What Does ‘Goofy’ Mean in Skateboarding? (Decoding The Term)

Discover the meaning of "goofy" in skateboarding and learn how to incorporate it into your style with tips and tricks for beginners.

Are you a skateboarder who has always been curious about the meaning of “goofy”? Or maybe you’re just starting and don’t know the difference between a “goofy” and a “regular” stance? Well, buckle up, my friend, because this post will take you on a wild ride through the world of “goofy” skateboarding.

In this post, we’ll answer questions like “What is the definition of “goofy” in skateboarding?” and “How does your stance affect your skateboarding style?”

What is the meaning of “goofy” in skateboarding? The term “goofy” refers to a skateboarding stance where the rider has their right foot forward. Skateboarders who ride in the “goofy” stance make up approximately 25% of the total skateboarding population.

What is the definition of “goofy” in skateboarding?

Listen, I’ll tell you something, the term “goofy” in skateboarding doesn’t mean what it means in the everyday world—there ain’t nothin’ silly or foolish about this stance. When I say “goofy” in skating, I mean that your right foot is positioned forward on the deck, and your left foot is positioned backward.

A man skateboarding doing a manual with his hands in the air. Source: pixabay
A man skateboarding doing a manual with his hands in the air. Source: pixabay
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My favorite complete skateboard (at the moment):

Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard

What does 'goofy' mean in skateboarding? (decoding the term) | 61vn95mf7ql. Ac sl1184 | skateboard salad
My favorite complete skateboard (at the moment):

Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard

I had my board stolen a few years ago and was forced to quickly replace it with a complete. I got one with an Enjoi deck and loved it so much that I still buy the Whitey Panda deck each time I need a new deck. This complete with budget-friendly, beginner-friendly parts, but I still swear by it.

What’s the difference between goofy and regular

In the context of skateboarding, “goofy” and “regular” are two stances used by skateboarders to describe their foot placement on the board. The main difference between the two stances is the position of the rider’s feet on the skateboard.

In a regular stance, the rider’s left foot is positioned at the front of the board while the right foot is at the back of the board. This stance is referred to as the “left foot forward” stance.

In contrast, in a goofy stance, the rider’s right foot is placed at the front of the board while the left is at the back. This stance is also known as the “right foot forward” stance.

How to determine if you are regular or goofy footed

Figuring out your stance can be a personal struggle. It’s like, do you lead with your left or right foot? That’s the million-dollar question. To figure this out, you first need to identify your lead foot.

…don’t get caught up in the left or right, just try both stances and see which one feels natural for you. Trust me, that’s the way to go.

Let me break it down for you. Stand up straight, have someone gently push you from behind, and whatever foot you use to brace yourself is your lead foot. Or you can walk up a staircase, if you lead with your right leg, you might be a regular rider, but if it’s your left leg, then maybe the goofy-footed stance is for you.

But here’s the thing, it ain’t about left or right-handedness. It’s all about comfort. I’ve seen regular riders with a dominant left hand and goofy riders with a dominant right hand. So, don’t get caught up in the left or right, just try both stances and see which one feels natural for you. Trust me, that’s the way to go.

Is there any advantage to riding goofy as a skateboarder?

Alright, folks, hold on to your skateboards; I have to tell you something. Skateboarding is all about personal preference. There is no right or wrong way. It’s just how you feel most comfortable. So let’s clear the air: being goofy or regular doesn’t matter.

Some folks switch up their stance mid-career! It’s about finding what works for you and landing those gnarly tricks. There’s no advantage to skating goofy, it’s all about feeling good on that board.

Types of skateboard stance

Let’s look at all the different types of skateboarding stances.

Goofy position

In a goofy stance, you place your right foot on the nose (front of your skateboard) and your left foot at the tail. As a result, you’ll propel the board with your left foot.

Regular posture

Normal posture is the most common. It requires pressing the board with your right foot at the tail and your left foot at the nose of your deck. The most common way to skateboard.

Switch stance

You will instantly learn this stance when you begin switching your original posture. You can practice a traditional posture if you are goofy, or vice versa. Changing your posture will allow you to explore all of the techniques that are simple to do.

Fakie stance

A fakie is a stance where we temporarily switch our preferred stance. A skater executing switching in Fakie is simply riding in the opposite direction.

If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called “Goofy VS. Regular” (Skateboarding stance: what’s the difference and what’s better than the other?) from the Yocaher Skateboards YouTube channel.

A video called Goofy VS. Regular (Skateboarding stance: what’s the difference and what’s better than the other) from the YOCAHER SKATEBOARDS YouTube channel.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do you still have questions about what goofy means in skateboarding? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about this topic.

What does “goofy” mean in skateboarding?

In skateboarding, “goofy” refers to a riding stance where the rider has their right foot on the board.

Is there an advantage to riding goofy or regular?

It is a matter of personal preference, and some skateboarders switch stances during their careers. What matters most is the ability to complete tricks and skate comfortably in the chosen posture.

Can a skateboarder switch from riding goofy to regular or vice versa?

Yes, skateboarders can switch their stance at any time. It takes practice and time to become comfortable riding in a different stance, but it is possible.

Which is better, regular or goofy?

Riding goofy often depends on personal preference, comfort, or body mechanics. For example, some skateboarders find it easier to perform certain goofy tricks, while others prefer to ride regular. But now is not necessarily better than the other.

Conclusion

It’s a wrap, folk! We’ve covered everything from the basics of what “goofy” means in skateboarding to the benefits of riding this style. And we’ve even answered some frequently asked questions for you.

Did you find all the information you were looking for about what “goofy” means in skateboarding? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below. I read and reply to every comment. If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend, and check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on skateboarding. Thanks for reading, and keep on riding!

Key takeaways

This article covered what goofy means in skateboarding. Here are some key takeaways:

  • Goofy is a stance in skateboarding where the rider’s right foot is forward on the board.
  • It is a matter of personal preference for skateboarders, and some switch stances throughout their careers.
  • What matters most is the ability to complete tricks and skate comfortably in the chosen stance.
  • There is no inherent advantage to riding goofy over riding regularly.

Helpful resources

Steven Portrate
Written by Steven Sadder, Staff Writer

Hey! I'm Steven, a lifelong skater, and proud New Yorker. I’ve been skating since I was a teenager. I may be a bit older now, but I'm not slowing down. Follow me for skating tips and latest gear reviews.

Nick eggert.
Edited by Nick Eggert, Staff Editor

Nick is our staff editor and co-founder. He has a passion for writing, editing, and website development. His expertise lies in shaping content with precision and managing digital spaces with a keen eye for detail.

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