Foot straps that release in extreme cases - this idea is not entirely new. Now a new product, the Ventores loop, is coming onto the market with the aim of preventing foot injuries. We asked what the system is supposed to do - and where its limits lie.
Klaas, there are already products on the market such as the ION Savety Strap . Now you are following with a much more technical version. What's it all about and who would need something like this?
The strap has an integrated safety system and, similar to a ski binding, releases under certain loads. In my circle of friends alone, there are several people who have broken their metatarsals or torn ligaments while surfing. So I looked for solutions and had the idea patented. Development has been going on for around two years now.
How exactly does the system work?
The basic idea is to have a foot strap that can be adjusted in the same way as you are used to - this is not the case with the ION Savety Strap, for example. A release mechanism is then linked to this. The resistance to release can be adjusted using an Allen screw, similar to a ski binding.
What tips can you give for setting up the system?
Everyone has to find out for themselves which resistance to set. The best thing to do is to stand on the board, put your foot in the strap and try it out. Anyone who has ever had an ankle, ligament or capsule injury, for example, or is just coming back from one, can then feel their personal pain point and adjust the Ventores Savety Footstrap accordingly.
Can the risk of injury sometimes be caused by the unintentional release of a loop?
Of course, one system cannot cover all possible fall situations. Loop position, loop size and area of use have a major influence on how much force is applied to the loop. The specific situation on the water is also a factor: for example, if you fall backwards while foiling and overextend your ankles, you will exert much less force on the strap than someone who is landing a freestyle power move or riding waves. So you have to prioritise and adjust the straps for each individual case.
So it's not a system for everyone, is it?
Certainly not for every situation and all areas of use. Anyone practising freestyle power moves or high loops in the waves should not use the system. However, the release mechanism can also be set to dead. The Savety Footstrap then works like a normal strap and never releases. It is therefore primarily a system for surfers who want to protect themselves from a certain load or situation."
When will the loop be available to buy and how much will it cost?
The loop will be available from March 2023 and costs 68 euros/piece.
Klaas, thank you for the interview!
Further information on the Ventores Savety Footstrap is available HERE . If you want to see the system live, you can meet the Ventores crew at boot Düsseldorf in Hall 17 until 29 January 2023.
