The smallest things...

timwnitram · Joined: 03 Aug 2002 Posts: 130

So I got new booties 'cuz my toes were peeking out of the old ones. It's amazing how just the tiniest things can mess you up, like BOOTIES!! The soles are just a bit thicker and stickier then my last ones. So I hop on the board, try to stick my feet in the straps and barely get a toe in, then I go to gybe and pull my feet out and my feet won't come (even after loosening the straps) because of the sticky soles and splash! over I go.

It's amazing though how just little changes to all this gear we use can make or break a session, new sail, new boom... whatever, makes your session just a little wonky.

chibichibi · Joined: 26 Jun 2006 Posts: 275

what booties did you get? i am having a similar problem with the new neil pryde booties. they stick too well once in the footstrap. they also made my toes numb at Crissy because of cramped tightness up front.

johnl · Joined: 05 Jun 1994 Posts: 1330 Location: Hood River OR

I have had very good luck with the Oneil split toe booties. I use the standard booties for most sailing, then the tropical ones for, well, the tropics, and summer sailing in a shortie.

BUT I've learned over the years to prep my turns and make sure my feet aren't too tight before starting the jibe.....

jse · Joined: 17 Apr 1995 Posts: 1460 Location: Maui

There's always the possibility of sailing without. It's a personal matter.

Steve

victor · Joined: 03 Aug 1998 Posts: 581

i have sticking problems with booties that have the grippy stuff on the sides. they are probabaly designed for surfing.

i have a pair of prolimit booties that have smooth sides. unfortunately the soles are also smooth.

timwnitram · Joined: 03 Aug 2002 Posts: 130

I was thinkin' of gettin' out the ol' power sander and taking some the ridges off. I won't go to town on them, just take a little of the "newness" out of 'em.

jse · Joined: 17 Apr 1995 Posts: 1460 Location: Maui

cbknap · Joined: 03 Jun 1997 Posts: 373

I'm a bootie-nerd myself.

It's not worth breaking your little toe when you kick for the strap during a 30-mph planing jibe....or the hideous infection you get when you accidentally kick a coral reef in HI.

I use the Okespor "Florida," the most minimal bootie out there, and grind the shiny off the bottom before I ever get on a board with them.

They are best when the sole is worn paper-thin.

Andy Brandt used to swear by them.

chibichibi · Joined: 26 Jun 2006 Posts: 275

too much information, TSE! how bout a Loofa?

chibichibi · Joined: 26 Jun 2006 Posts: 275

do you all have any tips for getting into the backstraps easier once your up on a place and in the front strap? i think booties make it twice as hard. i often miss and throw my plane off struggling to get that bastard foot in.