Written for Technine Bindings By Mike Estes 2006/07

Since I’ve been standing on a snowboard for going on 20 years this winter, I figured I’d pass a little know-how onto you younger G’s on the rise. I wrote this for Technine tonight and figured- what the hell, this would make a good blog post.

So here it is:

1. Have a person measure your shoulders width- the optimal measurement is from both ends of the shoulder, rotator cuff to rotator cuff. No need to measure muscle mass on bicep.

2. Write down results.

3. Now sit down, thighs flat, no shoes on and have a person measure from the bottom of your heel to the top of your knee.

4. Write down results.

5. Now with these 2 crucial measurements you will find the ideal width of your stance for snowboarding. Example: Snowboarder A has a shoulder width of 23 inches and a shin bone measurement of 22.5, the ideal width would be in-between those numbers- 22.5 to 23 inches is going to be a stable stance to progress quickly on your snowboard.

Anything less or more would be hindering to your progression. I have found that after measuring both the shoulder and shinbone, you can deduct an inch or inch and a half and be spot on for a comfortable stance.

Now binding angles are up to the individual riding, duck foot stances are very switch trick friendly but take time to adjust, once you have that adjustment made its hard to return to an inline stance for free-riding and charging fast powder lines.

Some riders can do it, some prefer to stick with one stance, I say just ride smart and within your own means and we’ll have many seasons together – Love, Your Tech9 Bindings