I’ve lost count of how many times someone at the skatepark has asked me, Does it matter if I ride goofy or regular? 🤔 Well, I’ve got some thoughts on the whole goofy vs regular debate.
In this post, I’ll cover goofy/regular stances—what they mean, how to find yours, and whether it truly makes a difference in your skating.
A video titled ‘Goofy VS. Regular (Skateboarding stance: what’s the difference and what’s better than the other)‘ from the YOCAHER SKATEBOARDS YouTube channel.
Key takeaways
- Skate Stance doesn’t limit skill: Whether you’re goofy or regular, skill depends on practice, not stance.
- Goofy is common too: Nearly 44% of skaters ride goofy, proving it’s not as rare as you’d think.
- Finding your stance: Use simple tests like the Slide Test, but ultimately, go with what feels natural.
- Switch stance adds versatility: Practicing switch improves balance, expands trick options, and boosts overall skill.
- Stance myths debunked: Your stance doesn’t dictate skill, and you can ride differently across board sports.
What does goofy and regular mean?
So, what exactly are goofy and regular stances?
- Goofy stance: Right foot forward on the board.
- Regular stance: Left foot forward on the board.
Simple enough, right? This applies to skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing—you name it.
But where did these terms come from? Contrary to popular belief, “goofy” didn’t originate from some old Disney cartoon. It’s likely called “goofy” because fewer people ride that way, making it the less common—or “goofier”—stance [1].
Fun fact: Nearly 44% of skaters ride goofy, which is more than you’d expect [4]. So if you’re a goofy-footed rider, you’re in good company. Some of the biggest names in skateboarding, like Chris Joslin, ride goofy.
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Finding your stance
How do you figure out if you’re goofy or regular? Don’t overcomplicate it.
- The Slide Test: Put on some slippery socks and stand on a smooth floor. Have a friend give you a gentle push. The foot you step forward with to catch yourself is likely your lead foot [2].
- The Stairs Test: Think about which foot you naturally use to start walking up stairs. That’s probably your front foot on the board [2].
- The Kick Test: Which foot do you kick a ball with? That’s usually your back foot, so the other foot goes forward [2].
But honestly, the best way is to just hop on your board and feel what comes naturally. When I first started skating back in NYC, I didn’t bother with tests—I just stepped on and went with what felt right.
What if both stances feel weird? Trust me, everyone feels awkward at first. Stick with whichever feels a bit more comfortable, and soon enough, it’ll be second nature.
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Does your stance really matter?
Now, does it actually matter whether you’re goofy or regular?
Nope! In my experience, not as much as you’d think. Sure, your stance influences how you approach certain tricks and obstacles, but it’s not going to make or break your skating journey.
But at the end of the day, it’s all about practice and personal comfort. I’ve seen goofy and regular skaters alike shred the same ramps, rails, and bowls with equal skill.
In case you are wondering, I’m regular. 🙂
Stats and facts: You’re not alone
Let’s hit you with some stats:
- Snowboarding: About 75% of snowboarders ride regularly [3].
- Skateboarding: Approximately 44% of skaters ride goofy [4].
Did you know: Rodney Mullen is both regular and switch
Believe it or not, it’s possible to master both; it’s just like being ambidextrous, waiting with your left hand and right hand. Rodney Mullen is one of those people. He’s so good that he can do pretty much every trick, landing bolts, both switch and regular. trick bolts switch, and regular.
So, while regular is more common, goofy riders aren’t exactly rare. And guess what—some of the top pros ride goofy. It’s all about what feels right under your feet.
Should you switch stances to fit in? Definitely not! Skateboarding is about individuality. Embrace your stance and make it your own.
As a regular rider myself, I’ve navigated the streets of NYC and the parks of Ohio with my left foot forward. It’s what feels natural to me. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t dabbled with riding goofy.
To me, riding goofy like trying to write with my non-dominant hand. Awkward, but oddly fun. It’s a great way to mix things up and gain a new perspective.
One thing to consider is practicing your switch stance. Learning to skate with your non-dominant foot forward can greatly improve your overall balance and versatility. More on that later.
Common misconceptions: Let’s clear the air
- Myth #1: Goofy riders are less skilled: That’s nonsense. Your stance doesn’t determine your skill level. It’s all about dedication and practice.
- Myth #2: You must ride the same stance in all board sports: Not necessarily. Some people skate regular but surf or snowboard goofy. It’s about what feels right for each activity [4].
- Myth #3: “Goofy” came from a Disney cartoon: Nice story, but no. The term likely became popular because it was the less common stance among riders [1].
Practicing switch stance: Taking your skills to the next level
Ever thought about mastering both stances? Skating switch—riding with your non-dominant foot forward—is a game-changer.
Why practice switch?
- Improved balance: Working on your switch stance enhances your overall stability.
- Versatility: It opens up a whole new set of tricks and lines.
- Challenge: It’s like starting fresh, which can reignite your passion for skating.
Pro tip: Start with basic movements in your switch stance. Push around, do some simple turns, and get comfortable. Before you know it, you’ll be adding switch tricks to your repertoire.
Equipment considerations: Does stance affect your setup?
Does your stance impact how you set up your board? Generally, skateboards are symmetrical, so your stance doesn’t require any special equipment.
However, if you have custom grip tape designs or specific hardware preferences, you might want to set up your board accordingly. Just make sure your trucks and wheels are properly maintained for optimal performance. (Check out this guide on skateboard truck maintenance for tips.)
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Your stance doesn’t limit the types of tricks you can perform, but it can influence your comfort and control when executing certain maneuvers. With consistent practice, you can master any trick regardless of whether you’re goofy or regular.
Switching stances takes practice and patience. Start by trying to perform simple movements and tricks with your opposite foot forward, and gradually build your confidence and muscle memory.
Switching stances can help balance muscle development and reduce strain on one side of your body, potentially lowering the risk of injury. However, it’s essential to listen to your body and adopt any changes gradually to avoid overexertion.
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, skateboarding is about self-expression. Whether you’re carving up bowls as a goofy footer or grinding rails as a regular rider, what matters is the passion you bring to the board.
Got a wild story about how you discovered your stance? Drop it in the comments! I’d love to hear your tales.
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