Outdoors

Are there any tips for getting out of wakeboard bindings quickly?

Are there any tips for getting out of wakeboard bindings quickly?

If you can’t get out of bindings quickly, they may be too small for you. Wakeboard bindings are designed to let your feet slip out when you fall, an important part of water sport safety. If your toes are curling over the end of the footbed, it’s time to get a bigger size.

In well-fitting bindings, when you raise your heel and wiggle your ankle, your heel should slide out and the rest of your foot should follow. The best escape technique is to slip the back foot out first so you can use it as leverage to free the front foot.

If you continue getting stuck, try using a binding lubricant. It’s used more often for getting into bindings than getting out of them, but it’s also good for protecting the bindings. Be sure to use it sparingly, though, because large amounts of lubricant will negatively affect the water.

You can also try wakeskating. A wakeskate doesn’t have bindings; you stand on the foam top, usually wearing runners for extra traction.