Straps or boots? The great kiteboard binding debate
Kiteboarding is packed with choices, and one of the most debated? Straps or boots. Once, boots were all the rage, even at big competitions like King of the Air. Now? You’ll hardly see them there. The choice between these two binding styles can totally change how you ride, so let’s break down the pros, cons, and whether you should strap in on a directional board or go wild and ride strapless.
Straps: The classic choice
Straps are the go-to for most kiters and for good reason. They’re easy to get in and out of, let you shift your feet around, and provide a quick escape if things go south.
Pros of straps
Easy entry and exit: Slip in, slip out. Ideal for those mid-air board-offs and a savior for hard crashes. You can whip your board off in no time.
Freedom to move your feet: Adjust your feet on the fly for different moves or stances, or just find that comfy spot.
Flexibility for directional boards: Many kitesurfers on directional boards, or surfboards, use straps for added control, especially in choppy water. However, there’s also a whole debate around using a directional board without straps – but more on that later.
Cons of straps
Less support for tricks: Straps don’t give you the locked-in support you’ll get with boots. For those looking to go big on freestyle tricks, straps might feel a bit loose. But it is still doable.
Less stability on landings: Unlike boots, straps don’t hold your feet firmly, which might lead to slips, especially when landing hard or off-balance.
Boots: For the freestyle lovers
Boots are ideal for riders who want to go big on freestyle and wakestyle tricks. They keep your feet locked in tight, which is great for consistency, stability, and getting that extra edge on tricks and jumps. For wakestyle riders and freestyle fanatics, boots are a favorite choice.
Pros of boots
Locked-in feel: Boots keep you glued to the board, perfect for tricks and jumps where every inch of control counts.
Stable landings: With boots, you land solidly. Less slipping, more sticking.
Freestyle favorite: Boots shine in flat water where you don’t need to bail as often. Where you don’t have to worry about big waves or needing to jump off the board quickly.
Cons of boots
Heavy and bulky: Extra weight means more effort—great if you’re ready for a workout.
Tricky to get on & off: Boots don’t have the slip-and-slide convenience of straps, so get ready for a wrestling match before hitting the water.
No mid-ride adjustments: Once you’re in, you’re committed. There’s no shifting mid-ride.
Directional boards: To strap or not to strap?
Riding a directional board opens up a whole new world of options, and the decision about whether to use straps or go strapless is an equally big debate. Some surfers prefer straps for added control, especially when riding in big waves or choppy waters. Others, however, love the freedom of going strapless, which allows for a more fluid style and makes it easier to hop off and on the board in dynamic surf conditions.
Straps can offer stability for riding in waves, while going strapless can feel liberating—like surfing without restrictions.
Strapped directionals: Great for stability on big waves. Some riders find it easier to transition from twin tips with straps on a directional board.
Strapless directionals: A whole new world. You’re free to shift, pivot, and adjust for better balance. It might take a few sessions to get used to, but once you’re dialed in, the surfy vibe is unbeatable.
The verdict
If you’re into cruising, wave riding, or quick adjustments, straps are your friend. But if you’re looking to stomp tricks with max control, go for boots. And on a directional board, try both strapped and strapless styles and see which gets you stoked.
So there you have it! Play around, experiment, and remember—the fun of kiteboarding is in the ride, not the rules.
xox Berit