If I for example have a hard time improving my backside technique for racing fast walls and around sections, are there details in the design that could compensate or speed up my progress without going bigger, is it common to have specific “backhand boards” in the quiver or should I just keep working on my backhand? Feels awkward to step up a size everytime I have a shot at fast ones.
Asymetricals are great for backhand surfing. Shorten the backhand rail, angle the heel side fin a bit more, use a smaller fin on the heel side. Your heels tend to push the rail deeper because your leg is attached directly above. The heels don’t have the feel the toes do though. Hence the changes in design to make use of the advantages and minimize the disadvantages. Board design changes are helpful but hard work also makes a difference. I suggest a two pronged approach.
I surf right foot forward. Living and surfing in CA all of my live I go right(back side) better then I go left. If you work on your back side you will get better. I’m trying to work on my front side, so I know what you are looking at. Good surfing.