How to Find Your Skateboarding Stance: Goofy Foot vs. Regular

There are two stances for skateboarding: regular and goofy. Goofy-footers skate with their right foot at the front of the board and push with their left foot. “Riding regular” means that you skate with your left foot as your front foot and push your board with your right foot.

Skateboarders typically use their dominant foot as the back foot to make their skateboard easier to control. To determine which stance is right for you, stand up straight, and have someone push you gently from behind. Whichever foot you brace yourself with is your lead foot. You can also walk up a staircase to help you figure out your natural stance. If you lead with your right leg to climb the stairs, chances are you’ll ride regular. If you lead with your left leg, you may want to try the goofy-footed stance.

However, it is important to note that how you ride usually depends on comfort, and not left or right-handedness. Not all regular riders have a dominant right hand, and not all goofy riders have a dominant left hand. Practice both stances and see which comes more naturally to you.

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