Skateboarding is an exhilarating and challenging sport that attracts enthusiasts from all walks of life. Whether you’re a beginner just stepping onto your first board or an experienced skater looking to refine your skills, one of the fundamental aspects you’ll encounter is choosing between a goofy and a regular stance. This decision can significantly impact your balance, control, and overall experience on the board. In this article, we will delve into the differences between goofy and regular skateboarding, provide insights on how to determine your natural stance, and offer tips on how to excel in either stance.
1. What Is Skateboarding Stance?
Understanding Skateboarding Stance
The term “stance” in skateboarding refers to the way a skater positions their feet on the skateboard. There are two primary stances: goofy and regular. Your stance determines which foot you place at the front of the board and which foot you use to push off the ground. Each stance offers unique advantages and challenges, influencing how you perform tricks, turns, and maneuvers.
Regular Stance Explained
In a regular stance, the skater places their left foot at the front of the skateboard and uses their right foot to push off the ground. This stance is called “regular” because it is the more common stance among skateboarders. Regular stance skaters tend to find it more comfortable to perform tricks and balance with their left foot leading.
Goofy Stance Explained
A goofy stance is the opposite of a regular stance. In a goofy stance, the skater places their right foot at the front of the skateboard and uses their left foot to push off the ground. The term “goofy” originated from surfing culture and was adopted by skateboarders. Although less common than the regular stance, many proficient skaters ride goofy and perform incredible tricks with this stance.
2. How to Determine Your Stance
The Push Test
One of the simplest ways to determine your natural skateboarding stance is the push test. Stand still and have someone gently push you from behind. The foot you instinctively step forward with to catch your balance is likely your front foot on the skateboard. If you step forward with your left foot, you might be a regular stance skater. If you step forward with your right foot, you might be a goofy stance skater.
The Slide Test
Another effective method is the slide test. Wear socks and stand on a smooth surface, such as a tiled floor. Take a few steps and then slide forward as if you were gliding on a skateboard. The foot you naturally put forward during the slide is likely your front foot for skateboarding.
The Balance Test
Balancing on one foot can also help determine your stance. Stand on one foot and see which leg you feel more stable on. If you feel more stable balancing on your left foot, you might be a regular stance skater. If you feel more stable on your right foot, you might be a goofy stance skater.
3. Pros and Cons of Regular Stance
Advantages of Regular Stance
Comfort and Familiarity: For many skaters, the regular stance feels more natural and comfortable, allowing them to focus on learning tricks without struggling with balance.
Commonality: The regular stance is more common, meaning most tutorials, skateboarding guides, and professional advice are tailored to regular stance skaters.
Leading Foot Control: With the left foot leading, regular stance skaters often find it easier to control the board and perform technical tricks.
Challenges of Regular Stance
Predictability: Since the regular stance is more common, it can be easier for opponents in competitive skateboarding to anticipate your moves and strategies.
Limited Diversity: Skating in a regular stance might limit the skater’s ability to perform tricks that are more easily executed in a goofy stance.
4. Pros and Cons of Goofy Stance
Advantages of Goofy Stance
Unique Perspective: Riding in a goofy stance can provide a unique perspective on tricks and maneuvers, allowing skaters to approach obstacles and challenges differently.
Element of Surprise: In competitive skateboarding, riding in a goofy stance can catch opponents off guard, giving skaters a strategic advantage.
Enhanced Ambidexterity: Goofy stance skaters often develop greater ambidexterity, which can be beneficial for performing a wide range of tricks and maneuvers.
Challenges of Goofy Stance
Less Common: As the less common stance, goofy skaters might find it harder to find tutorials and guides tailored to their specific needs.
Initial Discomfort: Some skaters may initially find the goofy stance less comfortable and struggle with balance and control.
5. Transitioning Between Stances
Learning Switch Stance
Switch stance refers to riding with the opposite stance from your natural one. Regular stance skaters ride goofy, and goofy stance skaters ride regular. Learning to ride switch can significantly enhance your versatility and overall skill set. It allows you to perform tricks from both stances, making you a more well-rounded skateboarder.
Tips for Transitioning
Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to becoming proficient in both stances. Start with simple movements and gradually progress to more complex tricks.
Stay Patient: Transitioning between stances can be challenging and may take time. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way.
Seek Guidance: Learning from experienced skaters who are proficient in both stances can provide valuable insights and tips for improving your skills.
6. Tricks and Techniques for Each Stance
Regular Stance Tricks
Ollie: The fundamental trick where the skater pops the tail of the board and jumps, bringing the board with them.
Kickflip: A trick where the skater flips the board with their front foot while in the air.
Heelflip: Similar to the kickflip, but the board is flipped with the heel of the front foot.
Goofy Stance Tricks
Nollie: A variation of the ollie performed with the front foot popping the nose of the board.
Fakie Ollie: An ollie performed while riding backward, requiring the skater to adapt to the reversed stance.
Shuvit: A trick where the board spins 180 degrees beneath the skater without flipping.
7. Gear and Setup Considerations
Choosing the Right Deck
The skateboard deck is the platform you stand on, and its size, shape, and material can impact your performance. Skaters with larger feet might prefer wider decks, while those with smaller feet might opt for narrower ones. Experiment with different deck sizes to find what feels most comfortable for your stance.
Trucks and Wheels
Trucks are the metal components that attach the wheels to the deck. The width of the trucks should match the width of your deck. Additionally, the hardness and size of your wheels can affect your ride. Softer wheels are better for cruising and rough surfaces, while harder wheels are ideal for tricks and smooth surfaces.
Footwear
Proper footwear is crucial for skateboarding. Skate shoes with flat soles provide better grip and board feel. Look for shoes with reinforced areas to withstand the wear and tear of tricks and maneuvers.
see also: Skateboarding: Breaking The Gender Stereotype
8. Famous Skaters and Their Stances
Regular Stance Legends
Tony Hawk: A pioneer in skateboarding, known for his incredible skills and contributions to the sport.
Rodney Mullen: Often referred to as the “Godfather of Street Skating,” known for inventing numerous tricks.
Nyjah Huston: A contemporary skateboarding superstar, known for his competitive success and technical prowess.
Goofy Stance Icons
Daewon Song: Renowned for his creative and innovative approach to skateboarding, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Chris Cole: Known for his versatility and consistency, excelling in both street and competition skating.
Stevie Williams: A highly influential skater, known for his smooth style and impact on urban skateboarding culture.
9. Psychological Aspects of Stance
Comfort and Confidence
Choosing the right stance can significantly impact a skater’s comfort and confidence. Skating in a stance that feels natural allows skaters to focus on learning and perfecting tricks without the distraction of discomfort or imbalance.
Overcoming Challenges
Regardless of the stance, all skaters face challenges and setbacks. Developing resilience and a positive mindset is crucial for overcoming obstacles and continuing to progress in the sport.
Embracing Individuality
Skateboarding is a highly individualistic sport, and there is no “right” or “wrong” stance. Embracing your unique style and approach to skateboarding can enhance your enjoyment and success in the sport.
10. Conclusion: Finding Your Flow
In the world of skateboarding, the choice between goofy and regular stance is a personal and dynamic decision. Both stances offer unique advantages and challenges, and mastering either one requires dedication, practice, and an open mind. Whether you naturally gravitate towards a regular stance or feel more at home with a goofy stance, the most important thing is to find your flow and enjoy the ride. Skateboarding is about self-expression, creativity, and pushing your limits. So grab your board, hit the pavement, and discover the exhilarating journey of skateboarding in your chosen stance.
