Today we discussed at my local kitebeach, if this year we won't see as many bindings as expected. If you saw the new video "Breaking Wind" and see all the tricks one or two feet of, this may be right.
But this is just one kitebeach rumors, what about the rumors anywhere else? Do you think bindings won't be used by the most kiters in the future?

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Toby on 2002-02-03 19:51 ]</font>

Toby:

Depends on the injury rate. If you read the other forums - many upper level kiters are out with with knee and ankle problems. (Look at poor Eli in Antigua.)

It is pehaps more that they are 'extreme' kiters than the bindings they use. It would be good to hear more on the subject.

When I'm out on my board (footstraps) I always turn my front foot a little bit more towards the direction I'm riding, since I also turn my body in the same direction. Now I'm thinking on riding in bindings and you can't turn your foot, but still turn your body. In this moment the knees have to take a special burden and position, which can cause pain.

yea your dam right i do the same thing i think that when you see most wake boards land the angle and prssure on there kness must be insane ,I turn my foot as well but i think that is more from a snowboarding /skate back ground ,Cause that is the most comfortable stance ,you are noy putting puressure on your lower back.

i think there will develop certain trends and styles.
if you see the maui-kiters with wake and bindings - they ride a certain wake-style with lots of no-whip tricks. i think these guys are hard to get off the boards w. bindings...

then - watch the slingshot movie with these mutant boards and insane no foot tricks - this is definately a new style in kiting.

and these 'hardliners' like p. trow or flash on their directionals and a certain 'surf' style with big airs and insane wave-riding...


there's still more to invent and develop even at this state, but i don't think that in a few years everyone will ride the same style on the same boards because they proofed best ....

that's true, Murdoc.

and good as well, since it would be boring just having one style.

Here in the Maldives we see a lot of people turning to small (140-150cm) wake style boards with straps, there is a few reasons for this;

One is being able to ride wake style and still being able to go high and do one or no footed tricks.

With good shaped straps you get a super nice fit and can hold a hard edge very good BUT still having the possibility to kick the board away when something goes bad. Everyone here uses the shaped DaKine Core Contour strap.

As said earlier the straps also allows a more natural position while riding, easier to turn hips and body.

Bengan
http://www.kitesurfmaldives.com