Q&A for How to Determine if You're Regular or Goofy Foot

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How do you know which foot is dominant?

Kent Bry
Certified Snowboarding Instructor
Kent Bry is a certified ski and snowboarding instructor and the director of Adventure Ski & Snowboard, a school based in the San Diego, California metro area. With over 50 years of skiing and snowboarding performance and instruction experience, Kent is certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA). Adventure Ski & Snowboard is a member of the PSIA and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI). Kent holds a BS in Recreational Therapy from San Diego State University and is also a California-registered recreational therapist.

Kent Bry

Certified Snowboarding Instructor

Expert Answer

A good test is to have a friend come up behind you and gently push you forward. Whichever foot you step out with to catch yourself is probably your dominant foot.

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Question

My right foot is my dominant foot, but I prefer to ride with my left foot in the back of my board. Is this okay?

Nishat Blagh

Community Answer

That's fine, everyone has different preferences with what we find comfortable.

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Question

Is there anything wrong with being goofy-footed?

Community Answer

Absolutely not -- it just means you are more likely to be left-handed, or you just feel more comfortable riding that way.

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Question

What do I do if my dominant foot is my right foot, but I do tricks with my left foot?

Nishat Blagh

Community Answer

There's nothing wrong with that, whatever makes you feel comfortable when doing tricks.

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Question

Isn't the first image essentially two regular postures photographed from different sides?

Community Answer

I noticed the same thing, given that the left foot is pointed, insinuating that is the direction of motion. However, the first could be either, since there is no apparent direction. If you look closely, it appears that the feet are shifted slightly to the left of the picture. So, the pictures could be switched and the problem would be resolved. But, I'm not entirely sure that most people would even notice.

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Question

My right foot is my dominant and I control the board with it in the rear, facing towards the right. My left foot is used for pushing in the front. I'm right handed. What am I?

Community Answer

It sounds like you are mongo foot. To some people, this feels more natural, even though its the opposite of what's considered to be the "right" way. If you catch yourself being a mongo foot, try to break yourself of it before it becomes too habitual. It can hinder you in setting up tricks and make you less stable on your board.

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Question

I ride on a scooter with my left foot pushing off, but I write with my right hand. What would this be considered?

Community Answer

I do the same thing. I don't think there is a name for it, since I would be considered right foot dominant in all other activities. I've read that whichever foot you use for stability will be the one you keep on your board, but that's not exactly true for me either. Perhaps ambipedal (ambidextrous feet)?

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Question

My right foot is dominant, but I like to use my left foot to push off. This is goofy right? Is there any right and wrong?

Nishat Blagh

Community Answer

Regular is when your left foot is at the front. Goofy is when your right foot is at the front. Sometimes people can push mongo, which is when they use the foot at the front to push off. This is usually looked down on in skate culture, but it really doesn't matter at the end of the day, as long as you're having fun.

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Question

Can I be both regular-footed and goofy-footed?

Community Answer

Yes! I am both and it works just fine! You should have a more comfortable side that you prefer to ride on, but you can switch if you need to.

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Question

How can I stop having a mongo foot when skating?

Community Answer

Move the foot that stays on the board forward about 6 inches. Push as usual and instead of putting your pushing foot in front, put it behind.

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Question

I have tight heel cords, so it's hard for me to stand on flat feet, can I still ride skateboards?

Community Answer

Of course! After practicing awhile you will begin to loosen up. I have the same problem, so I understand what it’s like. Trying walking around the house with flat feet for a certain amount of time every day. Gradually increase this time. Massage your heel cords if that helps. It will start to feel more natural after a bit!

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Question

Can I ride both regular and goofy foot? What is that called?

Community Answer

Everyone should be able to ride both ways on the board eventually. However, one stance (goofie, or regular) will be way easier than the other stance. The term for riding in the opposite stance is riding "switch." Switch tricks are harder and require much more practice.

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Question

Most of the skaters I know or have seen online are goofy foot. Is this generally the case?

Community Answer

Yes, it is generally the case. As most people are right-handed, doing a Caveman is easier with your right foot forward. Or they are left-handed and their left foot is more active. This makes their pushing more easier and faster. But I am regular footed, and I don't think I like Goofy-foot. However it is your choice.

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Question

What if I do the tests, and it says I'm goofy footed, but I prefer regular footing? Which one should I use?

Woahhhhhhhh

Community Answer

Use whatever feels more comfortable. If you like regular more than goofy try that. If it doesn't seem right try goofy. You decide which feels right!

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