Surf Cat

Wakeboard bindings are perhaps the most important part of a board/binding setup as they transfer a rider’s input to the board and offer the comfort and support that gives the wearer the confidence to soar off the wake. Bindings, however, can vary dramatically by price and features. Here are three things to look for to make sure your next wakeboard bindings work for you.

Will you be using this board/binding setup exclusively or will it be shared by other friends and family? The answer determines whether you’ll want a boot/binding setup sized to just you or one designed to accommodate a much broader size range. The latter may be more versatile but keep in mind they will also likely be less supportive.

Though they may not have the benefit of fitting a wide range of riders, fixed-size bindings will offer the security and foot and ankle support key to taking your riding to the next level. Look for anatomically designed insoles, integrated ankle support, and strong base plates that limit heel and toe lift.

A binding’s closure system will ultimately determine the final fit and how comfortable it is for you. If possible, try several systems to see what works best. In addition to laces, other options include BOA, a fast, convenient twist on laces that tightens via a ratcheting dial and length of micro cable, Velcro, and snowboard-like setups that feature a separate boot and highback binding with ratcheting straps over ankle and toe.