I guys. I just bought a North Wam, with a great deal, and I am happy like a baby!
Two questions:
- should I start strapped or strapless, or just with front strap to have a reference?
- quad or thruster? How it is easier to go upwind at the very beginning?
Thanks a lot for your help!
Beppe

Awesome !

Start strapless, if you are not into surfing - as then you'll learn how the board works, and you can put straps on later, if you want, when you've learned the basics about such a board.

You can go a bit better upwind with quads normally, so just start with these - and try the thruster later, when you are "good" so you can feel the difference

PF

The danger of starting with straps is that you will be less inclined to go strapless in the future. I'm no expert at all but why use straps unless they are really needed, the fun in using a "surfboard" is that it different from a twin tip and a whole new way of riding.

Riding strapless isn't hard, if you are a competent kiter then its extremely easy, its just turning (gybing???? like I said no expert ) that is blooming hard!!!!

Can you find some flat water to get I dialled in? Then go strapless.

If you are in surf, I found having the front strap a lot of help to get over the chop. Then take it away.

The wam is good using both as it is thin enough for straps to not hinder the rail the rail action.

I know guys who rip both with and without straps, it is a personal preference.

It is a nice feeling having no straps though, real freedom.

I ride mutants and TT mainly but when I do get out the SB for fits and giggles I go strapless.

Yeh gybing is easier strapless to.

Here's a little something something The Kiteboarder Mag. and I put together. Hope it helps...

Again every one here will just recommend what they prefer..which I guess is useful. However, it does not really matter which way you start.

There there is no magic bullet here. You really have to just pick one and go for it. Straps are easier to get going in the beginning, but harder to jibe...

I would generally say...especially for the wam board, go with straps in the beginning because it is relatively narrow..and make sure you have plenty power.

Peter gave me this same advice back in May when I asked the same question, and it worked out great. I learned and got comfortable strapless in mostly flat water, and now that I am just attempting surf, I have put some straps on my board. I will ride both ways depending on the conditions and what I want to do. Good luck. You are going to like it.

Thanks guys. Very helpful.
I look fwd to try it in the icy water!

As some of the guys said, try flat water, and above all leave the TT at home for at least 6 straight sessions to force yourself to commit.

Most don't and then keep reverting to TT and never give the surfboard a solid go.

Mike

If I could add to mikes bit....if ya can try and do so e big downwinders as well.

I was struggling on the gybes, so I did some big downwinders, spent a fair bit in the water, but by the end was hitting most of them. But he second session was nailing them all and getting quicker. Took the back strap off the second downwinder, then did another without any. Then hit the surf.

This way you are not so focused on staying upwind and not walking up the beach instead of actually being in the water.

But hey I can ride strapless reasonably well, not great but rather be on my mutant and TT, weird hey. We are all different. But when the swell is decent, and winds a little lighter its strapless fun alright.