Now I am only still quite new to kiting on surfboards too so what would I know, but I think it depends on what you want to do, for more traditional surfing style you are better off without straps however if you want to explore the added dimension (air) that kite surfing can provide straps are a must IMO.
For the metro area straps are unnecessary but can be fun for a change, you can charge harder, get some more air, jump the white water on the way out etc.

I know you are more into normal surfing style waveriding and from memory I don't think you hardly ever jumped even when riding a TT so you probably could do without them.
On big, fast, wind chopped waves though straps are great, just look at the tow in guys they are usually strapped.
I personally use 2 boards, 1 smaller narrower strapped one and a larger floatier unstrapped one as I like to mix it up.

you guys know me to well.
looks like i will go down and see da lewy craft and get him to put the inserts in,
as i now know where the sweet spots are

nice work slave
hows the wife and kids good i hope

TurtleHunter said...

Try one strap on the front foot. Makes it easier to get over the closeouts.

And do a knee in.....