If you want to learn how to snowboard, the first thing to learn is how to strap into a snowboard. Although it may seem like a simple task, it is important to perform it correctly to ensure safety on the board.
In this article, we will explore the basics of how to properly strap your snowboard while sitting and standing. In addition, we will provide useful tips and tricks to do it perfectly so that you can safely hit the slopes.
Snowboard bindings parts
The part of snowboard bindings that are used to strap your feet to the board is called strap. This component consists of several parts:
- Strap
- Tongue
- Slider
- Buckle/Ratchet
I recommend you check out our guide on snowboard binding parts to better understand how they work.
How To Strap Into a Snowboard while sitting
The easiest way to strap into a snowboard is to do it while sitting. If you are a beginner and you still need to get familiar with bindings, start this way.
Step #1
Find a place that is flat enough for you to strap on your snowboard easily.
When you get more experience you will be able to do this in steeper terrain.
Step #2
Sit on the ground and place your snowboard angled in front of you, just as shown in the image below. This allows you to align the soles of your boots with the footbed of the bindings.
Step #3
Make sure that the footbed of the binding completely matches the sole of the boots, from toe to heel. This is important to avoid strap into the bindings incorrectly.
Step #4
To complete the hooking, insert the tongue into the buckle of the binding and repeatedly lift the lever above the buckle to tighten the binding. This step must be performed for both straps.
The result should be this:
How To Strap Into a Snowboard While Standing
Strapping on your snowboard bindings while standing can be a little more tricky than doing it while sitting, but with these steps, you’ll be able to do it easily.
Step #1
The first step is to find a flat surface so you can stand comfortably on your snowboard.
If the ground is steeper you risk sliding your snowboard off or falling.
Step #2
Pro tip: while strapping on the first foot, place the other foot halfway between the snowboard and the snow so that the board does not slip..
Insert the first foot into the binding and overlap the sole of the boot on the footbed of the binding.
Note: Always check that the heel touches the heelcup.
Step #3
Once the foot is properly positioned, tighten the binding and repeat the steps with the other foot.
Pro tip: to avoid slipping accumulate snow under the snowboard to act as a stop. If the slope is not too steep this is not necessary
Tips and tricks
Pro tip: If there is ice or snow on the binding remove it. This prevents the sole of the boot from not fitting well on the binding.
Pro tip: To make sure your foot is properly positioned, make sure your heel touches the back of the binding (Heelcup).
Pro tip: Do not strap on your snowboard in dangerous or obstructive areas. So not in the middle of the slope, after a jump, in a blind turn, at the ski lift arrival, etc. Safety first.
How to strap into Step In bindings
Snowboards with step-in technology do not need the use of straps to secure the boots to the binding, as the boots fit directly into the binding itself.
This type of technology is very useful for those who want to save time between runs and avoid having to manually hook up the straps.
Among the most popular step-in bindings, there are Burton Step On and K2 Clicker X HB, both of which have different strapping methods.
To understand how they work, we recommend you read our comparative review of the K2 Clicker X HB vs Burton Step On, where you can learn more about the differences between the two types of binding.
Useful resources
What to do next…
Now that you know how to strap into a snowboard, I recommend you take a look at:
