When it comes to snowboarding, whichever stance is most comfortable to ride down the mountain is up to the individual. Even individuals who can ride well both ways often began out with a direction that seems more natural to them and still do. But how can you decide if you should snowboard goofy or regular if you've never done it before or if you're still unsure?

The goofy vs. regular debate—right foot forwards vs. left foot forward—has raged since the inception of boardsports. And all of a sudden, there were many more things to think about than just which foot should go first. So this guide to Snowboard Stances has all the information you want, whether you're mounting your very first set of snowboard bindings or you're just a bit stance-curious, and the best ways to determine your snowboard stance.

If you already know your stance, why not read our guide on How to Choose a Snowboard or What Snowboard Size is Right for Me?

Goofy vs Regular Snowboard Stance: Which One Are You?

We thought it would be a good idea to clarify the two for anyone who is unsure before we go into the best methods for d how to determine your snowboard stance.

Essentially, being Goofy means riding with your right foot in front. Regular basically implies that your left foot serves as your front foot as you ride. Later, when your snowboarding skills advance, you'll probably start riding in both directions (riding "switch" is the term for switching sides), but you'll probably always feel a little more at ease in your natural stance.

Where Did the Term Goofy Come From?

The term Goofy has roots in surfing yet there are a number competing ideas as to how the word "goofy" came to be. One idea holds that it originated from a Disney film in which Goofy rides the waves with his right foot front in an old "Hawaiian Holiday" animation, back when most surfers were Regulars. According to a different theory, because the left-foot-forward posture is more typical, it appears "goofy" to most riders when they see someone move their right foot forwards.

Even if the term technically translates to "funny" or "clumsy", Goofy is not insulting term.

Since then, all sideways board sports, including surfing, skating, and snowboarding, have adopted the term "Goofy" to characterise the right foot forwards posture on a board.

Why is Regular more Common?

One argument for this is because right-handed people are more likely to ride regularly, whereas left-handed people are more likely to ride goofy – and with 85 to 90 percent of the population being right handed, it infers that Regular riders obviously outnumber goofy riders.

However, this hypothesis isn't always accurate as some boarders right goofy yet are right-handed, so you shouldn't base your attitude or assume your stance when starting out just on whether you are right- or left-handed. Therefor, you can read more below on stances and apply the following methods to test what snowboarding stance you are.

What is a Snowboard Stance?

A stance in boardsports is when you stand sideways with one foot in front of the other and both feet on the board. Due to the sideways position, balance is crucial, and most riders instinctively choose a stance that offers the best stability. But there are a few more crucial factors when it comes to snowboarding. Regular and goofy stances are the two different sorts. Goofy footing is when your right foot is in front and your left foot is in the rear, as opposed to regular footing when your left foot is in front and your right foot is in the back. Note: Goofy does not equal incorrect, and regular does not mean correct.

An Overview to Snowboard Stance

Footedness, breadth, angle, and setback are the four basic components of stance in snowboarding. These elements all work together to provide the rider the most comfort and control possible. It's important to note that stance is primarily a matter of preference, so you should adjust it to suit your riding style and how it feels the most comfortable for you.

Footedness: Goofy vs. Regular

When oriented down the mountain, a snowboard has a front (the nose) and a back (the tail), and your stance is determined by which foot is closest to the nose – this is footedness. Regular and goofy stances are the two different sorts – as explained above. Your stronger foot will often be in the back to propel the board and manage steering while your front foot maintains balance. Snowboarding "switch" refers to riding in the other direction from your standard stance.

Snowboard Stance Test – 4 Ways to Tell if You Snowboard Regular or Goofy

 Regular vs Goofy Stance Test #1: The Push

One of the most common ways to test and fun methods is to have a reliable buddy surprise you by giving you a light push from behind as you stand up straight. Put your heels together, and gaze straight ahead. Most likely, the foot that naturally braces you from falling should be in front for your snowboard posture.

You are regular if you used your left foot to balance yourself.

You are goofy if you supported yourself with your right foot.

When doing this test, try to distract yourself so that you aren't actively considering which foot to use.

Regular vs Goofy Stance Test #2: Past Activity

If you have or currently skate, surf, wakeboard, or have previously engaged in any of these sports on a regular basis, snowboarding should be performed in the same manner. It's not always the case that this is the case. Some individuals snowboard and surf in one direction while skating in the other. But typically, this ought to be a rather accurate predictor.

Regular vs Goofy Stance Test #3: The Run & Slide

This is definitely the most fun method to test your stance, and a throwback to the movie Risky Business. Run and slide over a smooth hardwood or tile floor while wearing thick or slickest pair of socks. In most cases, the foot that is in front during your slide should also be in front during your snowboard stance. Get moving by running, and pick up some speed. Switch from sprinting to sliding when you're ready. As you slide across the floor landing flat-footed on both feet in your socks, you balance yourself. Typically, your dominant foot on the board will be the one that lands in front.

Regular vs Goofy Stance Test #4: The Staircase

Head to a flight of steps. The foot that should be in rear for your snowboard stance is probably the one that begins the ascent and contacts the first bottom stair. You can attempt this one if you don't have anybody to push you in the rear, don't have access to a smooth floor, have trouble seeing well, and have never skated, surfed, or wakeboarded. Always carry out this action on the lowest stair of any flight of stairs! Very significant for clear reasons. You will eventually extend one foot to prevent yourself from toppling over. Your stance will be determined by which foot that is. Similar to the push in the back exercise, this one demands your own effort, which makes it simpler to deliberate which foot to use. To distract yourself, try counting down starting at 5.

Confirming your Snowboard Stance – The Skateboard Test

A great way to confirm your snowboard stance after following one of the methods above is to get on a skateboard. Stand on the board and get rolled or slowly pushed by someone. Place one foot in front of the other while you stand on the board. Put the foot that you believe to be dominant in the rear and the opposite foot front. Grab your friend's hands to support yourself once you're on the skateboard. Have them roll you slowly in the direction of your lead foot. After that, change feet and attempt leading with the other foot. Once you are certain of whatever position is most comfortable for you, repeat this process multiple times.

If you want to continue and perfect your stance, on the skateboard put yourself in a position of strength and practice pushing off. Placing your front foot just behind the front bolts on the board. Lift your (dominant) pushing foot to push off, then shift your weight to your front foot—which is still on the board—by taking a very gradual stride. Try pushing off at first, then raising your back (dominant) foot to the rear of the board. Ride the skateboard out there till it stops by itself. How does your position feel right now? No matter how you're standing on the board when you first get started, it might seem a little strange. You'll begin to feel more at ease if your stance is secure. Remember you can always change your stance in the future, or even ride switch once you build up your technique.

Snowboard Stance Width

The standard advice for stance width is to start with your feet (and bindings) slightly wider than shoulder width; this provides the optimal blend of stability and responsiveness until you have acquired a comfortable riding style. Most manufacturers give a reference stance that is ideal for the particular snowboard model to make this process simpler. If you visit an Auski store, one of our snowboard specialists or boot fitters can help you find your stance width with ease.

The width should be adjusted to suit your tastes as you gain experience riding and have a better understanding of how your board feels beneath your feet.

How to Determine Your Snowboard Stance Width

Using the reference stance of the board as a starting point, mount your bindings somewhat wider than shoulder width. Take a ride on your snowboard. Adjust as necessary; if you have trouble staying balanced, widen your stance; if you have trouble starting turns, shorten it.

Snowboard Binding Angle

It's time to set your snowboard bindings angles once you've decided on footedness and width. Because geometry directly affects how force is delivered from your hips and knees to the snowboard, the front and rear binding angles are crucial. Additionally, binding angle is largely influenced by personal taste, just like the stance characteristics mentioned above.

Pairs of numbers—either zero, positive, or negative—are frequently used to represent stance angle settings, with the first number referring to the front binding and the second to the rear binding. These numbers in this instance correspond to the angle of the bindings; zero denotes a binding that is precisely parallel to the snowboard edges, a positive number denotes a binding that is slanted towards the nose, and a negative number denotes a binding that is oriented towards the tail. To make this process simpler, the majority of bindings or binding baseplates incorporate degree markings.

In light of this, there are three typical stance angle combinations.

Positive / Zero (+ / 0) denotes that the front binding is positioned perpendicular to the edges and is inclined towards the snowboard's nose. For beginners who are just starting out, this is the suggested stance angle setting since it will let them exert the most power throughout the width of the board while they learn how to turn and stop. A good starting stance for Positive / Zero (+ / 0) is +15° front / 0° rear, which can be adjusted for personal preference.

Positive/Positive (+/+) indicates that both bindings are oriented in the direction of the snowboard's nose. All mountain snowboarders frequently use this binding stance angle because it places both knees in the same plane and enables the rider to exert the most power on the toe edge for more forceful carves. A good starting stance for Positive/Positive (+/+) is +15° front / +6° rear, which can be adjusted for personal preference.

Positive/Negative (+/-) denotes an angle between the front and back bindings, with the front binding slanted towards the nose and the back binding oriented towards the tail. The most frequent users of this position, sometimes known as the "duck," are freestyle riders who frequently ride switch. A good starting stance for Positive/Negative (+/-) is +15° front / -9° rear, which can be adjusted for personal preference.

How to Adjust Your Snowboard Binding Angle

Start with Positive / 0. Take a ride on your snowboard. Adjust accordingly; if you find yourself riding switch often, consider a (+ / -) stance; if you are out ripping groomers and laying down serious turns, consider a higher (+ / +).

Snowboard Setback

The optimal stance position on the majority of snowboards will either be exactly centred or somewhat closer to the tail (setback). To extend the region in front of the front bindings, which offers more buoyancy in powder and a different flex for carving, you may choose to move the bindings further back and towards the tail. For instance, park riders almost never set back their stances since riding switch requires having the same length nose and tail. As an alternative, many all-mountain riders set back their stances to widen the board's nose and permit harder turns and greater flex in front of the front binding.

To create a setback in your snowboarding stance, using the reference stance of the board as a starting point, mount your bindings then take a ride on your board. Depending on your preferences, the terrain, and the circumstances, adjust as necessary.

Common Snowboard Stance FAQs

Is it better to ride goofy or regular?

The likelihood that you will ride regular increases if you lead up the stairs with your right leg. You might want to attempt the goofy-footed posture if your left leg leads. It's crucial to remember that comfort, not left- or right-handedness, typically determines how you ride. There is no clear difference to ride goofy or regular, it is a matter of personal preference. Most intermediate to experienced snowboarders will learn to ride switch.

Is it OK to ride goofy?

Is there something wrong with riding goofy? No, not at all. It simply indicates that you are more likely to be left-handed or that you like to ride that way.

Can you switch from regular to Goofy?

Most experienced snowboarders learn to ride switch, and once your comfortable riding switch it is easier to adjust your snowboard. The position of each binding on a standard snowboard may be changed from regular to goofy or vice versa by simply rotating the baseplate 180 degrees. Typically, M6 screws that can be removed with a screwdriver are used to install them. For goofy, the heels should be on the right, and for regular, on the left.

Can you be both goofy and regular?

It's crucial to understand that just a select few people possess the ability to ride in both stances equally well. Therefore, give yourself a pat on the back if you have attempted and succeeded utilising both goofy and regular stance - you may fit into this desired group.

When determining your snowboard stance, goofy or regular using the 4 methods in this article, you can undoubtedly mix some or all of these to find your ideal stance. After some time spent riding, you will verify your ideal stance, as well as width. As you've presumably realised, posture refers to more than simply goofy versus regular. And figuring out just what works best for you might take some time. In actuality, riders of all levels of skill adjust their bindings, try out various widths, and adjust the angles. Some people settle on a position they like and maintain it. Others are always adjusting little things. It's a process of trial and error in any case. The ideal approach or a magic recipe that works for everyone all the time don't exist. But if you follow the advice in this article, you'll be sure to put your best foot forward backwards!