Strapped Skimboarding

Although a device such as Sector Deck is much a much more common way to attach riders to their boards (in skimboarding), straps can also be used.

One of the main drawbacks of Sector Deck is that the only thing holding the board your feet is sandy Velcro.  The connection is not strong and during spin moves the board can easily fly off of ones feet.  Straps provide a much firmer connection.  The main drawback is that they are much more difficult to get into.  But it is possible.

On Maui, Tom Cooper has been experimenting with strapped skimboarding for years.  He finds that the best configuration is using something called a skyhook for the back foot and a regular strap for the front.  The skyhook is like half a strap or a hook on the board which you slide your back foot under.  The front strap is more difficult because you have to get your foot under there.  Tom has found that by placing the ends of the strap closer together you can increase the arch of the strap.  This makes it easier to get your foot under there because there is more room.  Needless to say this is not easy and is not for beginners.  However if you can get on there and ride a strapped board the possibilities are endless.

Special thanks to Tom for the information and pictures.

Sky hooks and Straps are made by X-Trak as well as other companies..