Just drawing up a new sup foil board on Shape3d. My current one is 6'0 x 26" and 94 litres with a square nose outline. Looking this time at aroun 5'5 x 27" and 100 litres. Only decision I'm struggling with is nose outline.... cant decide on either square or a more traditional round/pointed nose. A year ago I was dead clear that square was best to get you as short as possible and keep a it of stability. However, there's a trend emerging of Jimmy Lewis and Infinity boards (amongst others) now having traditional nose shape. As far as I know Derek Hama's 4'6" is the shortest SUP foil yet it obviously doesnt need a square nose.

Any thoughts? I'm sure traditional nose shape catches the wind less and has less swing weight but is there anything else I'm overlooking? I'd hate to make a new square nose board only to find Kalama, Sunova, JP and all the custom hawaiian makers all jump ship and make my board betamax overnight

The only reason to have a square nose is to give more stability with reduced swing weight - pulled in nose reduces stability but increases possible lean angle and possibly gives more forgiving touchdowns. A rounded spoon is probably the best compromise

Like this guy's ?

I have a fanatic which is wider slightly forward of centre which means you need to move back on take off. Wider behind centre should mean you are closer to riding position on take off and less swing weight.

Made myself a new board a month ago 7'6"
Made it so I could paddle and stay in that position narrow nose is good for swing weight feels very nice in flight cause there's no board up front.
I'm happy with it.
More wave count on this length for me.

Square nose paddles straighter.

I like square nose or at least rounded nose.