Beginner binding setup

[Gatorboarder]

hi im a beginner and just got my board and was wondering what/how is the best way to setup up my bindings to make it easier to get up or control the board? thank you

[ozwest]

Find out if you're goofy foot (right foot forward) or regular foot (left foot forward) first (stance direction). If you already know this, great. If not...stand with your feet together and have someone push you forward. Whatever foot reacts the quickest and is out in front of the other foot to balance you is most likely the dominant foot (not always the case in board sports as I surf, snowboard, and wakeboard regular foot and windsurf goofy foot but it usually helps in deciding which is dominant).

Next, find out how far apart your feet should be (stance width). Some people ride shoulder width, some wider, a few shorter. The best way I've found is to lay your board out in front of you so it's sideways (like when you're starting out behind the boat) and stand back from it a bit, jump up into the air and see how you naturally land. When I land, my front foot is at a 12 - 15 degree angle forward and my rear foot is ducked backwards at a 5 - 10 degree angle. Riding too much duck foot can be hard on your knees so try small angles at first on your rear foot until you find what works best for you.

My Dad actually rides with both feet angled forward but he was a slalom water skiier for years and also surfs and snowboards that way so that's probably why.

Have fun and try lots of different ways until you find what works best for you. Writing down the angles is a good way to keep track too if you want to.