When stepping onto a longboard for the first time, one of the initial choices you’ll face is whether to ride goofy or regular. This refers to which foot you place forward on the board, and it’s a crucial aspect of your riding experience. Determining your natural stance isn’t about right or wrong; it’s about discovering what feels most comfortable and balanced for you.
The goofy stance in longboarding means you ride with your right foot forward, while the regular stance is when you lead with your left. Although many longboarders ride regular, neither stance provides an inherent advantage. It’s about what feels natural to you, and this article will guide you through understanding and finding your perfect stance.
Most people naturally lean toward a regular stance, with their left foot forward and pushing with their right foot, so trying this stance first is a great starting point.
A longboarder demonstrating a regular stance with left foot forward
Understanding Regular Stance on a Longboard
The regular stance is characterized by placing your left foot at the front of the longboard and using your right foot for pushing. This is a common stance among longboarders, but it doesn’t mean it’s superior. It’s simply the stance that feels most intuitive to a large segment of the population. Both left-handed and right-handed individuals can find themselves comfortable riding regular. The key takeaway here is that neither stance impacts your ability to progress or how well you ride. It all boils down to personal comfort and preference.
Exploring Goofy Stance on a Longboard
A longboarder demonstrating a goofy stance with right foot forward
Conversely, the goofy stance involves positioning your right foot towards the front of the longboard and using your left foot to push. This stance is just as valid as the regular stance, with no impact on your style or speed. It’s important to note that a goofy stance doesn’t necessarily correlate with being left-handed or left-footed. Some longboarders find they can switch stances effortlessly, which is an impressive skill. For example, the author’s son rides goofy, while he himself rides regular, despite both being right-handed.
Choosing Your Stance: Not a Conscious Choice
Choosing between regular and goofy isn’t a decision you make intellectually. Your body has a natural preference, and it’s more about discovery than choice. It’s akin to determining your dominant hand – you don’t choose to be right-handed or left-handed; it’s inherent. This natural preference determines which foot feels more balanced and secure at the front of the board.
To find your stance, have someone gently push you forward while you’re on the longboard and then try to steer the board. Experiment with both foot positions and see which feels more natural, providing you the most stability and control. Alternatively, you can start on a slight incline. The key is not to overthink it and try to feel which foot comes naturally as the lead foot.
The Myth of Handedness and Stance
It’s a common misconception that your dominant hand dictates your preferred stance on a board. There is no direct correlation between being left- or right-handed and your preference for goofy or regular stance. Consider other sports such as hockey where many right-handed players use left-handed sticks, or archery where left-handed bows are often used by right-handed archers. These examples highlight that your dominant hand does not necessarily dictate your foot preference.
Small studies, such as one by Psychology Today, suggest that about 40 percent of left-handers are right-footed, and 3 percent of right-handers are left-footed. However, it is essential to see these statistics with caution, as these are not hard facts, and the studies are often small scale and based on anecdotal observations.
The Dominant Foot and Your Longboard Stance
While your dominant foot often aligns with your preferred stance, this isn’t always the case. If you’re unsure where to start, it’s a good idea to initially position your dominant foot at the rear. This applies to all board sports such as snowboarding, surfing, and wakeboarding. However, remember to test the alternative stance as well. If one feels immediately natural, you’ve likely found your preferred stance.
Interestingly, the idea of a dominant or action foot can shift over time. Consider river dancing where the stance is on your left foot while kicking with your right, or kicking a football where people may start using the other foot after some time. The human body has an incredible ability to adapt, and it is not uncommon for your preference to shift with consistent practice and training.
Regular vs. Goofy: The Numbers Game
Around 75% of riders choose regular, while roughly 25% opt for goofy. This shows a major difference when compared to the ratio of left to right-handed individuals, where only 1 in 9 people are left-handed. This difference shows that handedness is not a strong factor in determining which foot you prefer to have at the front of the board.
Finding Your Natural Stance: The Best Method
The best approach to identifying your stance is to simply ride and feel what comes naturally. Don’t overcomplicate the process. Have someone push you gently from behind while you’re on the longboard and notice which foot feels most comfortable going forward. Another method is to notice which leg you use first when climbing stairs. If you lead with your right, you might lean towards a regular stance, and leading with the left may indicate a goofy preference. However, remember these are just potential starting points, and your comfort should always be the deciding factor.
Conclusion: It’s All About Comfort
The process of determining whether you’re a goofy or regular longboarder is a journey of self-discovery. While there are methods and tips to guide you, the most reliable way to find your perfect stance is by riding and letting your body tell you what feels natural. Whether you’re regular or goofy, there’s no right or wrong. Neither stance is better than the other, and your choice should be based purely on your personal comfort and what feels right for you.
Remember that comments suggesting one stance is more stylish than the other are baseless and should be ignored. It’s all about enjoying your ride and feeling confident on your board. As a beginner, it’s important to take it slow, not let others pressure you, and always prioritize your safety by wearing protective gear.
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