Bindings / Injuries

Slathrop06 · Newbie Joined: 23 Jul 2009 Posts: 4

I just started wakeboarding a few weeks ago, so my experience is very limited. About the 3rd time out I started getting more daring and wanted to try jumping the wake. The first few times I tried, I got a little air but not much. I was just happy that I got any air at all. Eventually though, I tried again and I fell and both my feet came out of my bindings (and it hurt like hell). I sprained both my ankles and couldn't even stand up the next day. I had to miss work and ice all day long.

My question is this. Could it be that my binings were too tight and when my feet ripped out it sprained them. I still can't believe my feet came out because I could barely get them in and I had them tied up. They are collective development bindings (which I hate).

I am nervous to get back on the board because I don't want this to happen again. Do you think new bindings will resolve this? I already ordered different bindings that might fit better. They are cheap O'brien wheely bindings from overtons. I can't afford anything super special.

I have no idea what I'm doing so any help would be appreciated.

kent2010 · Soul Rider Joined: 14 Jun 2008 Posts: 281 City: Needles

on wrecks like that your bindings are supposed to release you without injury. the bindings you were wearing were probly too small. the bindings are supposed to be snug, not tight on your feet.

Prizzy · Soul Rider Joined: 06 Jun 2008 Posts: 360 City: Milwaukee

you dont want to get that pins and needles expierance and if they were as tight as you were describing them im sure you were getting that... somethin just tells me it wasnt the actually release from the bindings that caused this cause no1 i know or have heard of had this happen to them. many lower end bindings, not saying that their bad or hinder your progression which they do not, tend to be a little mor flexible then some higher end and maybe when you landed the bindings allowed your ankles to roll however this is only my theory and seeing as how i am neither specialist nor doctor you do not to by this but that just seems more plausible to me.

Slathrop06 · Newbie Joined: 23 Jul 2009 Posts: 4

It is weird because my feet felt fine once I got them in the binding. But getting them on and off were very difficult. Are sprained ankles very common?

Prizzy · Soul Rider Joined: 06 Jun 2008 Posts: 360 City: Milwaukee

not in wakeboarding because generally a binding supports you similar to a snowboard boat, which the main purpose is to not allow ankles to bend. allowing some factors in wakeboard bindings that give you the ability to poke and tweak the bindings due bend but not enough IMO to sprain an ankle... and in most cases the release of coming out of the bindings is very quick and pain less.

Slathrop06 · Newbie Joined: 23 Jul 2009 Posts: 4

ok well hopefully i'm okay then with the new bindings. Thanks!

wakeboard1414 · Newbie Joined: 06 Jun 2009 Posts: 44

im no expert, but you probably need bigger/better quality bindings. my feet have been ripped out many times but ive never been injured.

Chocoholic · Soul Rider Joined: 21 Feb 2009 Posts: 363 City: Dubai

Yup you want a snug but not super tight fit. I had one last week, smashed and popped straight out both my bindings - that's one way to get them off Very Happy

- better that, than a one in, one out scenario.

Christobull · Addict Joined: 29 Jun 2009 Posts: 898 City: Tulsa

Prizzy, Slathrop06, I don't think you two are talking about the same thing. I've sprained my ankle from the same kind of fall. I had my bindings too tight, and it gave me a high/low sprain making it hard to walk on the balls of my feet. It doesn't sound like she rolled her ankle, which is a possibility, they were just too tight which made it put a lot of stress on it when her feet came out. Better bindings would be more comfortable and easier to get in and out of, but they aren't necessary if you can't afford them right now. Just be careful the next couple times out. Leave them more loose than you think you should, and just take it easy till you are 100%. I hurt mine again three trips later even though I loosened up, and I have a pretty good intermediate pair of bindings.

WilsonH · Posted: Jul 25, 2009 11:11 am Post subject:

Slathrop06 · Newbie Joined: 23 Jul 2009 Posts: 4

I ordered new bindings, I think it will help. You are right, I did not roll my ankles, but it feels like I sprained them as they came out of the bindings. I think the new bindings will let me come out quick and pain free if i fall like that again

WilsonH · Posted: Jul 30, 2009 9:57 pm Post subject:

Slathrop06, that's a very good thing then!