stoker bindings (difficulty getting out of them) / Pro Ski Coach Water Ski Forum

wdnrbll · #1 Fri, Mar 26, 2010 2:44 AM

I was finally able to get out and ski yesterday on my connelly concept with double stoker bindings. I had no problems getting into the bindings but really struggled getting out of them. Had to get back up in the boat and reapply the lube. even then it was quite a chore. Will the bindings break in at all or is there any certain obvious trick that I'm missing to getting out?

The ski felt great by the way. Love it!

HO410 · #2 Fri, Mar 26, 2010 2:42 PM

In every other phase they feel good? Not too hard to get on? Do the feel firm but are not like a vice on your foot? Don't worry too much, the rubber will soften up over time. It will also start to feel better as the water warms.

Do make sure you are pointing your toe to get out. It seems obvious but it can be hard to think of when you tug and your foot doesn't budge. One option you have is to grab the tip of the ski and pull it toward you as you pull your rear foot out. That is effective but I have tweaked my ankle doing that in cold water. My preferred method is to push against the tip of the ski while I pull my front foot out. Then I will set my foot behind the rear boot and push against the ski with the free foot.

jbski · #3 Fri, Mar 26, 2010 3:09 PM

Do the bindings have contours inside that help hold your heel down by fitting around your achilles tendon area? If so, beware, I tore my achilles getting out of one of those. My fault, though, I didn't loosen the front laces enough and just grabbed my ski and pulled it off the way I was used to with D3 rubber. Didn't work very well. Missed the rest of that season.

Galejan · #4 Fri, Mar 26, 2010 7:16 PM

Use fo have warm water to "put" in the bindings when its cold, then its no problem to get out.

AndersonSkiTeam · #5 Fri, Mar 26, 2010 10:27 PM

I had similar issues. My Bro. teased me that it looked and sounder harder than child birth trying to get out. It took a couple of months but before long they would slide off easily in the water. It was a hassle getting up on the swim platform and lubing to get out after each set. Also resulted in a few falls off the swim platform trying to get out pulling with all your might and not budging. Made you think if the last ski of the day was really worth it for all the effort it was going to take. This was one of the reasons I switched to drafts when I changed bindings. Didn't want the hassle again. Next set up will be some sort of hardshell for ease again and releasing. I have never released from Drafts and scares the crap out of me.

Last edited by AndersonSkiTeam (Fri, Mar 26, 2010 10:27 PM)

wdnrbll · #6 Sat, Mar 27, 2010 4:55 PM

Thanks for the replies. Hopefully the rubber will break in and also improve with warmer water. Having warm water on the boat is a good idea that I will try.

h20dawg79 · #7 Sat, Mar 27, 2010 6:22 PM

I knew a guy who used to wear a real thin nylon sock (almost like nylons) and helped him slip in/out very easily... ?????

But, don't forget the garter, for extra style points!