which allows the rider to place the bindings at almost any angle he or she wishes. Most binding-board interfaces adjust in three-degree increments and can turn 360 degrees. Bindings can also be adjusted laterally on the board, for centering the boot and binding over the board.
Look for bindings that are both durable and reliable. In most snowboard setups, a binding purchase contains all of the moving parts; keep them attached and in working order. Tis generally requires frequent adjustments with a screwdriver before riding.
When selecting a binding, it’s critical that it match the boot size. If the base plate and heel cup are one piece, which tends to be the case, they are typically offered in numerous sizes, and the boot fills most of the space in the binding sole. A proper fit centers the foot on the board so that the toes and heels are equidistant over each edge. Sometimes you’ll need to make lateral adjustments to truly center the boot over the toe edge and heel edge.
Another major factor is adjusting the forward lean of the highbacks (i.e., the portion of the binding against which the rider’s calf rests). Ideally, the highbacks help the rider maintain flexed ankles and knees and offer support when edging the board, especially on the heelside. If a rider has to fully extend the legs to edge heelside, more forward lean is needed. If the ankle is over-flexed, so that there is little to no range of motion, less forward lean is needed. In addition to minimizing range of motion, too much forward lean results in an over-flexed position, which causes muscle fatigue.
Photo 2.4: Convertible binding that can be worn over the top of the toes or as a cap strap
Freeriders, carvers, and halfpipe riders use more forward lean for edging power. Freestylers, and especially those focused on riding rails, tend to use minimal forward lean so that they have ample room to articulate the ankle in many directions.
When getting into soft bindings, riders should start with the ankle strap to help set the heel of the boot all
the way back in the heel cup against the highback. Ten the toe strap can be fastened. Be aware that strap size affects the feel of a boot-binding system. Larger, wider ankle straps make the ankles feel less flexible and more supported, whereas narrower straps offer more flexibility and less support. In addition to the ankle strap width, the relative flexibility of the strap itself is important. Much like wider straps, stiffer straps tend to inhibit the range of ankle motion, while softer straps promote greater range of motion.
40 AASI SNOWBOARD TECHNICAL MANUAL
TheSnowPros.org
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