About Goofy Snowboard Bindings

Since its inception in the 1960s to its inclusion in the 1998 Winter Olympics, snowboarding has challenged extreme athletes from around the world to tame the wildest slopes. While there isn't much equipment involved in the sport, the equipment required is integral not only to a successful snowboarding career, but to safe riding. A decent snowboard can carve any mountain, but without proper boots and bindings, even the most expensive snowboard will sit uselessly in the snow---and for goofy riders, goofy snowboard bindings are the only way to go.

Significance

Most snowboarders exhibit a regular stance---their right feet are back on the board for balance and their left feet are forward for control and steering. However, some snowboarders ride goofy---when they strap onto their snowboards, they face left with their right feet forward and their left feet back. There is no benefit either way; instead, it is simply a matter of comfort. Goofy snowboard bindings allow for goofy riders to embrace their normal stance, even if that stance is not normal for the majority of snowboarders.

Tests

There are a few simple tests that allow for a snowboarder to decide whether he is regular or goofy. If a snowboarder has participated in any similar sports, such as skateboarding or wakeboarding, than his snowboarding stance should be the same as what he used during those activities. If not, he can have a friend push him gently---whichever foot he steps forward with is the foot he should put first on a snowboard. If his right foot steps forward, he is a goofy rider and will require goofy snowboard bindings.

Misconceptions

Contrary to popular belief, goofy snowboard bindings are no different than regular snowboard bindings. A goofy rider can select any bindings on the market---what makes them goofy is how they are attached to the snowboard. Goofy snowboard bindings should always be attached to the snowboard by a professional. Every rider is different, and every goofy snowboard binding will be tailored to his individual needs, including stance width and boot angle. However, once again, goofy riders are not limited solely to goofy snowboard bindings---any set of bindings can be made goofy by a professional.

Types

There are many types of snowboard bindings; therefore, there are many types of goofy snowboard bindings. Strap bindings are the original snowboard bindings and still remain the most popular especially with freestyle riders. Step-in bindings are popular with beginners and are often used on rental snowboards due to their simplicity. Other types of snowboard bindings include flow-in bindings, plate bindings and baseless bindings. Once a style of binding is selected, riders have numerous brands to choose from and can select from a variety of colors, designs and weights. Since any bindings can be made into goofy snowboard bindings during installation, goofy riders are not limited in the slightest in the type of bindings they can select.

Warning

While any snowboard bindings can be made goofy, not all snowboard bindings are safe for every rider. Styles of snowboard bindings are tailored toward styles of riding, and some bindings that offer freedom are not always good for beginners. Most importantly, snowboard bindings must fit properly. In fact, goofy snowboard bindings should be purchased with corresponding boots---not only will some boots not work with certain bindings, but also others will not fit safely. Forcing a goofy rider to use regular snowboard bindings is counterproductive, but even goofy snowboard bindings can be harmful if the measurements are not correct. Not only will a rider have trouble excelling, he will have trouble feeling comfortable---and consequently safe---while hitting the slopes.