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Snowboarding · Glossary

What is Regular vs Goofy Stance?

Snowboard stance direction: regular leads with the left foot forward, goofy leads with the right.

In snowboarding (and skateboarding, surfing), 'regular' stance means riding with the left foot forward, while 'goofy' means the right foot forward. Neither is better — it's down to individual preference and which feels natural. A common test to find your natural stance: have someone gently push you from behind unexpectedly; the foot you step forward to catch yourself is usually your lead foot. Which foot you'd kick a ball with or slide on ice with are other rough guides. Riding with the non-lead foot forward is called riding 'switch'.

Key points
  • Regular = left foot forward
  • Goofy = right foot forward
  • Neither is better — personal preference
  • Riding non-lead foot forward = 'switch'

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