So I’ve always wanted to prone strapped like how I wing but I always struggled with the back strap. The front foot went right in but the back foot was always impossible. With the centerline back strap I was using, any attempt to get my foot closer to the heel rail to get in the strap would result in a fall to backside.
I recently noticed I’m riding really offset now and I think this might be an opportunity to add straps to my program. With the back foot closer to the toe side rail I think I’ll have more of an opportunity to get the back foot in without throwing myself off balance. I’m gonna 3d print some add on strap inserts I designed and see if I can add straps to the program on a good prone day as well as maybe transition my winging to my prone board.
Approaching the problem like this I think that built in strap inserts are a waste on prone boards. They’re never in EXACTLY the right spot where as with an add on insert they’re exactly where you need them and ONLY where you need them.
If successful I’ll post my process and the files for the inserts.
I still think some kind of add on insert makes more sense - esp with that closed cell foam Appletree construction. Seems like you have to get real lucky to get those inserts in the right spot!
Also, I can slip my feet into straps winging or towing when standing up from my knees, no issue’s at all. I can’t for the life of me pop up and get my feet into straps. I’ve ruined several sessions trying. I can get one or the other, never both. I end up just standing on my straps every time I try to prone surf my wing board.
I’ve had the same issues in the past with getting my back foot in the strap prone. gonna try some pretty extreme forward angle and heavy offset on the backstrap and See if that fixes issues with getting my back foot in.
When using the NSI-style surface mount strap attachments, I found that using 3m 5200 to adhere them to the clean (and slightly roughed) deck was super strong/reliable. Still removable with patience and a razor blade…
For removal of 5200 there’s also a product called Marine Anti Bond which removes 5200. Im mostly trying a different 3d printed insert to do something different. Also I like having screws like a regular insert vs those little stubby machine screws on the NSI inserts
So I tried to mentally map my foot position my last session and this is what I ended up with. I think that more aft open and offset back strap might give me some room for pop up. Also, I feel like if I’m in position for pump, foot forward, can rotate the back foot more parallel and kind of tighten up with that extra angle for more aggressive riding.
First rides today in pretty mediocre conditions. Straps didn’t cost me any waves, felt better in turns, more control for sketchy maneuvers, felt great on the wave. Tried sending 2 airs but never had the speed for it! Maybe try that again in bigger conditions.
Placement is as good as can be - lightyears better experience than adapting your stance to stock strap placement. Map your foot position THEN add straps. I’m not going to say both feet landed directly in the straps on pop up. I was always fiddling with one of them during or after popping up, usually the back, but I always got it in before kicking out (and this was dumpy long period with a short run way)
Pumping was not bad just different. Like riding a bike clip less for the first time. I felt like I was using a lot of different muscles. Id say my pump was at 80% just by feeling a little awkward but I’m confident with practice my strapped pump could be at 110%.
I’m definitely going to leave them on for all but the smallest conditions! Fun!
