Putting new bindings on your snowboard can be overwhelming with all the options (stance, width, angle, etc.). If you're new to snowboarding and want to learn how to put on bindings, you've come to the right place.

Our team of snowboarding experts is here to help with this video and article! Click play or scroll down to see the guide.

Before you even put the bindings on your snowboard, it's important to know your stance. There are two stance options for snowboarding, and it's determined by which foot is forward. And you might be wondering, "How do I know which stance I'm in?"

Regular stance: left foot forward, right foot back
Goofy Stance: Right foot forward, left foot back

There are a few ways to determine your stance, but the easiest is to stand relaxed with your feet shoulder-width apart and have someone push you from behind. The foot that you put forward for balance is your lead foot, and it determines your stance.

If the results are still unclear, try another fun technique: if you were wearing socks and slipping on the floor, which foot would you put forward? That will be your answer.

However, if you hit the mountain and feel like you prefer to ski the other way, don't be afraid to try a different stance. Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference, and after reading this article, you should be able to swap bindings in no time.

Once you've determined whether you're in a regular or goofy stance on your board, it's time to figure out the stance width and angle that works best for you. This step and the next are closely related, so read on to find out more.

There are no universal rules when it comes to stance width; the key is to find a width that's comfortable for you. Many snowboards have a reference point marked on the topsheet to help you get started, but ultimately it's all about your comfort.

To find this, start by standing in a power stance, where your knees are slightly wider than shoulder width apart. This stance should give you good balance and make you feel powerful when you jump into the air. Once you've found the width that works for you, measure the distance between your feet, starting from the center of each foot. You'll use this measurement when setting up your bindings on your board.

If you're not sure where to start, here are some suggested stance distances based on your height that will give you a good starting point.

Once you have your stance set, it's time to decide where you want to place your bindings. The appropriate binding position may vary slightly depending on whether you ride a twin, directional, or asymmetric snowboard. To make this easier, refer to the "recommended stance" markings on the top of your board when setting up your bindings.

Stance placement options are:

Centered Stance : This position places the bindings in the exact center of the board, evenly spaced between the nose and tail. This is a good position for beginners and advanced freestylers, as it makes tricks and switch riding easier.

Setback Stance
This positioning places the bindings slightly offset towards the tail of the board. It's ideal for those who ride a lot of powder or want to reduce fatigue, and it improves turning and maneuverability on hard slopes. This is the preferred position for freeride and all-mountain riding.

Avoid placing your bindings on the nose and always make sure they are tail heavy.

Once you've decided on your stance width, you'll want to set your binding angle. This setting will have a big impact on your riding comfort, and if not set correctly, it can put unnecessary stress on your calves and knees, reducing your enjoyment of snowboarding.

To adjust the angle of your bindings, look at the mounting disc in the center of the binding. The base plate where the disc sits has dash marks with numbers every 5 degrees. These marks indicate the angle. Line up the disc with the arrow for the desired angle and secure it firmly to the snowboard. It's important to accurately measure the width and setback and set them in the correct position.

Different snowboarding styles require specific stance settings.

All-Mountain Stance
It's well-suited for riding on a variety of terrain, allowing for carving, stability in rough conditions, smooth slopes, and even maneuvering in the air. This stance typically has a front foot angle between +15 and +12 degrees, and a back foot angle between 0 and -5 degrees.

Duck stance
A favorite among park and freestyle riders, it allows for comfortable riding in both standard and switch stances. In this setup, your feet are positioned at a slight angle to each other. A typical duck stance angle is +10 to +15 degrees for your front foot and -10 to -15 degrees for your back foot.

Directional Stance
Some freeride and all-mountain riders prefer to position their feet towards the front of the board for better carving, but this stance is not ideal for rough terrain or airborne maneuvers and limits hip movement in one direction.

Setting your stance to your personal comfort and preference is essential, as even small adjustments can have a big impact on the feel and response of your board. Setting your back foot below -15 degrees is not recommended as it can put strain on your knees. Finding your optimal stance is a personal process, and what works for one person may not necessarily work for another.

The final step: Once you've decided on the binding's position, it's time to secure it to your board. First, grab your screwdriver and screws and align the holes in the baseplate with the inserts that best suit your chosen stance width and angle.

Next, adjust the binding around the disc until you get the angle you want, making sure the base of the binding is evenly centered across the width of the board and there's no overhang, then carefully install the binding.

Important Notice
It is important not to overtighten the screws and do not use adhesives like Loctite as doing so may void your snowboard's warranty.

Learning how to install your bindings is crucial to a comfortable and performant riding experience, allowing you to properly set your stance width and angle and adjust your bindings to suit your riding style.

Adjusting your bindings is a personalized process, and what works best for you might not work for someone else. Experiment with different settings to find the setup that works best for you, ensuring a comfortable and efficient ride.

Once the bindings are attached to your board, you'll need to adjust the highback angle and forward lean, which will have a big impact on not only the performance of the board but also your body posture.

Leaning your highback forward bends your knees, lowering your center of gravity and creating a more aggressive stance. This is great for halfpipe and big mountain riding, as it gives you more leverage and control through turns. However, it restricts leg movement, making it harder to hold and correct when buttering a box or locking in on a rail. Many urban and rail riders prefer to lean their highback as far back as possible, while some big jump riders lean more forward for better edge control on landings and jumps. Again, it's all a matter of personal preference, and you'll need to experiment and adjust to find the setting that works best for you.

Some bindings may require adjustment of the toe ramp or footbed to accommodate your boot size.

In this case, place your boots in the bindings and adjust the toe ramp or footbed so that it is aligned with the edge of your toe, giving you the proper leverage when riding.

The final step in adjusting your bindings is to make sure the straps fit your boots. Place your boots into the bindings and make sure the toe and ankle straps are properly closed and tightened.

The straps should be adjusted so that they are centered on the boot when fully tightened, which will press your heel firmly into the binding's heel cup and give you better leverage when turning.