How to Fix Your Stance on a Snowboard

One of the most fundamental aspects of snowboarding is setting up your bindings correctly. Doing so helps you achieve a comfortable stance position, which in turn makes it easier to ride and perform tricks. To fix and optimize your stance, it's important to make the appropriate adjustments to your bindings. Following six steps should make it possible for most snowboarders to accomplish this.

Things You'll Need

  • Yardstick
  • Screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine if you are regular-footed or goofy-footed. This is the most fundamental aspect of setting up your correct stance and relates to whether you lead with your left or right foot. If you naturally lead with your left foot, you are regular-footed. If you naturally lead with your right foot, you are goofy-footed. In turn, your bindings should be set up to coincide with this.

    • 2

      Decide how much width is best for you between bindings. Having the correct width between your feet is critical to snowboarding smoothly and maintaining balance. For most people, the optimal width for bindings is approximately shoulder-width apart. To find your ideal width, you should jump in the air and land with your feet spread apart. Measure that distance with a yard stick and mount your bindings the same width on your snowboard by using a screwdriver.

    • 3

      Determine how far back you want to be situated on your snowboard. In general, many snowboarders prefer being situated back slightly toward the tail of the board because it allows for more control. You can determine where is best for you by experimenting and trying both positions. To begin, set your bindings closer to the tail. If that feels uncomfortable, move them forward and closer to the center.

    • 4

      Set your snowboard bindings to the duck position for basic freestyle riding and performing tricks. This is also beneficial if you like to consistently ride switch as well. To get your bindings in a duck position, set your front foot to 15 degrees and your back foot to -15 degrees. This can also be done by using a screwdriver.

    • 5

      Set your snowboard bindings to a freeride stance for carving through snow, and if you don't plan on performing many tricks. If you plan on predominately riding in your normal stance and not riding switch, this is your ideal stance. To get your bindings in a freeride position, set your front foot to either 21 degrees in the front and 6 degrees in the back, or 18 degrees in the front and 3 degrees in the back. Stick with the position that feels more comfortable.

    • 6

      Experiment with these different angles until you find one that fits comfortably. There is no exact angle you have to stick with, so keep adjusting your bindings until you find the perfect fit.