If you’ve ever tried snowboarding, you must have come across the terms “goofy” and “regular.” These terms describe the rider’s stance on the board and his or her preferred way of riding. While there’s no right or wrong way to ride a snowboard, many people wonder if most snowboarders are goofy or regular. The pros from ASO Mammoth, your one-stop shop for top-notch gear and snowboard rentals in Mammoth, dive into this question below.
Understanding Stances in Snowboarding
Before we go further into whether most snowboarders are goofy or regular, it’s crucial to understand the concept of stances in snowboarding. The stance is how a snowboarder places his or her feet on the board, and it can either be goofy or regular. Regular stance is when a snowboarder places his or her left foot forward, with the right foot at the back. Goofy stance, on the other hand, is when a snowboarder places his or her right foot forward and the left foot is at the back.
Survey Results
Surveys conducted among snowboarders show a higher percentage of regular riders than goofy riders. According to a survey conducted by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) in 2016, approximately 65 percent of snowboarders ride with a regular stance, while 35 percent ride goofy. It’s worth noting, however, that these numbers may vary depending on the location, age group, and skill level of the rider.
For instance, younger riders tend to be more likely to ride goofy than their older counterparts. In a study of 654 snowboarders between the ages of 7 and 18, almost half (48 percent) were goofy riders, while 27 percent were regular. The remaining 25 percent were either ambidextrous or unable to determine their stance.
The Dominant Foot
A major factor that can influence a rider’s stance is his or her dominant foot. Typically, a rider’s dominant foot corresponds with his or her back foot on the board. For example, if someone is right-footed, he or she is likely to ride with a regular stance. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Some riders may have dominant feet that don’t correspond with their stances, which is called cross-dominance.
Left vs. Right Brain
So why do snowboarders prefer one stance over another? There’s no single definitive answer to this question, but one theory is related to the brain’s lateralization. Lateralization refers to the functional specialization of the left and right hemispheres of the brain. According to this theory, riders who are left-brain dominant (responsible for analytical thinking) tend to be more comfortable with a regular stance, whereas those who are right-brain dominant (responsible for creativity and spatial awareness) tend to prefer a goofy stance.
Experience
Another factor that can influence a snowboarder’s stance is experience level. When beginners start learning how to snowboard, it’s common for them to try out different stances until they find the one that feels most comfortable. Many snowboard instructors recommend that beginners start with a regular stance, as it’s considered the more natural way of riding for most people. However, some beginners may find they’re more comfortable with a goofy stance, and that’s perfectly fine too.
Rental Boards
Because most snowboards are directional and have to be set up with the correct stance, the availability of rental boards may also be a factor. Rental shops typically have more regular boards available for rent than goofy boards. As a result, people may be more likely to try the regular stance first, and once they get comfortable with it, they may stick with it.
Snowboard Parks
Finally, the design of snowboard parks may also play a role. Most snowboard parks are designed with features that cater to regular riders. For example, most jumps are set up for regular riders to take off with the left foot forward. This means regular riders may have an easier time navigating the park and performing tricks.
Overall, there’s no right or wrong stance when it comes to snowboarding. It’s all about personal preference and what feels most comfortable for each individual. While most snowboarders tend to ride with a regular stance, there are still plenty of riders who prefer a goofy stance. The good news is that no matter what your preferred stance is, there are plenty of opportunities to hit the slopes and shred the pow. What’s important is that you enjoy the sport and have fun. So grab your board, hit the lift, and let your preferred stance take you on an epic ride down the mountain.
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.