Buying Guide: Nose Protectors – How to protect the nose of your board from impacts

Crack! – the unpleasant sound of laminate cracking turns what was already an unpleasant tumble into a complete disaster. The mast and the nose of the board collide briefly but forcefully, and you know from the sound alone that your first destination after the water start must be the dry shore – followed by a repair job of varying complexity. When the rig slams down onto the board, it’s usually the nose that takes the brunt of it. Unlike the standing area, there’s usually less reinforcement at the front; what’s more, the board is relatively thin there and therefore vulnerable. At least today’s short, wide bow sections are less exposed than the steep, delicate noses of the ‘no-nose’ era. The clip-on foam pads for the front of the boom, which date back to that era, are largely ineffective with most modern set-ups, because: Apart from typical combinations for children or beginners – small rigs on long boards – with many modern board-and-sail combinations, the boom hits the water well in front of the nose, and the damage is almost always caused by the mast.

​In modern set-ups, the mast meets the nose – not the fork.”

Essentially, there are two ways to prevent damage to the nose of the board: either by protecting the nose with a guard, or by using systems that prevent the mast from striking the nose of the board by deflecting it. We outline the pros and cons of both options below.

Protect your nose

1.) Luxury option: bespoke carbon protector

For those who prioritise appearance and weight, a bespoke carbon protector is the best choice. Depending on the supplier and your budget, a small amount of the laminate may even be sanded away and then rebuilt with reinforcement. A paint finish matching the original design is also possible. However, if you’re not an experienced DIY builder, you should consult the experts at a board repair shop or custom-build specialist. Some manufacturers, such as We One, offer carbon fibre covers designed to fit their boards. With prices starting at around 300 euros, they are clearly the most expensive option (custom-made versions are significantly more expensive), but they deliver the most elegant result with hardly any additional weight. Anyone who feels a twinge of hesitation at the price should bear in mind that if it prevents just two repairs, you’ll have recouped the purchase price!

​Surfing tip: If you’re treating yourself to a lightweight, sporty board (such as a freeracer) that you want to ride for a long time, it’s well worth the investment!

2.) The happy medium: GRP nose protectors

Instead of high-quality carbon fibre, cheaper materials can also be used to make a nose guard. For some board models produced in larger quantities, these protectors are available off the shelf; they simply need to be stuck on. They weigh a few hundred grams more than the carbon version, which can significantly alter a board’s balance and ride feel. The cost is in the mid-range, at between 100 and 200 euros.

Surfing tip: A robust solution for beginner and freeride boards, where perfect aesthetics and minimal weight aren’t the main priorities and which may simply be a stepping stone.

3.) Quick & affordable: Self-adhesive protectors

The simplest way to protect that delicate little nose is with self-adhesive foam protectors, which are available from several manufacturers. These involve sticking self-adhesive pads onto the board; they often consist of several parts and can therefore be quickly and easily adapted to any model. An affordable price, quick fitting without the need for a workshop, a flexible shape and comparatively low weight make this option particularly attractive. Downside: Less protection in the event of severe impacts; furthermore, any hairline cracks beneath the adhesive protector are barely visible. Available in various sizes and thicknesses, for example from JP Australia, Unifiber and ION, with prices starting at around 50 euros.

Surfing tip: The quick fix for the occasional skid, without having to go to a garage; it’s also adaptable to any board and good value for money.

4.) Clip-on protectors

Brands such as Unifiber and ION stock mast protectors that can be simply clipped into place between the mast fork and the mast foot – essentially the modern-day equivalents of the mast protectors that used to be common. These are designed to cushion the mast at the point where it might strike the nose of the board in the event of a crash. This option is versatile and affordable, but the protection it offers is limited. Furthermore, the protector can get in the way when gripping the mast during manoeuvres and can easily slip out of place. Cost: Around 50 euros.

Surfing tip: A quick-change option offering a moderate level of protection, comparable to self-adhesive nose guards.

Preventing impact

The idea behind these two accessories is to use clever diversionary manoeuvres to prevent the rig from hitting the nose of the board in the first place. They are inexpensive and can be fitted without any fiddly tinkering.

1.) Surfbent

The Surfbent is a classic in surf schools, for beginners and freeriders: a sort of bowl is screwed under the mast base, with the rim raised towards the nose of the board. If you take a spill, the mast hits this raised section at the very bottom, which cushions the impact and deflects the rig to the left or right. The Surfbent can be screwed onto any other board when you switch, serves its purpose, causes only minimal hindrance to your feet and leaves no marks. What’s more, the full adjustment range of the mast track remains usable. The Surfbent is available in various colours for around 70 euros. Unfortunately, it is no longer in production, but remaining stock is available in many shops!

Surfing tip: The simplest solution – relatively affordable and visually stylish! Ideal for beginners and freeriders.

2.) Unifiber Nose Protector

The Unifiber knob, which looks a bit odd, works on a similar principle to the Surfbent. It is screwed into the mast track separately, in front of the mast base, and is designed to deflect the rig when the boat turns. The system works just as well and can also be used as a carrying knob if required. However, it does tend to get in the way a bit during tacks and other manoeuvres. Price: around 35 euros.

Surfing tip: A bit more eye-catching than the Surfbent, but even cheaper and just as practical.

Riding tip: Hold on tight!

Spinning crashes can happen in various ways: either whilst gliding, if a gust catches you off guard, if your bow gets caught in a choppy wave, or even during the approach phase, before you switch into the straps. Because you’re hooked into the harness in all these situations, letting go is usually not a good idea, as you won’t be able to detach yourself from the rig anyway. Surfing tip: The risk of injury is lower if you hold on to the boom! But your board’s nose will thank you for it too, as the rig – rider and all – often continues to rotate to the side, meaning the mast misses the bow.

Make your own nose protector

If you’re reasonably experienced in working with resin and fibreglass, you can build your own bespoke protector. All you need is resin, carbon fibre, some sandpaper – and a long weekend. We’ll show you all the steps involved and exactly what to look out for in an upcoming issue!