What Is a Goofy Stance in Snowboarding?

If you’ve ever heard someone say they ride “goofy,” they’re not talking about being silly on the mountain. In snowboarding, “stance goofy” refers to the orientation of your feet on the board—specifically, riding with your right foot forward and your left foot back.

It’s one of the two main stances in snowboarding:

• Goofy Stance: Right foot leads
• Regular Stance: Left foot leads

Neither is better or worse—it all comes down to what feels more natural for your body.

Why Stance Matters

Your stance determines how you balance, steer, and control your board. From carving groomers to landing tricks in the park, having the correct stance can make you feel more stable and confident on your board.

Riding in the “wrong” stance for your body might feel awkward or unstable, especially at high speeds or on steep terrain. That’s why figuring out whether you’re goofy or regular is one of the first steps for new snowboarders.

How to Tell if You’re Goofy or Regular

If you’ve never strapped into a snowboard before, here are a few simple ways to figure out your natural stance:

1. The Push Test (a.k.a. The Slide Test)

• Have a friend gently push you from behind when you're standing relaxed.
• The foot you step forward with first is likely your lead foot.
• If you step forward with your right foot, you’re probably goofy.

2. Stairs or Skating Clue

• Think about which foot you lead with when climbing stairs or kicking a ball.
• Or, if you’ve ridden a skateboard or scooter before—same idea.
• Right foot forward? That’s goofy.

3. The Feel Test

• Try riding both ways on a beginner hill or practice board.
• The stance that feels more balanced, controlled, and intuitive is likely the right one.

Is Goofy Stance Less Common?

Not really! It’s often said that around 30–40% of riders naturally ride goofy. While “regular” might be slightly more common, there’s nothing unusual or “wrong” about being goofy. Some of the best snowboarders in the world ride goofy—it’s just a personal preference, like being right- or left-handed.

Goofy Stance Setup Tips

If you're setting up your board for a goofy stance, here's what to know:

• Front Binding Angle: +15° to +21° is common.
• Back Binding Angle: Between 0° and -15°, depending on if you ride switch.
• Stance Width: Start around shoulder width, then adjust based on comfort and riding style.

Your local snowboard shop or rental center can help you fine-tune these settings. And if you’re experimenting, don’t be afraid to make small adjustments over time.

Final Thoughts

Understanding “stance goofy” is a key piece of the snowboarding puzzle. If you ride with your right foot forward, you’re in good company—and there’s no disadvantage to being goofy versus regular. What matters most is choosing the stance that feels right for you, so you can ride with confidence and control on any terrain.

Whether you're just starting out or dialing in your setup for your next trip, knowing your stance is the first step to better turns, smoother rides, and more fun on the mountain.