Regular or Goofy, Switch or Fakie?
One cool thing about snowboarding is that you can face any direction while riding downhill on a snowboard. But which direction is forward and backward? These terms are not really used in boarding. Riding fakie means you have turned around on the board and are riding with what you usually use as the nose, at the back of the board. Fakie is a term that is interchangeable with switch to a certain extent, and was derived from skateboarding. Usually it is only a temporary move. Riding switch is a term more commonly used and refers to trying to perform for a period when riding or doing a trick through completion and is essentially the same as fakie.

Now how do you know which way is forward for you? Either you ride like the vast majority of people (regular) with your left foot forward, or goofy foot, with your right foot forward. Tony Hawk happens to be goofy as well as many great snowboarders. I am also goofy, so the term "goofy" does not imply inferiority. There are several ways to find out how you ride.

1. Start out regular, and if you end up always turning around and riding, adjust your bindings for goofy foot.

2. Same as #1 except set both bindings to 0 to 15 degrees, this way is won't matter unless the board is directional.

3. Stand up straight and let someone gently push you back until you plant a foot behind you. This is often the foot you want forward.

4. Cross your arms, the arm on top matches the leg & foot that will be forward. (right or left side)

5. If you have ever boarded, (skate, wake, surf, etc) stick with the stance you have used in the past.

6. Often, left handed people are goofy, but the same is not true of right handed people being regular.

Use a couple of these tests and you will figure out how you ride. If you rent a board, they will be happy to set it up correctly for you.

I would highly recommend wrist guards (wrist injuries are more likely with beginner snowboarders), knee pads help for safety and comfort, back side pad is also a good idea, or place a thick hat in your pants to keep your tail bone padded and comfortable.