Wakeboard Bindings
With bindings you will want to find the right binding style to suit you. Get the right binding fit and you will be able to learn the basics to maximize your performance to its full potential.
Are you a “righty” of “lefty”. You should figure out that first because that will be one or the requirements you will need to know to determine what type of equipment will best suit you.
First off wake board “bindings” are the plates where the boot rests. They should feel comfortable and make you feel confident when riding. Like everything else in the world you get what you pay for. If you buy good quality bindings it should improve your riding ability. Often if you buy cheap ones, you should know how to swim! The bindings are pre made holes that will allow for easy changes such as position. One factor in determining the width of the bindings is when you hit the wake & jump in the air. This will give you an idea how far they should be apart, the average is your shoulder length
.
Here are some basic terms that will help you choice in choosing the best bindings for you.
The footbed is the cushy part that supports the foot absorbing shock and pressure.
The overlay is the part that provides support between the heel and toe.
The underlay is the soft material between the overlay and prevents pinching.
Everybody is different therefore has different show sizes. When riding make the adjustments needed because as you continue to ride there will be some wear and tear.
For righty beginners, a basic stance is to have your right foot towards the back of the board to help your control. Your left foot should be at 15-27 degrees or 2-3 holes from the center of the plate.
After you spent some time down in the water and plenty sunburn from the hours outside, you can now move on to the bindings forward on the board. When doing difficult tricks, they can be easily accomplished when the bindings are in the center. When the bindings are more in the center can a better rotation and better quality of tricks. Your front or left foot should be 18 degrees 4-5 holes from the rear. The back or right foot will now be 0-9 degrees, one hole from the rear.
Now that you are getting much better on the water and looking like a semi-pro, you can advance your skills by the following....
The said“expert’ stance will enable you to ride forwards and backwards, righty and lefty no longer applies. Your feet will point slightly outwards at the same angle. Both front and back foot will be 9 degrees and 3 holes from each side of the board.
The major brands of bindings and general wake boarding equipment is O’Brien, Hyperlite, and Liquid Force. Happy Boarding!
