For me backhand is harder than forehand, especially on an SUP with the wider tail.
Sure it is easier to apply pressure on my back hand, but it is harder to find the sweet spot and control the pressure.
On my forehand I have the advantage of the feel of my toes (to find the rail roll over), I am facing the wave which helps with body positioning. I also get the use of an extra joint- my ankle, which I feel gives me more control of the power.
My understanding of Assym snowboards was that they were all about centering your toes and heels on the carving arc. As your feet are generally off set (angled) on a snowboard for carving they offset the carving arcs to match the offset of your feet.
Same again though - it is easier to apply pressure on your heels ( and thus stop quickly) but harder to control that pressure. This is why you are more likely to lose it at speed on your heelside than your toeside on a snowboard.
I believe most people need a hand on their backhand or heels side for turning. Beginner snowboarders prefer heel-side because they are facing down the hill and pressure is easily applied to the rail with less cramping. Anyone who has traversed toe side for long distanced knows all about this - you use more muscles, but they also give you more control.
I also think advanced riders who get out there a few times a week have different needs to weekend warriors who get a surf in once a week, if they are lucky.
Interresting discussion
