Regular or Goofy? How to Figure Out Your Snowboard Stance
Before you set up your bindings or take your first run, you’ll need to figure out one key thing: are you regular or goofy?
Your stance — which foot naturally goes forward — plays a big role in how balanced and comfortable you’ll feel on your snowboard. And while it might sound complicated, figuring it out is actually pretty simple.
We'll walk through a few quick, no-equipment-needed tests that reveal your most natural stance. Below, we’ll break each one down so you can easily tell if you ride regular (left foot forward) or goofy (right foot forward) — no guesswork, just quick results.
What Does Regular vs. Goofy Mean?
Before we get into the tests, let’s cover the basics.
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Regular means you ride with your left foot forward and your right foot back.
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Goofy means your right foot is forward and your left foot is back.
There’s no advantage to either — it’s just what feels more natural and balanced for your body. The goal is to figure out which stance gives you better control, especially when you start turning, stopping, and linking runs together.
Easy Ways to Figure Out Your Snowboard Stance (#4 is the most reliable test)
1. The Shove Test
Grab a friend and have them give you a gentle shove from behind — just enough that you have to step forward to catch your balance.
Whichever foot you step forward with is usually your front foot on a snowboard.
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Step with your left foot → you’re likely regular.
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Step with your right foot → you’re probably goofy.
This quick, instinctive reaction is one of the easiest ways to get a read on your stance.
2. The Kick Test
Think about which foot you’d use to kick a soccer ball.
That’s your dominant foot — and on a snowboard, that usually becomes your back foot.
So, if you kick with your right foot, your left foot goes in front — that’s regular.
If you kick with your left foot, your right foot goes in front — that’s goofy.
3. The Slide Test
Find a slick surface like hardwood or tile, keep your socks on, and take a little running start. As you slide across, notice which foot naturally leads the way.
That’s typically your front foot on a snowboard.
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Left foot first → Regular
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Right foot first → Goofy
It’s simple, fun, and surprisingly accurate.
4. The Pants Test (Our Favorite)
Here’s one you’ve probably never heard before — and we’ve found it to be the most reliable.
When you put on pants, notice which leg you slide in first. That leg is often your front foot when you snowboard.
It’s an unconscious movement that reveals how your body prefers to balance and shift weight.
Still Not Sure? Try Both
If you’re still on the fence, don’t worry — it’s easy to experiment. Most snowboard shops (like us) can help you test your stance when setting up your board. Once you start riding, you’ll quickly feel which stance feels natural.
Remember: there’s no wrong answer here. The goal is comfort and control — everything else will follow.