FOOTSTRAP SET UP

Being comfortable on the board has a lot to do with footstrap set up, here’s how to get them right for you and where you sail.

Freeride Outboard Set Up

If you’re looking for maximum control at speed, busting through challenging chop or holding down a fully loaded rig, then we’d recommend the outboard front straps and double back strap set up. Here’s why.

PROS

– Increased comfort, control and extra speed for those long fast runs.
– Added leverage over the board to resist lift from larger fins.
– Easier to handle larger rigs and more power.
– Helps keep the windward rail down and reduce lift in chop.
– Better upwind performance with increased pressure on the windward rail.
– The rear double back straps are still easily accessible, so a good choice for flat water blasting.

CONS

– Marginally harder to slip the back foot in.
– Doesn’t suit wave riding or pivotal moves (see Freewave Set Up).

SINGLE FIN

When in outboard set up, it’s best to go for a single fin for quicker early planing, higher top speed and handling larger or more powered up rigs.

FREEWAVE INBOARD SET UP

When the focus is relaxed blasting, easy turning, gybing, jumping or any wave situation, use the ‘inboard’ front and single back strap set up. Here’s why.

PROS

– Having the front straps inboard and forward promotes a more ‘inboard’, versatile and agile sailing position.
– Easier to stay in the straps when off the plane waiting for a gust, setting up for a wave or ending a move.
– Enables more gybe variations and much simpler front foot release mid gybe.
– Encourages you to be more ‘over the board’, which is so much easier for gybing, wave riding and any sneaky little freestyle tricks you might want to try.
– For jumping the body is over the board so better for take off and easier landings.

CONS

– Will feel less locked in and more pressure on ankles blasting fast.
– Not as fast as outboard set up for top speed.

Q: What’s the best fin option with inboard Freewave Strap Set Up
A: You can use a single fin on flatter water, but once you’re in the rough stuff, use the thruster set up.

Check out part 2 and part 3 of our Dyno board setup guide with Simon Bornhoft by following the links below: 

PART 2 – MOVING THE STRAPS & GETTING THE FIT RIGHT >>

PART 3 – MAST BASE POSITIONING & FIN SET UP >>