Surfboard aerodynamics and the bullet nose.

Written by: Roy Stuart on 31/10/2015

The effects of air flow on surfer and board can be significant. Assuming that the wind opposes the movement of the rider, it's obvious that unwanted drag will occur. What is not so obvious is that the surfboard nose can, under the right circumstances, produce a beneficial lifting force which will reduce the load on the hull and possibly the wetted surface area also, for an overall reduction in drag. For this to occur the surfboard nose has to have a suitable shape. Pointed noses are not ideal as they trip the air flow, causing a detrimental vortex. We use a 'bullet' nose and a thicker nose section, which allows a smooth flow over the maximum possible range of angles of attack. The surfboard tail shape is also significant as it changes the angles at which the nose is presented to the oncoming flow.

#roystuartguns Why is a round nose better?

Round noses work better.

In this video Roy explains some of the reasons why. You can experiment with this concept while driving your car. Stick your hand out of the window and keep it flat. your hand will 'catch' the wind and you can feel the force of the wind pushing your hand further as it catches, this simulates the wide flat pointy noses of conventional boards. Now ball your fist to simulate a round bullet nose a la these Roy Stuart guns. Your hand feels stronger and less catchy. 
http://www.roystuart.biz/2013/02/aerodynamics-in-surfing.html?q=aerodynamics