Binding angle and a twisted knee
Looking for some suggestions on this one.
I am riding with my bindings at +9 and -9 but constantly feel like my right knee is being twisted too much. (I ride natural).
Should I perhaps put it at 0 and gradually move it back out towards -9 as I progress?
I havent done any switch riding yet, so really I don’t need to be riding duck footed… but I find sometimes when I am traversing I prefer switch…
Ever had knee problems before? Do you do any stretching? And I don’t just mean before you ride or exercise.
Those angles are pretty mellow and shouldn’t give you any problems. I ride +15/-15. You can try bringing it in and see if it feels better, but I doubt the angles are the problem to begin with - the pain/twisting feeling you get is only showing you the problem exists.
Start a stretching routine each day, focusing on the quads. You may have a muscles on one side of your right leg which is tighter or stronger, so start stretching and maybe some leg exercises (one legged squats, bike riding etc)
Of course, the best way to understand why it feels like that is for you to go see a sports physio.
People on this forum have said never to ride at 0 (which I did for awhile) as it is prone to causing injury. I think most people talk about capping the max combined angle at, say. 30 degrees eg. +15/-15 would be the max. You could try +18/-6 which I’ve read is quite common. Some people have a positive angle on their back foot. I have this on my “carve” board, and I think someone said Terje rides with a +ve back angle, so it’s not just for beginners!
Also, is your body position well-sorted, ie. you’re not twisting your torso forward so it’s facing down the hill? If you’re doing that I imagine it might place more strain on the back knee.
Also, is your body position well-sorted, ie. you’re not twisting your torso forward so it’s facing down the hill? If you’re doing that I imagine it might place more strain on the back knee.
Took the words right out of my mouth. I’d be looking into this.
Also, is your body position well-sorted, ie. you’re not twisting your torso forward so it’s facing down the hill? If you’re doing that I imagine it might place more strain on the back knee.
Took the words right out of my mouth. I’d be looking into this.
I definitely had this issue as a beginner, but has been something that I focus on NOT doing!
I do have an existing knee injury, that could be a contributing factor.
I think I will play around with my bindings and see how I go… worth a shot! Thanks guys 
If it keeps up you might want to see a physio. I had knee pain (not related to snowboarding) this year for the first time ever. I saw a physio and apparently this is a very common complaint, especially for males. It is caused by overly tight quads and/or ITB. He gave me some stretches and foam-roller exercises and that completely sorted me out in a few weeks. Not saying this is the problem you’re having, Blizz, just that it might be worth considering some physio if it keeps happening.
Just a question: why do you only have 9 degrees on your front binding? I’m only guessing but the front angle might be contributing to the discomfort in your back knee. A smaller angle makes it more difficult to initiate a turn so it could be torquing your back knee as you turn. Personally I wouldn’t have anything lower than 15 degrees on your front binding. Just something to consider.
Do you only feel the discomfort when you snowboard? How wide is your stance? How tall are you? Do you use footbeds in your boots? I would like to see some footage of you riding if you ever get the chance to get a few turns on film. It could be anything really; board setup, stance (body position when you ride), inadequate arch support (not using footbeds), or something else (physical issue). Even something as simple as footbeds can give your feet the support they need to keep your knees in the neutral position (if your arches roll in, it might feel like your knee is twisted). I would play around with your stance first and see if that helps somewhat.
I hate to say it but i recommend a lesson!!!
(or next best thing - video up on boardworld!)
For all of those reasons Rider says above!
nothing to apologise for there, ozgirl. Helps enormously with your confidence and makes sure you set good foundations with technique.
I only have it at 9 because that is what I have always had the front binding as (since my first ever time riding).
I only feel it when boarding and the odd occasion after a long day on my feet.
I have a fairly wide stance, which I think might be a contributing factor…
I don’t have footbeds, I want some but can’t seem to find any decent ones (if you have any suggestions Im all ears!)
I’ll try get dark to take the camera for once and film me next time so I can try iron this out, but yeah I seriously think you may have hit the nail on the head about the stance…
. . . Terje rides with a +ve back angle, so it’s not just for beginners!
Terje has ridden +21°/+9° at times, and Ross Powers won Olympic pipe gold with +21°/+6°. Craig Kelly rode +27°/+12°.
I only have it at 9 because that is what I have always had the front binding as (since my first ever time riding).
I only feel it when boarding and the odd occasion after a long day on my feet.
I have a fairly wide stance, which I think might be a contributing factor…
I don’t have footbeds, I want some but can’t seem to find any decent ones (if you have any suggestions Im all ears!)
I’ll try get dark to take the camera for once and film me next time so I can try iron this out, but yeah I seriously think you may have hit the nail on the head about the stance…
The first thing I would suggest is getting more of an angle on your front binding. Try 15 degrees.
Do you wear orthotics? If not, have you been to a podiatrist before? If not, I would suggest you see one. I only say this because you said you feel the same discomfort after a long day on your feet.
I doubt the wide stance is the only factor. I still think the small front angle is a major issue. Combine a small angle and a wide stance (and possibly a pronation issue with your foot) and then you have a serious problem.
Get footbeds. Even if you only get non-custom footbeds like Remind Insoles, you will be better off. The best investment you could make is a set of custom footbeds. I’m not sure if anywhere in Canberra makes them but I’m sure Rhythm in Cooma or one of the stores in Jindabyne will be able to make them for you.
Yep agreed about the podiatrist. I can even recommend you a really good one, in Woden. I went to this bloke when I was 12 years old and he gave me a set of orthotics that lasted me til I was 25! He’s a big sports fan (he has a picture of THAT gregan tackle from the bledisloe on his office wall) and a nice bloke.
http://www.yellowpages.com.au/act/woden/fleet-paul-j-12240639-listing.html
Most good ski shops have good footbeds. Podiatrist will charge big money.
Have you ever tried different angles
Your knee pain is a result of an old injury but being inflamed and is associated pain coming from other areas due to incorrect riding style and poor post/pre riding exercise.
My trailing foot is at zero, no probs on that leg. But i vary it and carry tool to make changes through the day.
I still take lessons - and i’ve done over 1000 days riding.
its true that the podiatrist is expensive, and custom footbeds are a relatively cheap alternative, but I’m not sure you can compare the two. In the podiatrists favour, they a proper specialist and have the equipment and knowledge to make it worth it. IF you have private health insurance, their won’t be much gap. If you don’t, footbeds might be the go.
I dont have private health insurance so I will def give insoles a shot first. I found that Board Supply Co sells them on their site but they don’t have my size 
guess I will have to keep my eyes open for them. Might ring around the stores in the snowies.
I am happy to play with my angles and see what works best. I have never tried anything other than 9-0 and 9-9!!!