| The way your bindings are set up on your board is critical in determing
your 'stance' - this should be different for different levels of riders.
The stance of a beginner for example should be different to that of a
pro. This feature article will tell you everything you need to know about
setting up your bindings to give you the correct stance for your skill
level.
The first thing to do is discover which foot forward you are, if you
have been wakeboarding before chances are you have sorted this bit out.
If you haven't there are a number of simple methods of determining which
foot forward you are, these are outlined in this
article.
Just about all Wakeboards and binding plates (the plate upon which the
bindings are attached) have a number of pre-drilled holes that allow for
a number of different combinations of angles for both the front and rear
bindings. We normally refer to the angle at which each binding is placed
off centre in degrees, i.e. 15°.
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Beginner - Recreational Stance
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This stance is good for learning deepwater starts, forward riding,
turning and carving, and basic jumps and hops. The rear binding
needs to go fairly far back on the board so that most of the rider's
weight will press on the rear fin, making the board easier to control
and navigate.
Back Binding: Set at zero degrees at the backmost position
on the board.
Front Binding: Pointing towards the front of the board at
a 15 - 27 degree angle (2-3 holes from the center of the binding
plate). Place at a natural distance from the rear binding. (i.e.
shoulder width apart).
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Intermediate - Advanced Stance
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Once you've had your share of time on the water and your skills
improve you can begin moving the bindings forward a little bit.
Tricks tend to be easier with the bindings more in the center of
the board. A centered stance aids in spins, riding backwards (fakie)
surface tricks, and more. Your goal is to gradually lessen the angle
degree of the front foot.
Back Binding: Zero to nine degrees - one hole from the back.
Front Binding: Approximately 18 degrees - about 4-5 holes
back.
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Advanced - Expert Stance
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When you get to the point that you are comfortable riding forwards
and backwards it is time to try for a more neutral stance, slightly
back from the center of the board. This stance most resembles your
stance while standing on land, with feet slightly angled outward,
somewhat like a duck's stance. This stance gives you the ability
to perform the same going either direction.
Back Binding: Nine degrees - about three holes from the
back.
Front Binding: Nine degrees - about four holes from the
front.
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