why do people ride strapless surfboards in overpowered conditions? Down at scarbs the last few days (especially monday)it has been strong wind weather (25+ knots or their abouts), yet certain people are glued to the image of being down there unhooked on strapless surfboards! After watching a bit, i noticed they were just getting blown off their boards time and time again. I saw people on 6m kites with small twintips cranking upwind.

Not knocking surfboard riding itself, as i too enjoy riding waves and see the benefits when the wind is moderate to light, just blows my mind why people dont change their boards to suit the conditions better...

Gong!

you must be watching the wrong people have a look at guys like wilson,rhys,blake,cav and a few others out there killing it with out straps even when its nukin. If you can't ride stapless put your staps on its easier for learning no one will hold it against you.
paul.j

yep, there are a few people in aus that can do it well, in some great spots around aus. Im talking about scarbs in the onshore slop, there are quite a few down there (one real small guy, for example) that dont seem to change gear to suit conditions. Just curious as to their reasoning(other than it fits the modern kite image and trend)? Like i said, there is a time, spot and a place for it, where it is great, but these guys look silly being blown off their board, getting in the way of other riders.

Redrocket,

what's the point? Are they getting in your way? Do you think it's dangerous what they're doing? They got to learn to do it in these conditions some how....

If it's not in your way or dangerous let them ride on what they want.

M

sir rowdy,
are you taking the piss or do you kite on a lake?

No sir rowdy, that is not the point. The point is, there is a spot for strapless riding, i do it myself, it has advantages such as freedom and allows certain style while riding. Also riding the bigger board allows you to be powered in lighter winds.

What i am asking is why do people persist with it on days that it is howling, when you can ride waves heaps better on a small board and have the benefits of straps to keep you attached. These guys are just overpowered. And i am suggesting that people seem to be hooked on the idea that they have to show up at the beach strapless for the image, (see paul.j.'s + gruezi comments..) to fit in, rather than what will make it a better session for you.

What alarm bells says is spot on. No Maxxl, no one got in my way in one particular instance, they just sit in on the break and get blown off all the waves and dont leave much space for other riders while they flop around with the kite parked at 12 oclock while they fish for their board. So yeah they get in lots of peoples way, dont know if its dangerous, they usually seem competent riders...

straps are all good!

those who don't use them are only after a magazine spread.

time will forget them as a strange bunch of people who held the sport back.

if you have a small enough kite you should be able to do it in 30 knts too. straps are for when it gets over 6 foot, any other time they are lame.

This is such a stupid thread. Disappointed in your response Ryland, I thought you were above that, I've always found you to be mature and level headed with a live and let live attitude that you used to keep to yourself. What happened you've maybe been with Slingy too long.

Strapped or unstrapped, why the hell would the way someone else chooses to ride be a problem to any of you. I ride both but mainly strapped, it is my choice on the day. For anyone to say someone is gay or lame for riding one way or the other is the only thing that is truly lame. Get over it and just concern yourself with how you ride.

Good winds,

Funny kn thing is, in kiting we want to go kn strapless to be more like surfers, in surfing, crew are looking at ways to go kn strapped, eg by wanting to tow in kn sh1tty waves on a jetski - see:

www.srosurf.com/gennews/tow1.html

You should all stop riding waves so that Red Rocket can do his big look at me boosts and clutter one of the only semi reasonable wave locations on the metro coast.

Its got nothing to do with image but everything to do with having a challenge and developing the sport - sounds like You Rocket are the one fixated with whats right or wrong?

Rocket I suggest you go and cry to your mummy or better still come have a chat with us next time your at the beach so we can meet you know who you are and see how Sh!t hot you are at going upwind

we are all friends down there no need to go bleating on a forum about your insecurities come have a chat some time

don't kn worry about riding strapless, worry about the bloke riding in his kn sluggos

NEVER ride your sluggos backhand

no need to get worked up dazza. didnt you see my smiley face . i was just stirring back as i think this is a stupid thread and i hate when people start up a thread just to stir sh!t with a new user name. i couldn't give a stuff if anyone rides straps or not. it seems to bother red rockit though. he should spend more time kiting the water rather than kiting the net.

Sometimes i dont wear underpants beneath my wetsuit. Is that radical??