The choice between “goofy” and “regular” affects the surfer’s control, maneuverability, and experience: learn more about the two main surf positions

One of the first things beginner surfers need to do is to determine what position on the board is most natural for them.This is not a minor aspect, because it goes into determining surfing style and also the choice of spots and waves. In fact, once you choose your position on the board, you can figure out what kind of surfer you will become.

So let’s see what the two surf positions are, the characteristics and what is involved in choosing one or the other.

Goofy position: characteristics, origins of the name, advantages and disadvantages

Let’s start with the basics: the two main positions in surfing are. the “goofy” and the “regular.”

When the surfer keeps his right foot forward on the board while his left foot remains behind to guide and maintain balance, he is in a “goofy” position. The origin of the term probably comes from Goofy, Mickey Mouse’s friend, who is called, in American, by the name “Goofy” for his awkward but original way of walking. The goofy stance is not as rare as one might think; it is estimated that about 30-40% of surfers use this stance.

Surfing in the “goofy” position can offer some advantages. One of the main ones is better maneuverability: the back foot position allows more control in board movements, making quick turns and sharp maneuvers easier. In addition, surfing in the goofy position can improve the surfer’s strength and balance: the foot position requires greater use of the abdominal muscles to maintain balance, thus improving core strength. Finally, for some surfers, the goofy position is simply more comfortable and allows for an enjoyable surfing experience.

However, there is no shortage of disadvantages. First, many waves and spots are better suited to regular surfers. This means that goofy surfers may find it more difficult to find waves that are ideal for their surfing style, especially in breaks that favor right-handed waves. In addition, surfing backside (with the back facing the wave) can be more complicated than frontside, and many right-handed waves require goofy surfers to surf backside.
Finally, goofy surfers may feel at a disadvantage in competitions or during group sessions, where the majority of surfers may be regulars and right-handed waves are predominant.

Regular: what it is, what are the origins of the name, advantages and disadvantages

When the surfer keeps the left foot forward on the board while the right foot remains behind , it is in the “regular” position. This is the most common position among surfers: about 60-70% of surfers adopt it. The term “regular” comes precisely from the fact that it is the standard or normal position for most people.

The “regular” position offers several advantages, especially for beginners.
This position makes it easier to learn in the early stages. Regular surfers find it easier to perform frontside maneuvers, where the chest faces the wave, and maintain control and speed while riding the wave. In addition, many waves are more favorable to regular surfers, especially right-handed waves, which allow better visibility and control

Again, there is no shortage of disadvantages. Being the most common position, regular surfers may find more competition for waves in crowded surf spots. This can make it more difficult to find free waves and have enough room to perform complicated maneuvers

In addition, regular surfers may have difficulty in situations where left-handed waves are more common. Surfing backside on these waves, regular surfers may find it more complicated to maintain good control while maneuvering. Left-handed waves require a different technique that may be less natural for those used to surfing frontside on right-handed waves.

Another aspect to consider is that regular surfers, like the goofy ones, still face the challenge of adapting to different wave and break conditions and must develop skills to surf effectively, and efficiently, in all conditions, including breaks that do not necessarily favor their position.

Read also: Step-by-Step Guide to Catching the Perfect Wave While Surfing

How to figure out which position is best for you

To determine if this is your natural stance, you can do a simple balance test: take a run and see which foot you jump forward with first. If it is the left, you are probably a regular.

Another common method is the “push test”: stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and get pushed slightly from behind. The foot you put forward first is the one you should probably keep in front on the board.

Improving one’s position: some useful tips

To improve your position on the board, you need to work on balance by incorporating a series of specific exercises, either free-body or with specific equipment, into your exercise routine.

The Bosu Ball is a very useful tool for training balance: doing squats performed on the Bosu Ball improves core strength and leg stability. Planks on Bosu Ball are also very effective for strengthening core stability and rotational strength.

Yoga is very useful for surfers, both for improving balance and increasing flexibility. Exercises such as squats, lunges and one-legged deadlifts increase leg strength and stability. These exercises strengthen the leg muscles, which are crucial for maintaining balance on the board.

Finally, slacklining is a great way to train balance. Walking on a slackline improves coordination and core strength, simulating the instability experienced on a surfboard.

Goofy and Regular Surfboards: which one to choose

Briefly stated, goofy surfers, who have the right foot forward, can use boards designed for left-breaking waves: this type allows frontside surfing.

Regular surfers, who as mentioned put their left foot forward, tend to prefer waves that break to the right. For these surfers, boards with a design that allows them to surf right-handed waves better are recommended.

Whether you belong to the “goofy” or the “regulare” category, longer, more stable boards are great for beginners, while more experienced surfers can opt for more responsive boards to improve their maneuverability.

Read also: Improve Your Paddling in Surfing: Techniques and Exercises to Get Power

In conclusion

Determining one’s natural position in surfing, whether goofy or regular, is a critical step for any beginner.Through simple balance tests, such as the push test, it is possible to find out which foot to put forward on the board. The goofy position, with the right foot forward, offers more maneuverability and better core strength development, which is disadvantageous in spots mostly suited to regulars. On the other hand, the regular position is more common and facilitates learning, but can be limiting in left-hand waves. Regardless of position, balance training with tools such as Bosu Ball, yoga, and slackline, is essential to improve one’s skills on the board.

Whether you’re “goofy” or “regular,” you can learn to surf at our surf school in Fuerteventura: let’s find your ideal location together and get started right away on how to ride the wave… our instructors are ready to teach you all the secrets of this wonderful sport!

Takeaways

• Determining whether one is “goofy” (right foot forward) or “regular” (left foot forward) is critical for any beginning surfer;
• Being “goofy” provides more maneuverability and better control in board movements due to the back foot position. In addition, this position requires greater use of the abdominal muscles, improving core strength. However, it can be disadvantageous in spots with waves more favorable to “regular” surfers;
• The “regular” position is the most common among surfers, making initial learning easier. Surfing frontside (chest facing the wave) on right-hand waves, “regular” surfers have more control and visibility. However, they may find difficulty in left-hand waves, where they must surf backside;
• To figure out what one’s natural position is, one can do simple balance tests. The “run test” and “push test” help identify which foot to keep forward on the board, allowing you to choose between “goofy” and “regular.”
• Regardless of the position you choose, improving balance is essential for surfing. Specific exercises such as those with the Bosu Ball, yoga, and slackline help develop core strength and leg stability, which are essential for maintaining balance on the board and improving surfing performance.

FAQ

How to determine whether one is a “goofy” or “regular” surfer?

A surfer’s natural position, “goofy” or “regular,” can be determined through simple balance tests such as the “run test” or the “push test.” In the “run test,” you run and see which foot you jump forward with first. In the “push test,” you stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and are pushed slightly from behind to see which foot you step forward first.

What are the advantages of the “goofy” position in surfing?

The “goofy” position, with the right foot forward, provides more maneuverability and better control in board movements. It also requires greater use of the abdominal muscles, improving the surfer’s core strength and balance.

What are the advantages of the “regular” position in surfing?

The “regular” position, with the left foot forward, makes it easier for beginners to learn. It offers more control and visibility surfing frontside on right-hand waves, and is the most common position among surfers.