Wave jumping/ surf riding without footholds/straps

[Buckle_up]

So i recently started surf riding, and i have been out 2 or 3 times. I seem to have issues keeping my feet in the tray after jumping a wave, is it my form? or are footholds necessary for wave jumping. trying to figure it out, because i have a hard time making it out past waves after i ride one in. (swamped my ski last time, trying not to do that again over something so little) Thanks for any tips/advice!

 

[Big Kahuna]

you can install some side lifters to help wedge your feet. As far as riding out through the waves, just bunny hop up the face and over.

 

[surfjunkie]

i ride alot of surf and have never had footholds. the only time its an issue is when doing nose stabs and i just plant them against the sidewall of the tray. (im not a backflipper or barrelroller)

you will get it with time

 

[_frontend]

Same as dude above.. I ride a piped 17 superjet and haven't installed footholds yet. The only issues I have had are any sort of rotation as it's difficult to wedge against the tray while repositioning my body. I usually tell new people to start by jumping the backside of waves as it's almost a ramp. Plenty of tray time and not being scared to get a little ballsy will have you jumping in no time.

 

[mthomps]

Ignore the urge to jump with your legs as you ride up the wave. Keep your body weight on the ski. When you hear your engine start to free rev you are in the air so let off the gas and push forward on your pole which will bring your tray up amd your feet should follow. Like bunnyhopping a bmx bike or a skateboard ollie.

I installed footholds then quickly realized it wasnt my style. Since i ride goofy surf stance ill cheat by sticking my left foot in the hold for extra height if im feeling like a hot rod that day...but mainly i just like carving and slashing anyways so it works for me

 

[cpolaris502]

I rode my first ski for a year without foot holds and jumping sucked. If I kept my feet it, I'd always just tip back until I hit the water. The next one I bought had foot holds and I've never looked back. I'm able to ride a lot harder and go as big as I feel comfortable. Hopefully you can test ride one with holds and see how much more you like it or don't.

 

[be_lain]

I’d suggest a foot strap for your issue. I installed a dakine one in the tray of my sn and it made a world of difference (and for only $30). I was then able to boost some mildly respectable nose stabs off waves with confidence. Easy to install as well in comparison to footholds, which I am not a fan of because I think they feel awkward and restrict your stance. I ride surf stance full time so the strap made the most sense for me

 

[Wave ninja]

I’d suggest a foot strap for your issue. I installed a dakine one in the tray of my sn and it made a world of difference (and for only $30). I was then able to boost some mildly respectable nose stabs off waves with confidence. Easy to install as well in comparison to footholds, which I am not a fan of because I think they feel awkward and restrict your stance. I ride surf stance full time so the strap made the most sense for me

Same 1 strap allows for more aggressive riding on my sj,

 

[JamesG]

Footstraps are nice for surf riding. Just make sure you install them well so they don’t break mid air like mine did.
Certain footholds are better for surf riding. I have had luck with the Krash holds and Carter’s holds.

 

[Req]

Where are you surfstance guys mounting your rear strap? With a wide tray I was thinking I may be able to mount it centered on the pump tunnel and have the ability to ride regular or goofy in the strap, this would put the ball of the rear foot centered on the tray. Is the balance/leverage better if its offset toward the outside of the hull putting the heel in the center of the tray? Anyone tried both mounting positions?

 

[227]

Footholds or straps are a must for getting inverted and definitely make jumping/surfriding easier but I know lots of guys who just ride the surf with out them Practice definitely helps of course Come on up and ride Saturday mornings at 7 am with the Oceanside Crew and check out other riders set ups.