Q: How long does it
usually take to get the hang of riding the GoofBoard?
A: It takes about 15-30 minutes of use to maintain decent balance, about
two weeks to shake off the jitters, and maybe a month of regular use to
feel fairly comfortable.
Q: How long did it take the dude in the video to get to that point?
A: The dude in the video, the GoofBoard
discoverer, Armin Brown, had been riding for about a year, at the time
of the video. He is not exactly an extreme sort of fellow, so many could
get there faster.
Q: Is the GoofBoard just a copy of other boards already out there?
A: No, not at all. Traditional balance boards all use a teeter-totter
rocking motion. The GoofBoard’s primary motion is a rail-to-rail
motion, true to the surfing experience.
Q: I took a gnarly spill on a balance board. Is the GoofBoard
any safer than other balance boards?
A: Since the GoofBoard rides closer to the ground it is safer, but that
is not to say that you can’t get hurt. Most falls occur when trying
moves beyond one’s current level of adaptation.
Q: My goal is to get good at cross-stepping. Will the GoofBoard
help?
A: In our opinion, there is no better way. Practice balancing on the GoofBoard
one foot at a time, on either foot. Repetitive practice of cross-stepping
on the GoofBoard will get you toward your goal. Out in the water, keep
your knees bent, position your surfboard in the upper half of the wave
back in the curl, and make each step a smooth transfer of weight.
Q: What’s the best riding surface for the GoofBoard?
A: We have found that a piece of medium height loopy style carpet (about
4? x 6?) is ideal, best if placed on a hard floor or concrete. Most shag
carpet with padding is too thick and slow, but may be great at first while
getting started. Riding directly on hard flooring is too fast. Go to a
carpet store and buy a remnant for cheap. Home Depot sells 4' x 6' carpet/rugs
with stiched edges for about $30 in the cheap carpet section.
Q: Is the GoofBoard better for conditioning compared to the boards
that balance on an inflatable ball?
A: The ball based boards seem to be the most challenging physically, but
they don’t look very fun, either. What’s the best exercise,
you might ask? Answer… that which you will do.
Q: Is the GoofBoard good for skateboarding style tricks?
A: Skaters will have a blast on the GoofBoard™, just like everyone
else, but it is really designed for surfers. The under-side rail stops
do not allow for rotating the board and performing tricks like a Shove
It. But, skateboarders will enjoy the unique challenge offered by the
GoofBoard.
Q: Will the GoofBoard make you a better surfer?
A: Yes. Maybe not right away, but increased leg strength and better board
control will eventually translate into better surfing. The ability for
repetitive practice at any time provided by the GoofBoard is not something
most of us have the luxury of doing out in the line up.
Q: What’s harder, GoofBoarding or actual surfing?
A: First time Goofin’ can be a humbling experience, even for pro
surfers. The balance required by the GoofBoard does not occur anywhere
else in natural life. It must be learned and the brain must adapt. Once
the learning curve kicks in, basic GoofBoarding is not difficult, but
the sky’s the limit for those who want to push the limits.
Q: The video shows the guy doing longboard moves. How does the
GoofBoard rate for short boarding?
A: Hey, surfing is surfing.
Q: I want to take up surfing this summer. Can the GoofBoard give
me head start?
A: A head start with balance on a surfboard, absolutely. But, there are
many variables to surfing, such as take off positioning, that only come
from attempting the real thing. You will have an advantage over other
beginners, but you’ll still have to pay your dues in the water.
Q: Do you have to surf to ride the GoofBoard?
A: No. We know a family that rides the GoofBoard every Friday night, kids,
parents, cousins. None of them has ever surfed. They have a blast on it.
Q: Do snow boarders dig the GoofBoard?
A: We have not fully explored this angle, but the ankle focused motion
from the GoofBoard
should be a great way for snow boarders to keep in shape - much more so
than any rocking motion balance board. Please chime in with your feedback
if any avid snow boarder out there owns a GoofBoard™.
Q: Why hasn’t anyone done this before?
A: We have no idea.
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