Should You Skate Regular or Goofy: Finding Your Comfort Zone

Skateboarding is an exhilarating and diverse activity that offers myriad choices. One crucial decision involves determining whether you skate regular or goofy. This decision can significantly impact your overall experience and progress. Let's explore the reasons for choosing either stance and what it means to be both a regular and goofy skater.

Understanding Regular and Goofy Stance

Skateboards can be ridden in two primary stances: regular and goofy. If you're familiar with skating, you'll know that the direction you push with your foot determines your stance. When you push with your right foot, you are in a regular stance, and when you push with your left foot, you are in a goofy stance.

The terms regular and goofy were initially used to describe the alignment of one's feet on a surfboard. In surfing, it's just the opposite. However, when it comes to skateboarding, most people find it more natural to control the board with their right foot, leading them to adopt a regular stance.

Advantages of Regular and Goofy Stance

Regular Stance: As mentioned, most people feel more comfortable in a regular stance. This is often due to the dominant foot being positioned in the back, which helps with balance and control. Additionally, many tricks and maneuvers are easier to execute in a regular stance.

Goofy Stance: Riding goofy is less common, but it offers its own set of advantages. Skateboarders in a goofy stance often find it more natural to push and turn the board. However, some tricks may be more challenging to perform in this stance.

Personal Factors to Consider

Ultimately, the best stance for you is the one that feels most natural and comfortable. For some, this may be based on pre-existing habits, such as riding a scooter or skateboard with a different stance. For others, it may be influenced by personal preferences or experience on other forms of equipment.

Many skaters start learning in a regular stance because it is more common and considered the norm. However, as you progress, you might find that your natural stance shifts, or you may want to switch stances to better suit your skating style.

My Experience: Regular and Goofy

I have a unique experience where I skate regular on a skateboard but goofy on a snowboard. This demonstrates that stance preference can vary from board to board and activity to activity. It's important to experiment and find the stance that aligns with your natural movements and comfort level.

In your case, you mentioned that your dominant foot is your right foot, which might suggest that a regular stance could feel more natural. However, it's crucial to listen to your instincts and try both stances. Many people find that they can be proficient in both regular and goofy stances over time.

Conclusion

The decision to skate regular or goofy is highly personal. It should be based on what feels best for you. If you prefer a regular stance, it's worth exploring further, as there are countless tricks and techniques to master. If, however, you find that a goofy stance feels more comfortable, don't hesitate to give it a try. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to skateboarding, and the key is to find the stance that makes you feel most confident and in control.

Feel free to experiment and try both stances. You might be surprised by the naturalness of one over the other. Most importantly, enjoy your journey and have fun while mastering your chosen stance!