Setting up your Snowboard

We get a lot of people coming into the shop who have just bought a board bringing it in for a service, or basically anytime they need to take their bindings off. Who have no idea how to set their board up or have had a friend do it and in some cases mess their snowboard up. This will help walk you through how to set your board up with your bindings to get a good stance and also how to sort out your bindings for a perfect fit with your boot.

Regular or Goofy

There really is no benefit between regular or goofy despite what the name might suggest. Regular is left foot forwards Goofy is right foot forwards. You want to lead with your dominant leg although again its different for everyone I know a guy who wakeboards goofy and snowboards regular. When I was first starting out one of my friends got me face away from him and pushed me, I put my right leg forward first to stop myself stacking it so we worked out I was goofy and its worked out pretty well. A lot of people when learning will try and chop and change. It’s best to just stick with it.

Setting up boards is super easy and not remotely scary when looking at your board there will be three different ways in which you can stick your bindings to your snowboard.

Standard

Most boards will look like this with the binding holes set up in parallel rows. For this configuration, you should be able to use the standard base plate provided with your Snowboard bindings.

Burton Boards/3D

Burton of course want to be different and have their own set up known as the 3D where the holes are set up in an almost diamond configuration.

Regular plates from your Snowboard bindings do not fit on these Burton Snowboards so its advisable to try to get the plates for Burton Snowboards from your local dealer. For example, if you have some Union bindings for a Burton snowboard and do not have the correct Base Plates for the bindings in the box, ask the shop you got them from and they should be able to source you some from the binding manufacturer. They look like this:

EST

The last and newest binding system is the Burton EST Channel or Rail system, there are loads of different names, all the same thing. Invented by Forum and now used by Burton it’s aimed at giving you the maximum amount of stance options with the best possible flex. Your board will look like this with two grooves going down the centre of the board.

Burton Process and Choice of Burton Binding Package

If you just bought one of these boards but still have your old bindings, not to worry as all the main binding companies will have their own conversion kits like these from Union bindings.

These will help you put your regular bindings on to an EST board with total ease. If you get your bindings from a shop you should be able to get these free otherwise your looking at £20 for a set. Making sure you have the right hardware is important as you don't really want to come undone half way down the mountain or push the wrong screws though the bottom of the snowboard.

Stance Width

Setting up your stance is super easy. Put both feet near the centre of the board and move them outwards until you feel comfy, remember that you will need to be in a bending knee position like you were snowboarding and hopefully you’ll be doing it all day, so you want make sure your comfy and you feel like you could hold this position for a short while. Once you found the sweet spot get your bindings on the board as close as possible to those positions.

Angles

When it comes to what angles to put your bindings, everyone’s different. I like mine straight duck -15 +15 which is great if you have a twin tip board and want to try going switch. A buddy of mine rides with both of his facing forward. There is no right or wrong stance it is whatever works best for you and helps you have the most fun. If you set them up and you’re aching in a specific point after a few runs like a real deep burning on the outside or inside of your legs play around with them. Its not set in stone and super easy to change just undo the screws enough to let the binding rotate around the disk. Most hills will have a bench with screw drivers tied to it for this very purpose. Or if your riding in a dome, go to the board hire desk they usually have an ultimate set of tools.

We get a lot of people coming to get their boards serviced where you can tell they have been doing their bindings too tight. Its easy to see when servicing because when you look at the bottom of the board you can see where the screws have been pulled up and created dimples on the underside of the board. You definitely do not need your screws this tight. Sure you want them tight enough so they don’t come off but that’s it, any more than that and you risk damaging your board by pulling an insert.

Once the bindings are on, its important to make sure they are set up just right for your boot. If your bindings have a toe cap then you want this to be covering the toe obviously. Make sure its centred and when tightening it again do not over tighten it as the way that the ratchets work they will need to tighten slightly in order to come undone. The straps are there to hold your foot down not cut the circulation off to your feet. Same with the ankle strap make sure it’s over where it needs to go. If you buy your stuff from a shop they should offer to help you do this but if you do end up changing your boots it’s easy to make the adjustments necessary. Lastly the high back, this is the bit at the rear of the binding that will support your calf. You want this running along the back of your boot, so adjust as necessary. It’s usually connected via two screws at the sides and a clip at the very back to adjust the angle. More angle will force you to bend your knees more which will help your riding as it will get you in the proper stance.

Have fun playing with your board and go shred!

Enjoy

S2AS Team Rider Ian Mosby

FORD KITE CUP 2013 JASTARNIA

Sneak peek of the official movie from Ford Kite Cup 2013 Jastarnia, Poland. The video was shot by the Dzida Film Studio and the full clip will be coming soon!


FORD KITE CUP 2013 JASTARNIA - Teaser from Ford Kite Cup on Vimeo.

For kite gear, see here.

Cabrinha 2014 Season Air Collection: Hydra Series Footstraps Review

Surface 2 Air Sports, is run and staffed by kiteboarders, so we're always interested in the newest kit on the block. The Cabrinha 2014 collection is shaping up to be a really good one. Today, we're going to focus on just one element on of the new kit: the Hydra Series footstraps.

Why choose Cabrinha 2014 Hydra Series footstraps?

Hydra footstraps are all about personalisation. They're available in three sizes, two strap styles and each set can be customised to suit your foot size, heel pad preference and stance. They're high-quality, precision made kit, and are an excellent choice for beginners and advanced kiteriders alike. All that, and they look good too – they're available in a royal blue or a hot pink.

Hydra footstrap adjustment options

Tweaking your kit is key to creating a great ride, giving you the control and grip you need without sacrificing your comfort or safety. Hydra Series footstraps in the Cabrinha 2014 collection have multiple adjustment points including:

• Velcro footstraps – tweak them to fit your feet
• Width adjustment – ideal if you sometimes kiteboard in booties
• Heel pad – choose from firm or soft
• Duck adjustments – personalise your stance
• Placement – set them forward or back on the board

H2 Hydra footstraps

The H2 Hydra Series footstraps are the most customisable of the Cabrinha 2014 footstraps. They have two adjustable velcro straps, allowing you more control over the fit of the board, plus all the adjustment options listed above. The Hydra H2 footstrap is a backless binding available in two sizes: small (under a UK size 8) and standard (UK size 8-16). These are a great choice if you know what you want, and you demand top quality and high levels of personalisation from your kit.

H1 Hydra Series footstraps

Simpler to use than the H2, the H1 Hydra footstrap is a good choice for kiteboarders looking for control and comfort. It's less adjustable but easier to set up, and still has the high-quality finish we've come to expect from the Cabrinha 2014 collection. Like the H2, the H1 Hydra Series footstrap is available in small and standard sizes and has a multiple-density footbed and double toebar, designed to give you full control and a great grip without giving your heels a hard time on landings.

H1 Siren footstraps

If you have small feet (under a UK size 8) and you like hot pink, then this is the footstrap for you. Decidedly femme, the H1 Siren is aimed to complement their Siren range, and the colours certainly match. Otherwise, this is a disappointing strap – limited size availability and it seems to be an H1 Hydra with fewer adjustment options. While the Cabrinha 2014 collection has high quality overall, this is not their best strap.

Cabrinha 2014 Season Air Collection – introducing Contra, Overdrive 1XL, Stylus and Alias

At Surface 2 Air Sports, we're always keen to see the new gear from Cabrinha as they're an innovative company who really have their customers' needs at the heart of their work. We've been looking forward to getting our hands (and feet) on the new Cabrinha 2014 season kit. The Cabrinha Air Collection has been looking promising since the early press releases, so we wanted to find out more. Today, we're going to give you an introduction to the new Cabrina 2014 Air Collection.

What is the Cabrinha 2014 Air Collection?

The Air Collection is a set of boards and kites designed to work effectively in low-wind conditions, helping kiteboarders get off the beach and onto the waves on even more marginal days. The new Cabrinha 2014 boards and kites take advantage of technological and design enhancements to give the rider a comfortable ride position with great control.

Contra – lightweight kite for low winds

Designed to make the most of light winds, the Cabrinha 2014 Contra kite has a lightweight frame with 3 microstruts. The Contra Air Collection kite is available in 15m and 17m versions, and has a neat turning capability that helps keep you riding and jumping when the winds are weak.

Stylus – light wind and freeriding board

Like the Contra kite, the Cabrinha 2014 Stylus kiteboard is designed to get you out on the sea when the winds are marginal. It works well in low-wind conditions, allowing you to get off the beach when other kites can't. It's got a laminated wood core, an ultrabond PU rail and low-drag premium fins. It's another high-quality Cabrinha product, compatible with their Hydra Series footstraps.

Alias – board designed to improve low wind kite performance

A star in the Cabrinha 2014 Air Collection, Cabrinha claim that the Alias kiteboard 'increases the bottom end wind range on any kite quiver' and we can well believe it. The Alias has an innovative bamboo and cork construction, making it very lightweight and manoeuvrable. A wide body combined with four precision cut fins makes it a fun, easy ride.

Overdrive Control System

A new engineering design, launched in the Cabrinha 2014 Air Collection, the Overdrive Control Bar is highly adjustable. It can adjust to a full 8cm in seconds, and is designed to allow adjustments to easily be made on the water. It's available in three sizes:

• Overdrive 1X - standard size suitable for most kites, adjusts 49-57cm
• Overdrive 1XL - large size, for use with Contra kites, adjusts 57-64cm
• Overdrive 1X Siren - for use with the Siren range, adjusts 49-57cm

Siren

Part of the Air Collection, the Siren kites and boards are designed for women. There are a couple of strong arguments in favour of such a move, and we applaud any kiteboarding company which is making the sport more accessible and providing kit which will allow more people to hit the waves comfortably and in safety. It's clear that kit designed for someone who is 6 foot tall and 13 stone is not going to be ideal for someone 5 foot tall and 7 stone. But will the same kite really suit all women kiteboarders? And do they all want that kite to be bright pink? We suspect not, which is why we'll keep recommending a wide range of suitable kites to each of our customers, male or female.

S2AS Test the Airush AFT Team Bindings

The new Airush AFT Team Bindings are comfortable and give the right amount of support whilst out on the water for long periods of time. They have a double Velcro finish with the legendary AFT Foot-bed and have a new foot-strap element that enables kiters to quickly and smoothly adjust the strap. The pad has been refined so that the foot centres naturally which improves the rider response.

Our Thoughts…

Our team of riders have been out and testing these bad boys. This is what we thought:

1. The d30 in the bed of the pad is very good on hard landings, so for all those riders who like to down loop or kite loop you’re going to love these soft landings. The grip under the foot is insanely good when doing out-stretched tricks like rallies, s-bends etc., as the pad really grips to your feet – helping stop that ‘one foot in, one foot out’ problem.
2. The strap is really good as it offers a lot of adjustability for people with flat feet, as well as a high arch support.
3. Yes, they are pricey but totally worth it. If you ask any good kitesurfer, they will tell you to find a pair of straps and pads that you love and stick with them on ANY kite board.
4. Impact areas
5. Zoned areas for both heal and toe grip
6. Did I mention they look awesome?!

The Verdict

For us, we feel these bindings are well worth the money. The most important thing you have to think about is; are they comfortable, do they grip well and do they adjust easily and we can say yes to all three of these points.

For more information, don’t hesitate to contact us on 01202 738 448

S2AS

RRD Religion MKIV 2014 Kite

RRD have 20 years in the kiting industry, so they know their stuff and produce the highest quality of kites and boards. They offer everything that you could possibly want from a kite.

The RRD Religion Kite is becoming one of the best reference kites on the market. Testers are raving about this kite and can’t praise it enough.

Although the kite seems very similar to the former ones, there are differences in the colours and there are a number of improvements with the 2014 version of the Religion kite:

• Thicker diameter leading edge design on the smaller sizes
• Better stability in the smaller kites
• Better power in the larger kites
• Wind registry has become considerably larger
• Easier to de-power
• The two new sizes 10,5 and 12, are slightly lighter

What’s great about this kite is its predictability and ease of use but its powerful when you need it to be. RRD’s goal was to improve the spec from the previous years and we must say it’s a phenomenal kite and we speak the words of many thousands of kiters around the world who also love this kite.

In stock now!! Call our store on 01202 738448 for more information.

S2AS

Not for the Light Hearted

Jesse Richman is a two time Kiteboard world champion and has recently set a world record in Kiteboard flying from 790ft over the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon.

Yes he's crazy, but this stunt is its first in this kind to ever be accomplished - congratulations!



However brilliant this is, one bad move and Jesse could have been in trouble. Would any of you risk your life performing this stunt?

S2AS

For kiteboarding equipment, see here.

Kitesurfing and Sports Massage

Kitesurfing is a highly physical sport, but as most of the power of the kite is taken though the waist/seat harness, it makes the sport accessible to virtually anyone with average level of fitness, however it still pays to keep as well conditioned as possible. The general assumption is that it requires significant upper body strength, but as the power is not really taken through the arms, this isn’t necessarily the case, but the shoulders do require good range of motion for all types and levels of riding and particularly for body dragging – which we all do at some point, not just when we’re learning!

Kitesurfing places high demands on the quadriceps (front of thigh), as the knees are often bent, effectively putting you in an isometric (static) contraction for the whole period you are riding. The hamstrings (back of thigh) and gluteals (buttocks) are also acting as global stabilisers. Core and back strength plays a huge role as, even in light winds, kitesurfers are working with huge dynamic forces pulling in all directions.

Light winds will see you mustering as much trunk rotation as possible to maintain your edge and your position on the water. Whereas stronger winds, creating more bar pressure (pull), will demand a lot more of the shoulders and latissimus (back and side of the trunk), arms – including forearms and wrists - in order to maintain control. And at every level of kiting, the neck takes the brunt of falls and mistakes, with strain to the neck flexors (front and side of neck).

As with any sport, over time, training hard can make all of these areas prone to tension and tightening as the body’s soft tissues – muscles, tendons, ligaments – become shorter and less elastic. A good stretching regime will help to counteract these effects and regular sports massage will play a vital role. Sports massage stretches and lengthens muscles fibres that often struggle to be stretched in any other way and thereby flush out tension in the muscles and associated structures.

Compared to windsurfing, kiting has a very quick learning curve, so you can soon find yourself riding harder and longer, doing jumps and tricks, all of which puts more force on the body. The constant changing direction and pull of the kite in opposing directions requires huge amounts of stabilising and deceleration of many of the major leg and trunk muscles. Jumping specifically puts huge loads on the body, especially with repeated bad landings, which can create discomfort and injuries in the back, knees and ankles. It is also not uncommon to receive a blow, from contact with the board, beach or collision with other riders. Significant blows can cause swelling and bruising which will require RICE protocol (Rest, application of Ice and Compression and Elevation) to help the injury repair. In this case massage will help break down adhesion's and scar tissue that may otherwise start to inhibit movement and will encourage blood flow to the area to help eliminate waste products, brought about from the healing process, from the tissues.

In the right conditions, kiters will ride for hours with little or no break, so our slow twitch muscles fibres are hard at work in terms of endurance, but also our fast twitch fibres which enable us to perform power moves.  And as you get into more aggressive riding along with freestyle and wave-riding, a lot more strain is placed on all the muscles and also the myofascial (connective tissue) slings (diagonal anterior and posterior), which can shorten over time, reducing flexibility and causing pain and stiffness.

All of these areas require conditioning. Weight training will help replicate the additional forces placed on the body when in water and will enhance muscle strength and joint stability.  Pilates will assist with core strength, spine and pelvic alignment and general muscle balance.  Regular stretching and regular maintenance sports massage will help keep soft tissues in an optimal state of health and pliability and together will limit our likelihood of injury and allow us to keep improving our riding.

If you are interested in Sports Massage in Poole or Bournemouth, Lilliput Health has an expert team of Sports Massage Therapists that can tailor treatments for your specific needs.