In surfing, you’ll often hear the term “goofy-footed” thrown around. It simply means a surfer who rides with their right foot forward on the board. So, if you’re a goofy-footer, you lead with your right foot.
This article will dive into the origins of the term “goofy-footer,” as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the stance. We’ll also discuss how to figure out if you’re a goofy-footer or not.
Ultimately, keep in mind that stance preference is personal. It doesn’t mean you’re a better or worse surfer either way!
The origin of “goofy foot”
No one is sure exactly where the term “goofy foot” came from. There are a few theories floating around.
One theory is that the term may have come from the Disney character Goofy. In the 1937 cartoon “Hawaiian Holiday,” Goofy surfs with his right foot forward.
Some people say golf course designer Desmond Muirhead coined the term. Muirhead was also a surfer, and he supposedly used “goofy foot” to describe surfers who rode with their right foot forward.
Another possibility is that the term came from skateboarding. Like surfing, skateboarding also has regular and goofy stances. It makes sense that the terms might have originated in the same place, among a group of people who did both sports.
Goofy vs. Regular: What’s the Difference?
In the world of board sports, there are two main stances: regular and goofy.
If you ride “regular,” you lead with your left foot forward. If you ride “goofy,” you lead with your right foot forward.
Neither stance is better than the other. Which stance you choose is simply about what feels most comfortable and natural to you. There’s no right or wrong answer, and it’s all about personal preference.
How to figure out your surfing stance
Here are a few ways to determine whether you should surf regular or goofy.
Limb dominance
Sometimes your dominant hand can give you a clue as to which foot you should place forward. However, there’s no direct or reliable connection between handedness and surfing stance.
Practical tests
There are a few practical tests you can try to determine the stance that’s most natural for you:
- Air jump. Jump forward and notice which foot you instinctively land on first.
- Stair climbing. Take note of which foot you use to lead when you’re climbing stairs.
- Leaning test. Have someone gently push you from behind and see which foot you put forward to brace yourself.
On the board
If you have access to a surfboard and some calm water, try both stances and see which one feels most comfortable and balanced.
Stance and wave direction
Whether you’re regular-footed or goofy-footed, you’ll be riding either frontside or backside, depending on how the wave is breaking.
Frontside and backside
If you’re riding frontside, you’re facing the wave. If you’re riding backside, your back is to the wave.
Goofy-footed surfers
If you’re goofy-footed, you’ll be riding frontside on left-breaking waves and backside on right-breaking waves.
Wave selection
Goofy-footed surfers often prefer left-hand point breaks, where the wave breaks to the surfer’s left. Certain waves may be considered advantageous for certain stances, so it’s a good idea to experiment to see what works best for you.
Putting It All Together
Remember, “goofy-footed” is just a term that describes a specific surfing stance — it has nothing to do with skill! Whether you’re goofy-footed or ride regular, the most important thing is that your stance feels right for you.
So, don’t be afraid to play around and experiment. Try both stances and see which one gives you the best control and the most comfortable ride. The right stance is the one that feels most natural to you.