Balance Board Review- In Depth Look at the Types of Balance Boards for Your Training
The heart of the Si Board is being on that solid, urethane ball that gives you free rotation, free multi-direction. And one of the other great advantages of a Si Board is its versatility. We’ve made a system for you that will take you through a basic movement like a Rocker or Wobble Board, all the way up to a full functional 360 degree motion.
1:55 ROCKER BOARD (2 HALF BALLS)
So let’s get started with the Rocker Board. You’re going to place two Half Balls underneath the board, and that’s going to tilt forwards and backwards, and what I would like you to do in this skill progression is you actively move that. Move it forward, move it backwards, see how much angle range and motion you have, and then try to stay centered, and then react to the board.
2:17 WOBBLE BOARD (1 HALF BALL)
Let’s take one Half Ball away and create a Wobble Board. So go ahead and place that Half Ball in the center, and let’s do our movement series. Touch the board left and right on the ground, forwards and backwards, and then add some twisting, and then twist at a diagonal plane where you’re actively going up and down, and then counterclockwise.
2:54 SINGLE PIVOT (1 BALL AND 1 HALF BALL)
When you’re ready to progress to a board that’s actually going to move on you, and roll on you, you’re going to place one Half Ball on one side, and a Ball on the other. And what you’ll find is that one side is actually rocking, while the other side is actually sliding forward and backward.
3:44 DOUBLE PIVOT (2 BALLS)
Your next skill progression is to take away the Half Ball and add a second Ball. So you’re going to have two Balls under the board, one at each side of the rail. Now with this board, the closer the Balls are, the more 360 multi-direction movement that you will have. But this is easier because you have two points of contact. So the board is not doing a really big tilting motion.
4:34 MULTI-DIRECTION (1 BALL)
Alright! Let’s move on to the full Ball! So, this is the heart of the Si Board. If you’re doing upper body motions, what I like to do is first start out on my knees and really get used to all of that motion. This is actually a great skill to do with new clients before they get on and ride with their feet. Just have them kneeling, and do the motions with their hands.
5:28 THRASHER (1 BALL INSIDE HALF BALL)
We’re going to first start with the Thrasher, and you’re going to place a larger Half Ball that’s got the scooped out middle side, you’re going to place that with the flat side up, place a smaller Ball on the inside, and what that will do is it will provide two types of surface area. A smaller Ball, and then a larger Half Ball. And as it’s rolling around, and it’s tilting, it really is thrashing you around.
(8.5” HALF BALL AND 5” BALL
6.5” HALF BALL AND 3” BALL)
6:13 ROCK AND ROLL (DOUBLE THRASHERS)
Your next unpredictable combo is the Rock and Roll. You’re going to place two Half Balls flat side up and place the smaller balls on the inside. So that’s either an 8 ½ inch Half Ball with a 5 inch Ball, or a 6 ½ inch Half Ball with a 3 inch Ball
(8.5” HALF BALL AND 5” BALL X 2
6.5” HALF BALL AND 3” BALL X2)
6:53 BIG DROP (1 BALL INSIDE HALF BALL)
And your last unpredictable combo is called the Big Drop! This one is super insanely fun. I love it. You’re going to place a large Half Ball with a larger Ball on the inside. So you’re going to suction it in there, and that again is going to provide two different surface sizes to roll and teeter on.
(8.5” HALF BALL AND 6.5” BALL
6.5” HALF BALL AND 5” BALL)
7:16
But the Big Drop feels like you’re teetering, and then all of a sudden… Boom! You’re going to drop down to the side. So definitely advanced movement if you’re riding with your feet and standing, then definitely hold onto somebody or get a spot.
7:42 RESISTANCE BAND COMBOS
Alright Si Boarders! That is how you progress with your Half Balls and your Balls. And when you’re ready, add the Bands onto the board with all of those combinations, and then add your six movements, your different stances, and your hand placements or your foot placements.
How to Find The Right Balance Board for Your Height by Measuring Your Stance
Finding the perfect board size for you can be difficult- so here is a quick measuring tip to find your ultimate ride. Elysia shows you how to measure the rail stances and get comfortable with the space you are in.
At Si Boards, we basically have 3 board sizes, Small, Medium and Large. What is your size? The sizing has to do with how tall you are. I like to match a taller rider with a larger board, because that gives you a more natural stance, it allows you to do big movements that fit your body. Imagine being on this teeny tiny board, but you’re actually 6’ tall. It’s just not going to work very well. So, size the board to your height, and then think about the type of training you want, and how much versatility you want.
Are you going to travel with your board? That may dictate whether you get an Original Board or a Starter Board. Smaller Boards like the Turbo, travel really well, they fit great into a suitcase.
The medium size Freestyle Original and Freestyle Starter are great for a variety of users. So, for families with a variety of heights or for Strength and Conditioning programs where they have a variety of heights, that medium size board tends to fit everybody. And the big Commando Board is perfect for your tall, powerful athletes, like your Volleyball and Basketball players, the ones that are way up over here, that large board is going to fit them.
If you are a medium size rider the Commando Board is going to be great for full body training, whereas the Turbo Board is going to be perfect for small quick motions, maybe complex training where you’re doing some tennis skills some basketball skills on there. So you’re having a smaller area to ride so it’s not over taxing your legs. We have so many riders that have multiple boards, and it really depends on what type of training they want to do. So, if you just want to start with your first board to your collection and just still aren’t sure what to do, here is what I suggest.
Usually, people are just in between two board sizes, they don’t have that range of small, medium, large; they are in between two sizes. So we are going to measure out the rail size because that is where you are going to be standing, over the rail ends, not over the big board ends. Our small Turbo Original has a 20” rail, so I’m going to go from zero to 20. The Freestyle Original has a 28” rail, and then the Commando is 36” .
Once you’ve measured it out you’re going to jump on. This is the ride stance for the Turbo Original Board, how do I feel doing some squats, maybe getting into a unique lunge position. When I do that, does that feel good? Do I want to do maybe some basketball skills, how does that feel? Your second board is your Freestyle Original, and this is the stance for the Freestyle Original for me. How does that feel with the squat? That’s much more difficult on the legs because the stance is wider. If I get into a lunge position, maybe I want to throw some balls around, doing some rotational moves.
OK! And then the Commando Board, 36” rail. Look how wide my stance is. Now imagine, you are on a board, on a ball and you’re moving foot to foot. So, You have weight distributed from this side to this side. Does that feel comfortable? Are you going to be able to add those motions in there, feeling really comfortable with that wide-wide stance? I can’t say it enough, but I love the Commando Board, I mean, it’s my favorite! Another thing to consider is how versatile you need to be? Are you going to be doing full body motions on your board? You want to do a full body exercise like the Bucking Bronco and you’re on the Turbo, you’re going to be nice and tight in here and that maybe perfect for you because that’s the type of training that you need. If you don’t have that flexibility then go on over to the Freestyle and if it still too tight for you, then the Commando.
I hope that helps measure out your size. In the comments below if you have any other tips for Si Boarders, let us know and lets expand the community. Have a great ride and guess what? Keep on Breaking the Rules!
Which Balance Board is Better For Surf Training? Command vs Surf Original
Alrighty Si-Boarders, so which one are you going to choose?
The Commando or the Surf?
And to answer your question, it comes down to one main
point; What type of training do you really want to do?So, I have had two surfers who are the same
build, six feet tall, maybe 180 pounds, but they had different surf styles, and
they really wanted to know what was going to be the best board for them?So it came down to your training questions.One, really needed to develop leg strength,
so I steered him towards the Commando Board, because it’s such a big board,
it’s so commanding on your legs. He was going to be able to develop the most
amazing leg strength on that board.The
second surfer, really wanted to work on quickness and carving turns and quick
coordination, so I steered him towards the medium Surf Original Board.Because that board is lighter, has a smaller
rail on it and that allows you to move the board really, really fast, really
quick coordination.So, that one was
going to be perfect for him.
So, in figuring out what board is right for you? Ask
yourself what type of training do you need to do? If you really need leg
domination, you want to go for the bigger board.If you need quickness, then you want to go
for the smaller rail and a lighter board. And the second most important question
is, how expansive of training do you want to do?Do you really want to do big wide stance
lunge movements, big huge push up movements, full body coordination, pop-up
training? Ultimately, the Commando Board might be best for you.Now the Surf Original is a unique board given
that it is 42 inches tall, the Commando Board is 45 inches tall, so that gives
you a big surface area for both boards to do the pop-up training, maybe some of
your fancy footwork, or your big wide push-up stances.However, the smaller rail of the on that Surf
Original is going to ride much faster, so it’s going to limit how much ride
motion you have. So, if you do want to do big huge sweeping motions, that
smaller rail maybe a little too confining for you; and ultimately, perhaps the
Commando Board would be better.
2:14
Alrighty, so here are your board, ball and half-ball
options. Over here we have the big powerhouse Commando Board, it is so much
fun, one of my absolute favorite boards to ride, even though I’m 5’4” and it
stretches me out, it is a tremendous, tremendous workout, 45 inches tall.And over here is the Surf Original, that is
42 inches tall and the main difference is…the rail (da da dah).Here is the unveil! So, you have a 36-inch rail and a 28-inch
rail, and that does make an impact on your ride stance and how much leg shake
you are going to get.
So, let’s talk about which balls are going to be the best
use for this Commando Board.The 6-and-a-half-inch
medium is going to be your beginner ball.It’s fast, it’s got some tilt, but you have to stay a little bit more
level.My absolute favorite is the 8 and
half inch large ball, with the Commando Board, it is so fantastic.And for those of you with super strong legs
the 10-inch, 20 pound, extra-large ball is AMAZING.Once you get that momentum going and it
carries you, OH MY GOSH, you had better hold on cause it’s going to take you
for a ride. So, if you really wanted to just get one ball, the 8 and half is
going to be the perfect all around ball.If you definitely want to do pop-ups, and switch foots and some fancy
footwork then 2- medium six and half inch balls are going to be perfect. Cause
it’s going to give you enough forward and backward motion to keep it
challenging.WOW!
What are you going to ride with the Surf Original?Well, given that it’s a smaller rail, it’s
actually better with a medium 6-and-a-half-inch ball. You can ride the small
5-inch balls, and that is perfect for your pop up training, your switch foot
and your fancy foot work because you’re going to get a lot of forward and
backward motion.But if you’re riding on
just one ball you’re not going to get as much tilt and carving, especially if
that’s what you’re really after, is getting a lot of tilt and fast coordination
then you’re actually better off getting a medium size ball or even the
8-and-a-half-inch large ball.My favorite
with this board would actually be the 6- and-a-half and the 8-and-a half,
particularly because I like getting up high and I like getting the really big
swooping motions. SUPER, SUPER FUN!And
if you’re curious about a half ball, the 8-and-a-half-inch half ball works best
for both boards, so, I would suggest getting the larger 8-and-a-half-inch, half
ball.
4:51
Alright, so I said that the rails are different, so that
means that your ride stance, for a safe ride, is going to be different. So, the
Surf Original is a 28-inch rail, it’s a little bit wider than shoulder width
for me. And this is actually a really, really comfortable stance for me so I
can get down deep; I can do some lunge movements if I wanted to. So, this is a
comfortable stance, but if I really, really wanted to fire up the legs, I’m
going on to the Commando.And 36-inches
and now I’m really wide and I’m much further out from my shoulders and I can
get even deeper.I love just being able
to get that hip mobility and switching.So, if I’m on this board it SO leg taxing, but it is absolutely amazing.
If you’re taller, in the 6-foot range, this is going to fit really, really
comfortably for you, because you’re just so much taller than me.
5:43
Alrighty Si-Boarders, if you’re trying to figure out the
Commando and the Surf, it comes down to what type of training you want to do
and how much versatility.If you have
one of these boards comment below and let everybody else know what you think so
we can expand the knowledge of the Si-Boarders.
For more information check us out at si-boards.com and JUMP
INTO THE NEXT GENERATION
What Type Of Flooring Should I Use With My Si Board Balance Board?
Hey Si Boarders! It’s Elysia, and today’s Q and A is “What type of flooring are you using?”
I get this question a lot: “What type of flooring should I use, because I have tile, or I have hardwood in my house?” “Will the rail damage the tile or the hardwood?” Well, the simple answer is, it is a steel rail system and the board does have grip. So it is possible for that board and that rail to scratch the hardwood or the tile.
The other reason why I would suggest putting down something is to add some traction, because the hardwood or the tile, or even slick concrete can be very slick on the rail system. So if you’re trying to get a good start, and you’re slipping around, you won’t be able to get a really solid foundation when you start to ride.
You also don’t want a sticky rail or something that’s going to stick to the floor, because when you do need to stop, and you slide to the edge, and it hits the floor, it’s going to be very abrupt, and you’re just going to kind of go flying, and we definitely don’t want that.
Here at Si Boards, we use the red, interlocking foam mat. This one’s been beat up very, very well. I think I got these from rubberflooringinc.com, and these are the eco mats.
I believe these are 3/8", and this is perfect for me on top of the concrete. It’s not really that thick to slow me down, and it’s not super thin so that it’s going to be extremely fast. The thicker the mat, then the slower the ride. So if you’re a beginner and want to slow it down, put down an extra mat or some carpeting.
What else could you use? When I do some outdoor demos, I will bring a rubber mat. Now this one is really, really thin, and so it’s nice and light. It’s easy to carry. However, when you do put it down and you are riding, sometimes that ball and the traction on the mat will tend to lift it up. It doesn’t really get in your way. It’s just like an extra wave of rubber going with you.
The other type of surface that people ask about is the training turf, or outdoor turf. Now if you have the indoor turf where it’s pretty dense, it will work. But if you have something very spongy, or even natural grass, that is going to displace a little bit too much, and you’re not really going to get a true, true ride.
Concrete is super, super fast, and I love concrete. So this is actually my favorite demo board that I ride outside, at the park on concrete, and sometimes one of those rubber kids outdoor play area. But the concrete will scratch the rail. Our rail is steel and it has a thick powdercoat on there. But if you can see that it’s actually got a bit of wear, but it’s very surface because this is a thick steel rail.
I cannot say enough about the high end, Baltic birch plywood that we use. Absolutely love it, and I love the finishes that we put on here because it just lasts. So if you’re going to use on concrete, just know that you are going to scratch the rail, but it will be okay, as long as you’re not storing it outside in the harsh weather elements, you should be fine.
If you’re also wondering, “How many squares would I need? How many squares would I get?” Well, at a very minimum, you can get by with a 4 x 4 area on a Turbo board if you’re not riding, you’re just hanging tight there on a wobble or a rocker board. But if you do want to start some motion, the very minimum I would say would be 6 x 6 feet, or even 6 x 4 feet, you can get away with that. And the very best would be 8 x 8’ if you’ve got the area.
Jump On Board With Us
Break the rules and jump into the next generation of balance training and experience the most progressive and advanced multi-directional balance training system out there! With 10 different board styles, multiple ball choices and budget options you can find the combo that fits your needs.
We're working on making the choice simpler for you! I know all the combos below can be overwhelming. Please contact us and we will get you started on the right path. Thanks for your patience. Contact Elysia at [email protected]
Original: The Original paved the way to create the most versatility and skillful balance board. We put our best foot forward using the highest quality materials and design features. Continuous rocker, sturdy multipurpose steel rails and boards to fit all rider heights.
Starter:
We created the Starter for growing kids, fitness on the go and limited budgets. Kids drooled to ride the Original boards but their feet were too small. The Starter series was born as a way to offer an economical balance board designed with adjustable rails and smaller ball options. Everybody can get Started on multi-directional balance training with these boards.
Si Boards are designed for your individual needs and take height, weight, shoe size, sport training goals and budget into consideration. Below are common categories to consider when finding the right board for you. Here's a quick look.
How Tall Are You?
3' - 4'
Kids Kick Start board
4' - 5'4"
Original boards: Turbo and Powder
Starter boards: all models
5'4' - 6'
Original boards: All models
Starter boards: all models
6' - and taller
Original boards: Freestyle, Surf, Commando
Starter boards: Freestyle, Surf
What Is Your Weight? Under 220 lbs
All Original and Starter boards
Over 220 lbs
Original boards ONLY
What Is Your Shoe Size?
Kids shoes
All Starter boards
Adult Shoes
All Original and Starter boards
What Is Your Ride Stance Measurement?
Get into a comfortable squat stance and measure the distance from the outside of each foot. Do a few squats and side lunging within a comfortable range. We suggest a ride stance that matches your comfort.
10" - 16": Kids Kick Start board
16" - 26": Turbo Starter
16" - 38": Powder Starter
18" - 26": Turbo Original
18" - 38": Powder Original
20" - 34": Freestyle Starter
20" - 38": Surf Starter
28" - 34": Freestyle Original
28" - 38": Surf Original
36" - 43": Commando
UnderstandingRide Stance:
Some riders choose a larger board to develop strength while other choose a smaller board to develop quickness.
When Comparing Two Different Boards
The larger board will require greater leg strength and will ride slower.
The smaller board will require less leg strength and will ride faster requiring more coordination.
What Are Your Training Goals?
I want to develop leg strength and coordination:
Suggested a board that fits your ride stance.
I want to use the board predominantly for upper body moves:
Suggested a larger ball for range of motion.
I am not interested in riding a ball and will only use half balls:
Suggested a larger board.
I am still growing in height:
Suggested a Starter board with adjustable rail.
I am interested in doing tricks and advanced riding:
Strongly recommend an Original board.
I work with a variety of clients and skill levels:
Suggested a Freestyle board with ball and half ball
Ball Size And Speed:
Si Boards balls ride fast and responsive. You can place a padded carpet under the ball to slow the speed if you are a beginner. We suggest starting with a smaller ball and progressing to a larger one.
The Larger Ball:
Requires greater leg strength
Rides slow and smooth
Reduces ride space due to larger diameter
Provides more board tilt
Keeps you higher off the ground which may be uncomfortable for beginners
The Smaller Ball:
Requires less leg strength
Rides fast and quick
Keeps you closer to the ground to stop easier
Suggested for beginners
Board Size And Weight:
Si Boards come in a variety of sizes and weights which makes for a unique ride for all of them. Original boards are heavier compared to the Starter boards. In general heavier boards ride slower.
The Larger And Heavier Board:
Is smooth and flows into transitions
Requires greater leg strength to quickly carve a turn
Is more balanced feeling
The Smaller And Lighter Board:
Fast and whippy
Allows you to quickly move and turn
Requires less strength to control
Board Tilt:
This is the angle of the board when one side touches the ground and the other side rests on the ball. We suggest beginning riders start with smaller balls to reduce extreme board tilt.
Greater Board Tilt: (a larger ball)
Requires more ankle, knee and hip range of motion
Allows the rider to carve turns in more extreme angles
Increases the starting angle and strength needed to get started
Less Board Tilt: (a smaller ball)
Requires more fine tuning of the ankles, knees and hips to keep the board level
Allows the board to stop and ground easier
Forward And Backward Motion:
This motion requires greater coordination of your hips and feet and can feel awkward at first. Greater forward and backward motion increases the difficulty.
Original boards have more forward and backward motion due to a wider rail size.
Starter boards are suggested for riders with small feet to control the motion.
Rail Height:
Rail height help contains the ball under the board. If you plan on practicing tricks or advanced moves we suggest an Original board with the steel rail. We do not suggest practicing tricks on a Starter board due to the shortened rail height and hardness of balls.
