Snowboarding is a thrilling and popular winter sport that has gained immense popularity worldwide. Whether you’re navigating down the mountain or performing gravity-defying tricks in the park, the way you position your feet on the snowboard plays a crucial role in your comfort, control, and overall performance. One of the most important decisions a snowboarder makes before hitting the slopes is choosing the right stance.
When it comes to snowboarding, the stance refers to the way you position your feet and body on the board. There are two main types of stances: regular and goofy. The regular stance is the most common and involves riding with your left foot forward on the board. But what exactly does it mean to ride with a regular stance? In this article, we will delve into the concept of regular stance, how to determine if it’s the right choice for you, and the factors that come into play when deciding between regular and goofy stances.
What Is Regular Stance?
In snowboarding, a “regular stance” refers to riding with your left foot as the lead foot. For a rider with a regular stance, the left foot is positioned forward on the board, while the right foot is placed at the rear. This stance is natural for people who are more comfortable leading with their left foot when performing actions that involve balance and movement.
The regular stance is often considered the default stance for most snowboarders, and many people find it to be the most intuitive position when learning how to snowboard. However, the choice between regular and goofy stances is highly personal and depends on your natural inclination when performing activities like skating, surfing, or even climbing stairs.
How to Determine if You Are Regular or Goofy?
Choosing between regular and goofy stances is a common challenge for new snowboarders. While there is no fixed rule to determine which stance you should take, there are a few simple methods to figure out your natural preference.
1. The “Which Foot Do You Kick With?” Method
One of the easiest ways to determine your stance is by thinking about which foot you naturally kick with. For most people, the foot they use to kick a ball or push off when skating is also the foot that will be placed at the back of the snowboard.
If you kick with your left foot, you are likely to have a regular stance, with your left foot forward on the board.
If you kick with your right foot, you are more likely to have a goofy stance, with your right foot forward.
This method may seem simple, but it is effective for the majority of riders.
2. The “Stair Test” Method
Another popular method is the “stair test.” Stand at the bottom of a staircase and let your body decide which foot you lead with when walking up the stairs. The foot that naturally takes the first step is typically the one that should be placed forward on your snowboard.
If you lead with your left foot, this would indicate a regular stance.
If you lead with your right foot, this indicates a goofy stance.
3. The “Slide Test” Method
Some people suggest the “slide test,” where you are asked to slide across a smooth surface (like a hardwood floor or even a snowy area) and see which foot you use to step forward. This method helps identify the foot you naturally feel more stable with when sliding.
If your left foot naturally steps forward, you will likely be comfortable with a regular stance.
If your right foot naturally steps forward, a goofy stance would probably feel more natural.
While these methods can help identify your dominant foot, it’s important to remember that they are not definitive rules.
Your body may feel more comfortable in a certain stance after you spend some time snowboarding and get used to the board beneath your feet.
Why Is Regular Stance Preferred by Many Riders?
The regular stance is the most common stance in snowboarding, and several factors contribute to its popularity. While personal comfort and physical characteristics play a major role, cultural influences and natural body mechanics are also factors to consider.
1. Left-Handed Dominance
For many snowboarders, being left-handed plays a significant role in determining their stance. The majority of people are right-handed, and those who are naturally left-handed tend to favor the regular stance because it allows them to lead with their left foot, making the most of their dominant side. This is similar to how most left-handed people prefer writing with their left hand rather than their right.
2. Sports and Physical Activities
People who have experience in other sports like surfing, skateboarding, or skiing may notice a similarity between these activities and snowboarding. For many, their preference for the regular stance in snowboarding aligns with how they naturally position themselves in other sports.
Surfing: In surfing, many riders who prefer to stand with their left foot forward on the board are often considered “regular riders.”
Skateboarding: Similar to surfing, most skateboarders with left-foot dominance tend to prefer a regular stance.
Skiing: In skiing, the regular stance also involves leading with the left leg while the right leg follows.
Having prior experience in sports that require balance and control on a board can often translate to a natural inclination toward a regular stance in snowboarding.
3. Balance and Control
Riding with the left foot forward often provides a more balanced and stable stance for most people. The front foot leads the board, helping the rider control their direction, while the back foot serves to guide the rider and adjust their speed. Regular riders may feel more comfortable balancing their weight in this position, which is why they may prefer it over a goofy stance.
In addition, when performing tricks or spins, riders with a regular stance will often have better control and comfort when landing. This is due to the way their body is positioned naturally and how their muscles work together when making movements on the board.
Advantages of Regular Stance
Choosing the regular stance comes with several benefits, especially for those who are new to snowboarding. Here are some of the key advantages:
1. Greater Natural Comfort
For most people, riding regular feels more comfortable and natural. Leading with the left foot, as opposed to the right, feels more intuitive for balance and movement.
2. Easier to Learn
The regular stance tends to be easier for beginners to learn on. Because it mirrors the natural way your body tends to balance and control movement, learning how to snowboard with this stance can feel more natural from the start.
3. Stability in Common Situations
For riders on regular stances, executing typical snowboarding maneuvers like carving, turning, and navigating through powder snow can feel more stable. The body is generally more balanced in the regular stance, offering a greater sense of control over your movements.
4. Ideal for Specific Tricks
Certain tricks, such as spins, jumps, and slides, can feel easier for regular riders because the body mechanics match the movements more closely. Tricks that involve rotating the board in the air often feel more fluid with the left foot leading, as most snowboarders find it easier to pivot and balance in this position.
Changing Your Stance: Is it Possible?
While you might start with one stance, it is not uncommon for snowboarders to experiment with their stance over time. If you initially try regular but find yourself feeling more comfortable riding goofy, it’s possible to switch. Snowboarding is a skill that evolves with practice, and as you gain more experience, your comfort with your stance can change.
Some snowboarders even use different stances depending on the type of snowboarding they’re doing. For example, in freestyle snowboarding or when hitting the terrain park, some may feel more comfortable riding with their right foot forward, while on freeride slopes, they may return to their regular stance.
Conclusion
The regular stance in snowboarding is defined by having your left foot forward on the board. For most people, this stance feels more natural due to their dominant left foot and body mechanics. Identifying whether you’re a regular or goofy rider is crucial in determining your comfort and control on the board, and there are several methods to help you make that decision, including the stair test, kick test, and slide test.
While regular stance is the most common and widely preferred stance, snowboarding is a highly personal sport, and experimenting with different positions can help you find the best fit for your body and riding style. Regardless of your stance, the most important thing is to enjoy the thrill of snowboarding and improve your skills on the slopes!