I'm going snowboarding for the first time and I've run into a huge issue. I don't know whether or not I should ride Goofy or Regular.



I've taken a bunch of quick tests but my actual sport stance differs from my answers for the questions.



-Fold your arms, which one is on top? Right

-Slide Across the floor in your sock, which foot leads? Right

-Kick a ball, which foot did you use? Right

-Get someone to push you, which foot stepped back? Right



When I ride a skateboard (which i suck at), i have my Right foot forward.

When I jump on a skimboard, i have my Right foot forward.



So basically i think i'm caught in a loop. People tell me I should ride regular as most people do but when I ride boards i'm almost always Goofy.



Is there any benefit to having your strong leg in the front? I find it hard to turn on a skimboard but i find it comfortable to ride Right foot forward...



Thanks!

 

I have always been told to when deciding on how to ride, you are suppose to ride with your dominant Foot to the rear, as you use it to steer, and balance your self, Just as a heads up, Dont expect to have fun snowboarding your first day out, it is going to be painful and your going to be upset and battered. You will say never again, then you will go probably a week later and want to board, this is just a me talking, I am a boarder myself for CO, and talk from experience, but it is a blast when you can actually get off your ass and not fall every 5 feet!!!

 

I was a snowboard instructor at Keystone for a few years. Your best test up there is the sliding in your socks test. Which ever foot feels more stable leading, THATS the foot you go with for the front. You will EVENTUALLY learn how to lead with both feet, hence being able to ride switch. But, as a beginner, go with whats most comfortable. As soon as you feel like you got it, set the stance to either neutral, or a little bit of duck stance. Thats what I ride. Then you can start working on your switch riding.



So..... you should start off as goofy.



Turboron_99 - you are correct, you do a lot of turning with the rear leg, but you want a stable dominant foot in the front that can make quick adjustments to the terrain and can "lead" the body with good balance and control. Turning actually is a good balance of rear leg stabilization, weight control, and bending your knees.



Good tip for beginners: When you are learning how to transition for your heel to toe and back, if its difficult, its probably because you are looking DOWN. Keep your head up, knees bent, torso upright, and take your front arm and point in in the direction you want to go. Doing this little trick will help keep you upright and looking at where you want to go. If you are looking at the ground, theres a good chance thats where you will wind up!

 

goofy here, snowboarded for...oh about 8 years. Only get to a couple times a winter though.



First couple times out you'll spend more time down than up. Once you get the hang of it though....