We call it "Drop back" style. You see, the human back is a lot more streamlined than our frontside, so by bodyboarding on the back you can increase speed and projection on the wave.
HA! well excuse you sir but that's called a backer, not a drop back. i've been taking off like that ever since i can remember. i've found a way to translate this to surfing. you simply take off in a backer fashion, pop up, and then ride backwards (heels pointing towards the nose). riding backwards like that is called a larry copenhagen. examples: 1. friend a- yo dog did you see me on that sick ass backer to larry copenhagen? friend b- yeah man you were stalling that larry copenhagen like you were larry himself 2. friend a- yo nig did you see that sick ass backer? friend b- yeah, but you totally rode that regular stanced. you're a disgrace
