Every surfer has a unique stance that feels natural on the board—it’s the foundation of balance, style, and control. Whether you’re goofy-footed or regular-footed, your stance shapes how you connect with the wave and move across it. Understanding the difference helps you find your rhythm faster and surf more confidently.
What Is a Surfing Stance?
A surfing stance refers to which foot you place forward when standing on your surfboard. Just like skateboarding or snowboarding, your stance determines how you balance, turn, and control your board.
There are two main types:
- Regular: Left foot forward, right foot back.
- Goofy: Right foot forward, left foot back.
Neither stance is better—it’s all about what feels natural to you. Even professional surfers are split almost evenly between the two styles.
How to Tell If You’re Goofy or Regular
Finding your stance is simple—you just need to test which foot your body prefers to lead with. Here are a few easy ways to find out:
1. The Slide Test:
Stand relaxed and have someone gently push you forward from behind. The foot you instinctively step forward with is likely your front foot.
2. The Stairs Test:
Notice which foot you naturally use first when going up stairs. That’s often your dominant foot, and it usually goes in the back while surfing.
3. The Glide Test:
If you’ve ever skateboarded, snowboarded, or used a scooter, remember which foot you lead with. That’s usually your surf stance.
Regular Stance
In a regular stance, your left foot is forward and your right foot is back near the tail of the board. This is the most common stance among surfers and generally feels natural for right-handed people.
Pros:
- Great control for turns and pivots
- Feels natural for most people
- Easier to balance for right-dominant riders
Cons:
- Can feel awkward when switching to backside waves
Famous Regular-Footed Surfers:
Kelly Slater, Stephanie Gilmore, and Mick Fanning.
Goofy Stance
In a goofy stance, your right foot is forward and your left foot is back. Though less common, goofy-footed surfers often have a distinct style and balance approach.
Pros:
- Natural for left-dominant riders
- Unique perspective on wave angles and body movement
- Can lead to more creative line choices
Cons:
- Backside waves can feel trickier to master
Famous Goofy-Footed Surfers:
Gabriel Medina, Rob Machado, and Occy (Mark Occhilupo).
Practicing Your Stance
No matter your stance, consistency is key. Practice standing up in your natural position both on land and in small waves until it feels second nature.
Tips:
- Keep your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Bend your knees slightly for balance.
- Keep your weight centered over the board.
- Look in the direction you want to go—your body follows your gaze.
If you’re unsure which stance feels best, spend a few sessions testing both. Your body will naturally favor one over time.
Regular vs Goofy: Style Differences
Your stance can subtly influence your surfing style. Regular surfers often favor smooth carves and open-face lines, while goofy surfers sometimes lean into creative maneuvers or backside attacks. But ultimately, style transcends stance—it’s all about flow, comfort, and connection with the wave.
Final Thoughts
Your surfing stance is as personal as your style—it’s what makes your approach to the ocean uniquely yours. Whether you’re regular or goofy, what matters most is balance, awareness, and confidence.
So find your stance, stay low, and ride your way—because surfing’s beauty lies in its individuality.