14Tuning/conclusions

7.     Revisit Binding Setback

Now that you think you have your clamps set where they need to be, gradually change the setback until you find the location where the board behaves the best.

 

 

ETC.

 

When fine-tuning on-hill, try to change only one variable at a time.  Aim for surface consistency, and use the same pitch for each variable change.  Bear in mind that moving accurately on flat terrain at a slow glide rate is often more difficult than simply banging out turns on steeper terrain.  Odds are good that when you can do it slowly, with little momentum, you will also be able to do it fast. When you think you have it ‘dialed in’, test your set-up on both very hard (grey, translucent ice) and deep soft snow, as neither surface is tolerant of excessive pushing and shoving underfoot.

 

It is to your advantage as an athlete to make use of those systems of the body that are finely tuned, and to use no more muscle than necessary to do the job. This is effective snowboarding. Riding out of the feet is a lot more fun than riding out of the knees, which is more fun than riding out of the hips and so on.   If, however, your boots are the wrong size, are too soft, and the liners are too squishy (that would be thermo moldable); the soles are worn or wobbly, and your bindings have a lot of flex, you may find that a wider, lower stance is more effective. A wider stance affords greater articulation of the knees and hips, which is necessary to guide the board, once the movement of your ankles has been consumed by the slop in the system.  More joint flexion held under load corresponds to premature fatigue.  Premature fatigue can lead to injury, or at least a cessation of activity.  Given the cost of lift access, and equipment, it seems a shame to stop riding due to biomechanical/mechanical ignorance.

 

 

 

A word about leverage

 

Photos of:

Stock deeluxe bootboard

Carpenters Bevel gauge