What Way Is Goofy Snowboarding?
If you’re new to snowboarding, you’ve probably heard people refer to themselves as “goofy” or “regular” riders. But what does that actually mean?
In snowboarding, goofy refers to the way you stand on your board—specifically, with your right foot forward and your left foot back. This is the opposite of a regular stance, where your left foot is in front and your right foot is in the back.
So, when someone asks “what way is goofy snowboarding,” the answer is simple: right foot forward.
Goofy vs. Regular: What’s the Difference?
There’s no performance difference between goofy and regular. It’s all about what feels more natural for your body.
- Goofy Stance: Right foot forward, left foot back
- Regular Stance: Left foot forward, right foot back
Most people ride regular, but goofy is completely normal—many pros ride this way. It’s like being right-handed or left-handed: neither is better, it’s just what fits your body best.
How to Tell If You’re Goofy
Not sure which stance is yours? Here are a few easy ways to figure it out:
1. The Push Test
Stand upright and have someone gently push you from behind. The foot you naturally step forward with is likely your lead foot.
- Step forward with your right foot? You’re probably goofy.
- Step forward with your left foot? You’re probably regular.
2. Think About Other Sports
If you’ve ever skateboarded, wakeboarded, or ridden a scooter, your natural stance there might translate to snowboarding. Many people who ride a skateboard goofy will also snowboard goofy.
3. Just Try Both
Rent or borrow gear and give both stances a test run on easy terrain. The one that feels more balanced, stable, and intuitive is usually the right choice.
Why It Matters
Your snowboard stance affects:
- How you turn
- Your balance on the board
- Comfort and control while riding
- How natural switch riding feels
Starting with the correct stance will make learning to snowboard smoother and more fun. Trying to ride in a stance that feels unnatural can lead to frustration, fatigue, and poor control—especially when turning or stopping.
Can You Switch Later?
Absolutely. Some riders even develop a “duck stance”, with both feet angled outward (+15° front, -9° back), to ride both regular and goofy comfortably. This is especially common in freestyle snowboarding, where riding “switch” (in your non-dominant direction) is part of the fun.
But when you’re starting out, it’s best to focus on your natural stance and build skills from there.
Final Thoughts
So, what way is goofy snowboarding? It means riding with your right foot forward, plain and simple. It’s a completely valid stance used by beginners and pros alike, and figuring out whether you’re goofy or regular is one of the first steps toward feeling comfortable and confident on the mountain.
No matter how you ride, finding the stance that fits you is what sets the foundation for every carve, turn, and trick to come.
