I am looking for kite surf boards with a round nose. An example is the Tomo MPH boards. These are only for surfing though. Are there examples of kite surfboards constructions with a round nose that can be used both strapped and strapless ?
I want to avoid the pointy noses for safety reasons. Having been hit in the head by a board a few time I can imagine what happens if the pointy nose hits the eye. Se http://www.mivision.com.au/exposing-the-danger/.
It also seems that the the sharp nose is mostly there for aesthetic reasons:
http://www.smh.com.au/national/eye-injuries-prompt-debate-on-design-of-surfboards-20111230-1pfj8.html

So it seems an unnecessary risk. So why are there such a lack of surf boards with round noses?

Cheers,
Peter

Easier to wear helmet and safety glasses. Found the Bollé Safety Tracker on eBay for 8€.

Since you asked, Takoon has the new 2013 Nose Cruiser 6'0 in the 2013 Gamma Series :

http://shortlines.blogspirit.com/tag/takoon+nose+cruiser+2013

Scroll down just above the LOG kite to see the outline.

Not much info around as brand new, but it has a domed deck perfect for strapless, but comes with 2 straps too.
Thruster fins for max surf feel

Peter

Thanks Peter. Looks interesting !

I rode this f one board and it is amazing!!

http://en.f-onekites.com/#/Fone-Product ... e-5-10.htm


Mark

Stretch TROW DIRECTIONAL:
http://www.stretchboards.com/boards/kiteboards/

I rounded my board... had the nastiest point.

Took a paint can, pencil and scribed a nice half circle, took a jigsaw and rounded it, filled in with epoxy putty, sanded, painted and no more nasty point

Did the same thing with a couple of my windsurf boards.

That's drastic but I'm quite happy with the results.

it is totally dumb that manufacturers make kite surfboards with noses that can fit in your eyesocket - especially as the boards are always flying around in the wind with popularity of strapless surfing/ freestyle. Plus a cut is off the water - a bruise - stay on the water....

NSI makes pads with strap inserts so you can use any surfboard with or without straps. Although you can get rounded nose boards, they will be surfboards and not as durable except for maybe Lib Tech or FireWire.

Here's some kite surfboards with round tips...
http://axiskiteboarding.com/?p=343
http://www.undergroundkiteboards.com/product/kipuna/
I have the original FreeWave (now Kipuna) from UG. My version has a pointy tip, but that hasn't bothered me.
Axis's NewWave is designed by the same guy who designed the Kipuna. Not sure if there's any differences between the two boards other than more size options from UG. I did hear Axis is coming out with more sizes next year.