Summary
Importance of Binding Placement
Correct placement of your bindings/boots on your wakeboard is vital for maintaining comfort and safety while riding. This setup determines your stance, or how you stand on the wakeboard. Various stances cater to beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders.
Before securing your bindings/boots, you must first determine which foot will ride forward on your wakeboard. If you’re unsure, you can conduct several tests to establish whether you are regular- or goofy-footed.
Wakeboards and binding plates come equipped with multiple pre-drilled holes that allow for easy adjustment of the angle and position of the bindings on the board. The angles of the bindings are measured in degrees, similar to geometry.
The optimal width for spacing the bindings can be determined by jumping in the air and allowing your feet to land naturally. Measure the distance between your feet and adjust your bindings accordingly; typically, this distance is shoulder-width apart.
Before hitting the water, ensure that your bindings are snug and secure. This precaution helps prevent injuries, ensuring a safer riding experience.
Beginner – Recreational Stance
This stance is ideal for learning deep-water starts, forward riding, turning, carving, and basic jumps. The rear binding needs to be positioned toward the back of the board to distribute most of the rider’s weight on the rear fin. Consequently, this arrangement enhances control and navigation of the board.
- Back Binding: Zero degrees at the backmost position on the board.
- Front Binding: Angled toward the front of the board at a 15- to 27-degree angle (two to three holes from the center of the binding plate). Position at a natural distance from the rear binding.
Intermediate – Advanced Stance
Once you have gained some experience on the water and improved your skills, you can start adjusting the bindings slightly forward. Tricks tend to be easier with the bindings positioned closer to the center of the board. A centered stance facilitates spins, riding backward (fakie), surface tricks, and more.
- Back Binding: Zero to nine degrees, positioned one hole from the back.
- Front Binding: Set at approximately 18 degrees, about four to five holes back.
Advanced – Expert Stance
Once you feel confident riding both forward and backward, you may wish to adopt a more neutral stance, slightly back from the center of the board. This stance resembles a natural standing position, with the feet angled slightly outward, akin to a duck’s posture. This configuration allows for performing tricks in either direction seamlessly.
- Back Binding: Nine degrees, positioned about three holes from the back.
- Front Binding: Nine degrees, situated around four holes from the front.
