WAKEBOARD
BINDING 101
As in many industries, there is an abundance of misinformation in the wakeboard world.
The following tips come from years of experience in the industry, and are designed
to cut through some of the tech talk and misleading jargon. If you would like us to
find you the perfect set of bindings for your needs, please e-mail the following information for all
riders to be using the bindings: Weight, Shoe size, Preferred style of riding, Ability level,
Boat that you typically ride behind. Click the highlighted link to
view all of our current wakeboard
binding deals. Click the highlighted link to view all of our current wakeboard
packages .
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Snug is what you are after. The most common mistake in fitting
wakeboard bindings is buying them too large. Your bindings are
your sole attachment to the board. Controlling your new ride
with loose fitting bindings is like typing with winter gloves
on. The wakeboard binding should not be thought of as an
accessory. It is equal in importance to the board. Often
we hear, "my bindings are too tight...I need lubricant to get into
them". The truth is, you will need lubricant to get into a
binding that fits correctly. Do not try to enter your bindings
dry, it should not work.
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Performance bindings are designed to fit 2-3 shoe sizes only.
Typically: Small = 4-7, Medium = 7-9, Large = 9-11, X L = 11-13, XXL =
13-15. This is the overall range of the binding, but you may
need to individualize the straps for a precise fit. Many riders
choose to make this adjustment themselves, but it can be tricky to get
the bindings back together, so consider letting your pro shop make the
adjustments if needed.
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Adjustable and Sandal style bindings are a good option for new
riders, but sacrifice the snug fit mentioned above. If you need
to get everyone on the boat into one binding, then these are the
answer. If you are want to improve rapidly and are seeking out
maximum performance, then look for a more secure model. Aerial
and invert maneuvers are no fun on adjustables.
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Many riders choose to have their own set of bindings. You may
be able to share a high performance board between a group of friends
within 60 lbs of each other. This same group may choose to
individually own bindings to optimize performance. Remember,
bindings may easily be swapped out on the boat between rides.
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Bindings which are too loose can be equally dangerous as those which
are too tight. Coming out prematurely, or unexpectedly, can be
more dangerous than staying in.
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Expect to pull. You will have to pull hard to enter a good set
of bindings. Do not let this deter you. It is part of the
sport, and will result in a superior ride.
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Always read any labeling or information provided by the
manufacturer. All bindings are designed and fit
differently. The manufacturer's advice should be taken as the
last word on the fit of their product.
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