Back in ye olde days it was considered a real hindrance to surf backhand, but advancements in board design and technique have put an end to all that. There's no disadvantage to stance, at least when you're surfing standard beachies and reefs.

In slabs, however, the distinction remains. Which is why I always draw breath when I see, for instance, Danny Griffiths at Shippies or Kerby Brown at the Right. They set a rail early and hope it's the right choice cos there ain't no way they can adjust that line if it proves the wrong one.

You can add Zac Haynes to that list, a gung ho goofy that ain't bothered by the downside of having his heels to the face at a misshapen slab. In this clip, ol' Zac spears a few at the Right but with the same brassy approach he swings it frontside at big Naz, Gnaraloo, and a few West Oz reefs.