Goofy or Regular: Discover Your Surfing Style

When you start surfing at Sopelana beach, one of the first things you wonder is whether you’re goofy or regular. It’s not just a matter of style, but a fundamental part of how you interact with the waves. Let’s explain what this is all about as if we were chatting after a session in the water.

What Does It Mean to Be Goofy or Regular?

In surfing, foot position is key. Regular is when you place your left foot forward and your right foot back. If you’re Goofy, you do the opposite: right foot forward and left foot back. In Sopelana, as in many other beaches, there’s a mix of both styles, and each has its advantages.

Where Do These Terms Come From?

The term “goofy” comes from a Disney short where the character surfed awkwardly. Although it might sound odd, being goofy is simply a matter of natural preference, just like being left or right-handed.

How to Know if You’re Goofy or Regular?

• Push Test: Ask a friend to gently push you from behind. The foot you put forward first is usually the one you use on the board.
• Previous Experience: If you’ve done skateboarding or snowboarding, you’ll already have an idea of your dominant foot.
• Common Sense: Practice the take-off on the sand. Your body will tell you how you feel most comfortable.

In our surf school, we see it every day. There’s no better method than another; the important thing is to find what works best for you.

Impact on Surfing and Waves

Being goofy or regular affects how you tackle the waves. In Sopelana, the waves can go in both directions, and your position influences whether you surf them facing or backing the wave.

Advantages of Each Style

• Regular: Advantage on right-hand waves, like those at some beaches in Spain.
• Goofy: Ideal for left-hand waves, like those at Mundaka.

As Aitor, our advanced instructor, says: “Surfing is 90% paddling and 10% enjoying.” So regardless of your style, the important thing is how you adapt to the conditions.

Examples of Legendary Surfers

There are great names on both the goofy and regular sides:

• Legendary Regulars: Kelly Slater, Andy Irons, John John Florence.
• Legendary Goofies: Gabriel Medina, Tom Carroll, Derek Ho.

Each has left their mark on surfing, proving that skill is what matters, not foot position.

Tips for Beginners

If you’re starting out, here are some tips to help you choose your style:

• Don’t Obsess: The correct position is the one that makes you feel comfortable.
• Trial and Error: Experiment with both styles if you’re unsure.
• Listen to Your Body: Your instinct is usually the best guide.

Peña Txuri Tip: Practice makes perfect. The more time you spend in the water, the clearer your style will become.

The Importance of Practice

As with any discipline, practice is key. Whether you’re goofy or regular, the important thing is to be in the water and enjoy the process. At Peña Txuri, we encourage everyone to explore and enjoy every wave.

So next time you’re in Sopelana or any other beach, don’t worry too much about whether you’re goofy or regular. The important thing is to have fun and enjoy surfing. As we always say here, the best wave is the one you surf with a smile.