap. Minimal modification needed. +1 to Gillian’s comment. I have used a dakine foot strap on my sn for years and love it. Have done everything from Freeride to racing with it. Just make sure you get the positioning right before you drill holes (mark your rear foot position while riding).

Don’t believe the hype! Footholds aren’t all that.