One thing to remember about riding strapped................the frigg'in straps have to be in the right place on the board for the conditions your in. Most manufactures put the straps too far back on the board. They do this so newbie's, who don't know how to turn yet, will buy them after a short Demo.........

In reality, unless your driving down a 8' vertical wave face, you don't need or want to be totally on the back of the board. Boards ride smoother when you ride them properly balanced, wheather your strapped or not............

So try putting the straps well forward on the board and I think you'll find the straps will not be getting in your way when doing transistions. Then you'll see you don't need all that " feet freedom " everyone talks about, plus you'll have way more power and control in windy conditions. I still ride strapless, but mainly when it's light and with a specific board................

I saw a kid riding a surfboard when i was still not sure what I wanted to do, I had no idea who he was. he was always in the pocket. It looked effortless. He would carve around and get in the wave, positioned just right. His board was slotted. he would bust an air with a little grab, on the wave into the wind or headed back out. It looked like surfing. I realized this is what I want to do! If you are hooked on waves then there is no choice really. Thanks Ian.