Snowboarding is a wonderful sport or hobby to get involved in. However, before you can enjoy snowboarding, even at the hobby level, it’s important to determine what type of snowboarder you are. Your “type” is commonly referred to as your “stance.” By knowing this information ahead of time, you can more easily choose the right gear and get more enjoyment out of the sport. The pros from ASO Mammoth, your one-stop shop for top-notch gear and snowboard rentals in Mammoth, offer this advice on figuring out what works best for you.
What’s the Difference?
If you’re new to snowboarding, especially if you’re planning on trying it for the very first time, you should know there are two basic types of snowboarders. The regular type of snowboarder is someone who leads with his or her left leg. This type is referred to as “regular,” not because it’s necessarily better or more correct than the other type but because it’s more common. The “goofy” type of snowboarder is the other, less common type of snowboarder. Don’t let the term, which is sometimes used interchangeably with “fakie,” offend you. All it means is that you lead with your right leg when you snowboard.
Do What Feels Natural
If you’re lucky, you’ll have a snowboard instructor who allows you to just take the board without offering any advice or instruction. Chances are, you’ll naturally take the stance that feels right to you and go with that. If you’re trying snowboarding on your own and don’t have an instructor, this step is easier. Try out what feels best to you. There’s certainly no harm in trying the other option as well, but ultimately, you should go with whatever you find the most comfortable and natural. Don’t allow anyone to force you into a certain stance. Many people snowboard in a way that isn’t natural to them for a long time and only later discover their natural skill and ability—if they ever do at all—with the other stance.
Consider Similar Sports
If you’ve done other sports involving a board, you’ll most likely snowboard the same way as you perform in those other sports. For instance, if you’ve ever skateboarded, surfed, kiteboarded, or even walked a balance beam, start out by using the stance you used in those sports.
Put Your Dominant Foot in Back
If none of these tips work for you, a very simple option is to simply put your dominant foot in the back, since this is the stance that works for most people. Generally, if you’re a right-handed person, this means putting your right foot in the back and vice versa. If that option doesn’t work for you, don’t panic. Just try the other side. The goal is ultimately to find and do what works for you. Remember, there’s really no such thing as “right” or “wrong” when it comes to snowboarding stance.
If you need advice on figuring out your snowboarding stance, stop by ASO Mammoth and chat with our friendly staff. We’ll help you figure out what works best for you, and we’ll get you started with the right gear and high-quality Mammoth snowboard rental. Drop by or give us a call at 760-965-3444.