How to Get a Strap in a Snowboard

Strap-in bindings are more secure than step-in ones.

Snowboards use components called bindings to attach your feet to the board. There are two types: strap-in bindings and step-in bindings. As their name entails, strap-in bindings use straps to secure you in place. Getting the strap in properly is critical, because doing it wrong can reduce maneuverability or cause you to fall. If you plan to try this sport, knowing how to fasten the strap will help make your overall experience more productive and less frustrating.

Things You'll Need

• Snowboard
• Snowboard boots
• Strap-in bindings

Instructions

1. Put on your snowboard boots. Make them snug, but not too tight. If they hurt your feet, loosen them a bit. If your foot moves too freely inside the boots, tighten the laces a bit more. Keep experimenting until you find the right fit.

2. Sit down with your snowboard in front of you. Many resorts provide benches at the top of the ski lifts for this very purpose. If you have a bench, lie the board flat on the ground with the bindings facing up. If no bench is available, seat yourself in the snow and dig the heel edge of the board into the snow. The heel edge is the side of the snowboard located behind you -- or at your heels -- when you ride.

3. Place your steering foot into the binding. You steer with your back foot. Generally, right-handed people use their right leg to steer, which is called "regular" stance. Left-handed people usually steer with their left foot, known as "goofy" stance. However, this is not always the case and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

4. Attach the straps. Strap-in bindings have two straps. One goes across your toes and the other fastens across the front of your ankle, like a seat belt. The straps themselves are long, serrated pieces of plastic that you thread through their respective locking mechanism on the other side of your foot. The locking mechanism consists of a plastic switch. Pull the switch backward to open it up. Thread the serrated parts through the mechanism.

5. Adjust the tightness. Strap-in bindings are suited for virtually any foot size, so adjust them to the point where they are secure, but not excessively tight. Pain indicates that the bindings need to be loosened a bit. Thread the straps further through the locking mechanism to increase tightness and pull them out to loosen them if necessary.

6. Lock the bindings in place. Press down hard on the plastic switch until you hear a snap. This means that the straps are secure.

7. Repeat Steps 1 through 6 with your front foot. You are now ready to head down the hill.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not get discouraged if you have trouble snowboarding. The sport has a steep learning curve. Ideally, invest in some lessons before you head to the slopes.

• Always wear safety equipment when snowboarding. Head, wrist and tailbone injuries are the most common ones associated with the sport. Snowboard shops provide helmets, wrist guards and pads to protect these areas.