Req 2d9 — Stance

Your stance determines which foot is at the front of the board. This affects everything — how you push, turn, and perform tricks. Understanding both stances (and why people have different ones) is fundamental skateboarding knowledge.

Regular vs. Goofy Stance

Regular stance: Left foot forward, right foot at the tail. The majority of skateboarders ride regular.

Goofy stance: Right foot forward, left foot at the tail. Roughly one in three skateboarders rides goofy.

Neither stance is better or worse — they are simply mirror images of each other. All tricks can be performed from either stance.

How to Find Your Stance

If you are not sure which foot is your natural front foot, try these tests:

1. The push test. Stand on a smooth floor in socks. Slide one foot forward — the foot that instinctively slides forward is likely your front foot.

2. The push-from-behind test. Have a friend gently push you from behind without warning. The foot you step forward to catch yourself is typically your natural front foot.

3. The sliding test. Run on a slippery surface and slide — the foot you naturally lead with is usually your front foot.

Most people find their preferred stance immediately when they first stand on a skateboard.

Switch, Fakie, and Nollie

Once you know your natural stance, you will hear these terms:

• Switch: Riding with your non-dominant foot forward (i.e., opposite of your natural stance). Very difficult; requires relearning all tricks.
• Fakie: Riding backward in your natural stance (tail-first, but feet in normal position).
• Nollie: An ollie performed by popping the nose instead of the tail while riding normally.

For this requirement, you only need to identify your stance and demonstrate it by standing on the board correctly.

Demonstration

Stand on the skateboard on a flat, stable surface (even on carpet or grass is fine for the stance demonstration). Your front foot should be just behind the front truck bolts, angled slightly forward. Your back foot should be on or near the tail, centered across the board width.

Official Resources