Meaning of Goofy in Snowboarding

In snowboarding, “goofy” refers to a riding stance in which the rider’s right foot is positioned as the lead foot on the snowboard, while the left foot is placed at the rear. This is the opposite of the more common “regular” stance, where the left foot is the lead foot and the right foot is at the rear. Essentially, being goofy means riding with your dominant foot forward.

The terms “goofy” and “regular” originate from skateboarding, where they were coined to describe riders’ stances. In snowboarding, a rider’s stance is often determined by their dominant foot, similar to how someone might lead with their right or left foot when kicking a ball or taking a step.

While approximately 70-80% of snowboarders ride with a regular stance (left foot forward), the remaining 20-30% ride goofy (right foot forward). Neither stance is inherently better than the other, and it primarily comes down to personal preference and comfort. Some riders may find that they feel more balanced and coordinated riding in one stance over the other, while others may switch between stances depending on the situation or terrain.

To determine whether you ride regular or goofy, you can try standing on a slippery surface (such as hardwood floors with socks on) and simulate a slide or push forward. Whichever foot naturally goes forward first may indicate your dominant foot and preferred riding stance. Alternatively, you can experiment with both stances on a snowboard to see which feels more comfortable and stable for you. Ultimately, the goal is to find the stance that allows you to ride with confidence and control so that you can enjoy your time on the mountain to the fullest.