Sandals as footstraps on homemade plywood board?

[Invertedflyby]

I'm building my first board and was thinking of different ideas for it when I glanced into my closet and noticed my sandals I bought for $10 from Kmart about 4 years ago. I use them to wakeskate with right now. Has anyone done this? They would be easier to get into than bindings and hold your feet better than staps and they are comfortable.

The only downside I can see is I imagine they are a little heavier than straps, and they will hold your feet in in a crash unlike a strap but not provide the ankle support that a binding would.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

[lemur]

I think it was on Zeroprestige site where they glued a pair of large sandals to board and then screwed some webbing over the instep to reinforce...Im gonna give it a try on my next board(s)

[p.bay]

make sure you use something that has a lot of lateral give. I used to use sandals on my old plywood deck and I nearly ripped my ankle off.

Thing to think about is that kite bindings have big soft rounded ends, that helps release your foot when pulled from ANY angle. Sandals are designed to grip your foot and only release it when the foot it withdrawn 'backwards' from the sandal.

I was speaking with Saul from the zeroprestige site and he said that its extremely difficult to get bindings right. I've since learned he's right. I'd say its easier to build a board than make a good pair of bindings. They dont look like much but after many attempts (and I try to build everything) I have given up and buy the real deal - ITS WORTH IT.

[Invertedflyby]

I posted this in here and in the main forum and should've only done it in one spot, sorry. I've replied in the main forum.