Are you a ‘Goofy’ or a ‘Regular’? This isn’t just a choice. Your riding stance is about understanding your natural inclination. While beginners are encouraged to try both and see what feels best, your ultimate choice will be very important.
Your stance on the snowboard dramatically influences balance, control, and overall riding experience. So, let’s start with the basics: what exactly does goofy and regular mean?
Snowboarding Stances Explained
1. What is riding “Regular” in snowboarding?
Riding “regular” in snowboarding means your left foot is forward on the board. This stance feels more natural for many, as it aligns with their dominant foot.
Regular stance is like the right-handers of the snowboarding world. It’s more common, but that doesn’t mean it’s the default or the ‘normal.’ It is but one of the two ways of doing things.
When is Regular Preferred?
Regular stance is typically preferred in situations where control and stability are key. If you’re cruising down groomed runs or hitting some freestyle in the park, a regular stance gives you a solid base to work from.
2. What is riding “Goofy” in snowboarding?
Riding “Goofy” in snowboarding means your right foot is forward on the board. The “Goofy” stance got its name from the Disney character, Goofy, who was drawn surfing with his right foot forward in the 1937 film Hawaiian Holiday.
And just like that, a snowboarding term was born! It’s not as common as Regular, but it’s just as cool. Making a heel-side turn to the left for a goofy footer can feel more instinctive.
How do I know if I ride goofy or regular?
There are five basic tests to help you determine whether you’re a regular or a goofy rider.
Test 1: Slide Across The Room
It’s time to redo some of the childhood shenanigans. Make sure you’re wearing socks and start running to slide across the room.
Try both stances and see whichever feels more natural to you.
Test 2: Kick A Ball
Grab a soccer ball and try kicking it with both feet (not at the same time). Whichever foot is more comfortable for the kick will be your rear foot. So, if you kick the ball with the left foot, you’re a goofy rider.
Test 3: Push & Check
It’s simple but requires some trust in your friend. Stand straight with your eyes closed and ask someone to push you gently.
When pushed, your body will most likely put the “front” foot forward to maintain balance. If it’s right, you’re goofy, and vice versa.
Test 4: Climb
Climb a chair, ladder, or stairs at your home. Whichever foot your body puts forward is your rear foot because your body uses the front one to keep balance.
So if you start climbing with the right foot, you’re a regular.
Test 5: Ride A Board
Ride a snowboard-esque surface like a skateboard or a scooter. Notice which foot feels more natural on the front. You could also do this experiment on a snowboard if you’re already at the resort.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to two key areas: comfort and natural inclination.
Try both stances, not just standing on the board but riding out in the snow. See which one is more comfortable and natural for your body.
Should you learn switch riding?
Switch riding, or learning both regular and goofy stances, can be beneficial in the long run. It greatly enhances your versatility in the snow. Being comfortable in both stances means you can adapt to a wider range of situations and terrains, making you a more flexible and skilled rider.
Additionally, it improves your overall balance and coordination – both crucial skills for snowboarding. This dual-stance proficiency can also prevent the development of muscle imbalances, as you’re evenly working both sides of your body.
Challenges
- Initial Awkwardness: At first, switch riding can feel awkward and challenging. It’s like learning to write with your non-dominant hand.
- Practice Required: The key is to start slow, practice regularly, and gradually build up your confidence and skill.
1. Do more people ride regular or goofy?
More people ride “regular” in snowboarding than “goofy.” Various research studies have shown that about 25% of the world’s snowboarding population rides “goofy,” and 75% ride “regular.” According to some studies, goofy riders in the USA and Australia can be as high as 45% and 30%, respectively.
Source: A survey conducted by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) in 2016
2. Does stance affect snowboarding style?
Your choice of stance – regular or goofy – doesn’t affect the quality or performance of your riding. Snowboarding styles are like your signature upon which your techniques will be built. While it’s the most fundamental thing you should learn, choosing either makes no difference.
3. Tips for Beginners
If you’re new to snowboarding, finding your stance and getting comfortable with it is crucial. Here are some tips to help you out:
- Try both stances to see which feels more natural. Don’t be afraid to switch it up in the early stages.
- Work on exercises that improve your balance. Don’t fixate on your choice too much.
- Consider asking someone to weigh in from a third person’s point of view. Or you could record yourself and see what looks better.
- Remember, mastering your stance takes time. Every pro rider was once a beginner, so give yourself the space and time to learn and grow.
- Observing how seasoned riders use their stance can provide insights. Don’t hesitate to ask for tips from more experienced snowboarders.
Embrace the learning curve, and don’t fixate too much on the technicalities of snowboarding. You’re essentially standing on a piece of wood sliding down a snow-covered mountain. Enjoy!
Expert QnA
Q. Is one stance better than the other?
Neither stance is inherently better than the other in snowboarding. Whether you ride Regular or Goofy is a personal preference and natural inclination. The key is what feels most comfortable and intuitive for you as an individual.
Q. Can I change my stance over time?
Absolutely, you can change your snowboarding stance over time. Many riders evolve their stance as they gain experience and experiment with different techniques. It’s not uncommon for riders to start with one and switch or become proficient in riding both ways.
Matter of fact, learning to ride in your non-dominant stance (switch riding) can enhance your versatility and adaptability on the slopes.
