Tech talk: kitesurfing strapless or strapped on a directional kiteboard

Hi everyone! Welcome back to Appletree Surfboards headquarters. My name is Wieger, I'm co-founder of Appletree Surfboards and in today's tech talk I'm gonna quickly explain the differences between strapped and strapless riding on a directional kite board.
00:29 It first and foremost comes down to personal preference
00:56 Some boards just work very well with straps
01:54 Can you add straps to any board?
02:15 Straps affect your position on the board
03:13 Are straps recommended if you start riding at directionals?
03:48 What are the pros of riding strapless
04:43 In really big waves we would choose strapped riding over strapless
05:30 Strapless riding gives you the freedom to play around
Hopefully this video gives you a little bit of insight, especially when you're still a beginner and you're trying to choose whether to go strapped or strapless. Hope it helps. Let me know what you thought about this video in the comments below. Give us a follow because we shoot out new tech talk videos monthly. I hope to see you next time in another tech talk video. Cheers!

[@peterlang840]

Thanks for the great tutorial. The way you talk and explanations are exceptional.

[@appletreesurfboards]

Many thanks for your kind words!

[@kountchev1]

one note only: riding strapless TEACHES you how a board works, you learn how foot position changes-alters the turning radius, going upwind, being fast with starts in the waves after an wipeout. with straps you'll never get a feeling what a surfing is like..... and only when you are really good, you can mount straps (and a leash......), in REALLY big choppy waves to maximise your time on the water. travelling through the world, it is really funny to hear the discussions with guys not able to even waterstart a strapless board or jibe (save for tacking...) talking about riding ONE EYE...... there seems to be principles: first strapless, THEN eventually straped.

[@appletreesurfboards]

We always teach people without straps first for this exact reason :)

[@Surf_Life]

Great explanation 🤙🏾... Strapless is heaven, ones you got all maneuvers dialed in😁🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾. Your boards looking great 😊

[@angusgrizzly1730]

Great video, thanks. IMO they are both great fun. I think straps have a place either in really big surf or high winds with messy surf. If it is very windy with lots of chop I prefer straps. Also, I can jump much higher and with rotations with straps at my skill level. Btw I ride an Applino and Malus Domestica strapless and a Klockhouse (in K++ build) with straps - no heel dents yet whereas my other brand customs get wrecked riding strapped ( a couple have snapped too). The Appletrees seem to be able to take it.

[@appletreesurfboards]

Thanks! can't agree more