Too Soon for Boots?

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ApatheticEnd
ApatheticEnd
WA
995 posts
WA, 995 posts
12 Mar 2011 1:13pm
So yeah, I've been kiting a year. I know it sounds a bit ambitious but I'm really keen to have a go riding with boots. I've been trying to do raleys but I keep leaving my board behind or losing it halfway through and spearing into the water at speed. I'm sure this has got more to do with technique but I always feel like I want to be more locked in. I've tried a bunch of different boards and strap systems but they always feel loose and slippy even when they are tightened down hard.

Is there any benefit to riding boots at my level or should I wait until I'm at least doing a few basic unhooked tricks? If I do have a go, I ride a 135x42 Laluz and i'm 6', 96kgs. Should i be shopping for a bigger, dedicated board or just chuck them on and try it?

Try not to whip out the flamethrowers straight away, its just a humble question. Would be interested to hear the opinon of some experienced boot users.
kiter zac
kiter zac
QLD
295 posts
QLD, 295 posts
12 Mar 2011 4:56pm
its never too soon to ride boots. its just a slightly different riding style than to riding straps. i know riders that just cruize around and they ride boots, in the end its your decision to what you want to use and if you feel boots are going to help you progress then go for it and use them. just remember they are alot harder to get off your feet if something goes wrong and you may need a little bit more wind to get going than if you were to ride straps.
radman4
radman4
678 posts
678 posts
16 Mar 2011 5:30pm
another good option is a set of Dakine Raptor heel bungies,great for holding the board in place and not as limiting as a full boot,i use them all the time hold you in nice and tight and you can flip them up out of the way if you dont need them.
GalahOnTheBay
GalahOnTheBay
NSW
4188 posts
NSW, 4188 posts
17 Mar 2011 1:00am
^^^ what they said.

The biggest drama getting used to boots is getting the hang of to how to get in and out of them while flying a kite, or convincing your mates to launch your kite and bring it to you while you sit patient and ready to go at the waters edge. Having said that though once you get the hang of it then it's not a drama at all.

If you are comfortable enough to sit at the water's edge for a few minutes with your kite flying and spend some time fiddling as if you were putting on bindings (dont look at the kite the whole time) then go for it!

Also all boots are not created equal. Some of them take longer to get n to than others, but the really easy ones to get in to are generally much less supportive.

PS: beware of gnarly shore breaks in boots. Trust me... lol
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