Nose protectors buying guide: How to protect your board nose from impacts

Crack! - the unpleasant sound of bursting laminate turns the already unpleasant catapult into a super-GAU. The mast and the nose of the board meet briefly but permanently, and you know from the sound that the first destination after the water start must be the dry shore - followed by a more or less costly repair. If the rig hits the board, the nose usually gets the short end of the stick. In contrast to the standing area, there are usually fewer reinforcements at the front, and the board is relatively thin there and therefore vulnerable. At least the short and wide nose sections of the present day are less exposed than the steep and delicate upturned noses of the no-nose era. The Velcro foam pads for the front piece of the boom date back to that time, but are largely ineffective in most of today's set-ups, because: Apart from typical children's or beginner combinations of small rigs on long boards, the boom of many modern board-sail combos hits the water well before the nose, and the damage is then almost always caused by the mast.

With modern set-ups, the mast meets the nose - not the boom."

There are basically two ways to prevent nose damage: Either the nose is protected by a protector or by systems that prevent the mast from hitting the nose of the board by deflecting the mast. We present the advantages and disadvantages of both options below.

Protect nose

1) Luxury version: customised carbon protector

For those who value looks and weight, a customised carbon protector is the first choice. Depending on the supplier and budget, a little of the laminate can even be sanded away and then rebuilt with a reinforced structure. Painting in the original design is also possible. However, if you are not an experienced self-builder, you should ask the experts at a board repair or custom forge. Some manufacturers, such as We One, offer matching carbon bonnets for their boards. With prices starting at around 300 euros, they are clearly the most expensive option (customised models are significantly more expensive), but offer the most elegant result and hardly any additional weight. Anyone who gets a stomach ache at the price should realise this: If this only prevents two repairs, you will have recouped the purchase price!

surf tip: If you treat yourself to a light, sporty board (for example a Freeracer) that you want to ride for longer, it's worth the investment!

2) The golden mean: Nose protectors made from GRP

Cheaper materials can also be used to make a nose protector instead of high-quality carbon fibre. These protectors are available off the shelf for some board models with a larger number of pieces; they then only need to be glued on. The weight is several hundred grams higher than the carbon version, which can significantly change the balance and feel of a board. The costs are in the mid-range at 100 to 200 euros.

surf tip: A stable solution for intermediate and freeride boards where perfect looks and minimal weight are not important and which may only represent an intermediate step.

3) Fast & inexpensive: self-adhesive protectors

The simplest protection for delicate little noses are self-adhesive foam protectors, which are available from several manufacturers. Self-adhesive elements are pasted onto the board, which often consist of several parts and can therefore be quickly and easily adapted to any model. A favourable price, quick installation without a workshop, variable shape and comparatively low weight make this option particularly attractive. Disadvantage: Less protection in the event of severe impacts, and possible hairline cracks are barely visible under the glued-on protector. Available in various sizes and thicknesses, for example from JP Australia, Unifiber and ION, prices start at around 50 euros.

surf tip: The quick solution for the occasional skidder, without having to go to a workshop, adaptable to any board and inexpensive.

4) Anclip protectors

Brands such as Unifiber and ION have mast protectors in their range that can simply be clipped on between the boom and base plate - the successors to the mast protectors that used to be standard accessories. This is intended to pad the mast at the point where it meets the nose of the board in case of doubt. This option can be used flexibly and is inexpensive, but the protection is limited. In addition, the protector interferes with manoeuvres when gripping the mast and can easily slip. Cost: Around 50 euros.

surf tip: Quick-change option with a moderate level of protection, comparable to self-adhesive protectors for the bow.

Prevent impact

The idea behind these two accessories is to use clever deflection manoeuvres to prevent the rig from hitting the nose of the board at all. They are inexpensive and can be fitted without any tinkering.

1) Surfbent

The surfbent is a classic in surf schools, for intermediates and freeriders: a kind of bowl is screwed under the base plate, the edge of which is raised towards the nose of the board. In the event of a catapult, the mast hits the bottom of this elevation, which cushions the impact and deflects the rig to the left or right. The Surfbent can be screwed onto any other board when changing, fulfils its purpose, only hinders the feet minimally and leaves no marks. In addition, the entire adjustment range of the mast track remains usable. The Surfbent is available in various colours for around 70 euros. Unfortunately, it is currently no longer in production, but remaining stock is available in many shops!

surf tip: The simplest solution, relatively inexpensive and visually elegant! Ideal for beginners and freeriders.

2) Unifibre Nose Protector

The visually somewhat strange unifibre knob works on a similar principle to the Surfbent. It is screwed separately into the mast track in front of the base plate and is designed to deflect the rig when it hits the ground. The system also works perfectly and can also be used as a carrying handle if required. However, it tends to get in the way during tacking and other manoeuvres. Cost: around 35 euros.

surf tip: A little more conspicuous than the Surfbent, but even cheaper and also absolutely functional.

Riding technique tip: Hold on tight!

Catapults happen in different ways: either when planing, when a gust catches you unprepared, when you get caught with the bow in a choppy wave, or in the planing phase before you switch to the loops. Because you are hooked into the harness in all cases, letting go is usually not a good idea, as you cannot separate yourself from the rig anyway. surf tip The risk of injury is lower if you hold on to the boom! But your board nose will also thank you, as the rig and rider often rotate further to the side and the mast misses the bow.

Build your own nose protector

If you are reasonably experienced in working with resin and laminate, you can also build a customised protector yourself. You don't need much more than resin, carbon, some sandpaper - and a long weekend. We'll show you all the steps involved and exactly what you need to look out for in an upcoming issue!