Strap or strapless surfboard- that is the question

[woodpecker]

Would appreciate feedback on which board I should use with and which one without straps.

I have a Jimmy Lewis 6.2x18.25x2.25 (27 liters) and a North Whip 5.8x18.375x2.2 (24 liters), and I am looking to use one strapped and the other strapless.

Started using the JL with straps and works great as a light wind board, almost like a race board; but also very easy in strong winds.

The North is not as floaty in light winds and seems too wide for strong winds. But on the other hand is more playfull on the waves and strapless seems to be the way to go.

I am trying the reverse for the next couple of rides and see what happens. But does not seem like an obvious answer; as the smaller board should be better for strong winds in which I would add straps and the floaty JL for light winds without straps. MMM maybe....

Any thoughts?

Thanks, WP

[tautologies]

well it is not strapped or strapless. You can do both :- )

...and I think that is what you will discover. Sometimes the straps are awesome, sometimes strapless is better...it just depends on what you want to do that day.

[jan_hou]

If I were you, I will definitely try taking out the straps from the JL 6'2". I have two JL borads, 5'11" and 5'7" (both Kwad). I ride both boards strapless and I love them very much. After I rode them the first time without straps, I never bother put the straps on them. I can ride both boards strapless from 15 knot to 40 knot, no problems. I am 70KG.

Jan

[knotwindy]

yea, everybody is going to have their own answer for this and the best is to try both boards both ways for a while and see which way you prefer for now, knowing it might change over time.

seems to me, since you asked, the JL is too long for straps to have your feet in the right place most of the time and
the Whip is a bit too wide for straps
so you will probably prefer them both without
but again, try them and see

if you really want to ride straps, powered and hard, smaller and narrower board than either of those
IMO

[woodpecker]

Thanks for your useful comments - except for "you can do both" which does not add much. True the JL probably too big for straps as you would need to move weight around more. I already have found them restrictive on this board for that reason. I think the north may be good for powered up riding also as it is light and could jump well. Thanks again. Let the wind be with you.....

[tautologies]

Thanks for your useful comments - except for "you can do both" which does not add more

Well if you just want someone to tell what to do then ask your girlfriend / wife..point is there are no rules.