[WigMar]

Some styles of riding require a lot of ankle flex and foot steering- like riding trees, park, or surfing powder. Stiff boots have their place too.

 

[WigMar]

Bending over at the waist is the worst, and makes you look like a total noob. You're gonna fall so much more than you need to until you learn how to stack your weight over the edges properly. Once you've got that stacked stance, you're not a noob anymore.

Check out this stance video. Creepy Basement Video

 

[WigMar]

Squatting your butt to the highbacks is where the power is, not with that butt in the air and your head down by your toes.

 

[WigMar]

I used to rock forward lean, and I feel it taught me some good things. It shows you the proper attack stance, and it provides extra response and power when you aren't used to stacking your weight over the edge properly. I've come to see forward lean as a learning tool and a matter of personal choice. Personally, I match it to the lean of my boots and leave it at that.

I really don't like forward lean in trees. Highbacks can get in my way. I've gone to the surfy side these days. Freedom of movement is king. I've gone so far as to use highbacks that are so soft I can fold them back with one hand.

Shred your own shred. If you've never looked into forward lean, check it out and you may like it.

 

[WigMar]

I've been going back towards a softer set up for most things lately. Really, I'm into lateral flex and toe/heel response. I find forward lean restricts my lateral movement too much. I match the static lean on my boots with the highbacks.

I found forward lean and stiff boots to be helpful when I was struggling to control my board. As I progressed, it just seemed to get in my way and be uncomfortable. I still have stiff bindings on my aggressive freeride board, but I match the highback's lean to my boots.

 

[WigMar]

I don't even think I need highbacks with how good boots and straps have gotten. No Highback Theory- Mike RanquetIf your body mechanics are on point and you're stacking weight over the edge properly, I don't see the need for forward lean. It's just uncomfortable. I've got respect for Ryan Kanpton, but I don't agree with him here. There's more than one way to get your carve on- shred your own shred. If you like that feeling, go for it! I don't feel forward lean is the only way to ride well.

To the OP, maybe try out some lean. It'll force you into a more proper attack position and you can learn what that feels like and what to shoot for. Experiments like this are good- they can teach you a lot.

 

[WigMar]

Without forward lean you can only bend the knees properly if you put the board on edge. Otherwise you'd have to bend at the waist as well. I think that a bit of forward lean helps out.

I suppose that if you ride with really soft boots and bindings you could do it without forward lean.

I don't agree with that. Without forward lean you can bend your knees into the forward lean position or choose not to and straighten your legs. This gives more balance and stance options, and brings the ankles back into the game.

Again, I propose you don't really need highbacks at all. It all comes down to feel and personal choice. I'd rather have no highbacks than have more forward lean than my boots do.