First off ask yourself how you stand if you surf, skateboard, or engage in some other sideways sport. You'll probably want to use the same stance as in the sport you've already done.
The following written by Crispin Cowan <crispin@cse.ogi.edu>
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It's my observation that correlations between which way one snowboards
and other handedness tendencies are weak at best. This is why there
are so many "tests" for which way one should ride, and they
all inevitably fail for some people.
I prefer the "linoleum" test: in stocking feet, run towards your kitchen and skid across the linoleum floor. Observe which foot goes forward. Put that foot forward on your snowboard. This test can also be administered hillside by directing the student to the nearest icy sidewalk. Unlike other tests (shoving, jumping, kicking, baseball batting, cartwheels, etc.) this one *directly* tests you for your preferred stance in a balance sport (balance sport: something where you stand sideways on a deck, e.g. snowboarding, skateboarding, surfing, etc.). |
Mark Wallace adds: Footedness is inevitably a trial and error decision when you start snowboarding. Unless you are sure what the correct stance is, try it both ways, it will be easy to decide after that. Even if a "test" suggests one way you may end up being more comfortable the other. There are 5 or 6 tests which could be listed here but some would show you should be regular and some would show you should be goofy.
Editor (Dave): The linoleum test certainly fails for me, I
would slide on the floor with right foot forward, yet I ride boards
regular. I can ride fakie on a snowboard or kitesurfing, but
I cannot ride switch on a skate board. Your mileage will vary!