forehander

plural forehanders

1. ball gamesA shot played forehand.
2. hobbiesA surfer who approaches a swell facing the wave ("on their forehand") rather than with the wave behind them ("on their backhand").

   The morning brought an increased swell; long, perfect, down-the-line, 6-8' freight trains — a forehander's dream and a backhanders nightmare

   1990, Surfer - Volume 31, Issues 7-12

3. nauticalThe crew member in charge of managing the foresail.

   Then he heard the wailing cry of the forehander as the crowd manned the braces.

   1940, Roland Barker, Jonah's Ark, page 59

   1 more example

   I had not been below ten minutes when I heard Mr. Hughes shouting orders; then there came the cries of the forehander, and the creaking of brace blocks, as the yards were trimmed once more.

   1959, Tusitala, page 56