Hi All
Has anyone had the courage to make major changes to the shape of their board?
I still have a 2018 Hover 122 that I learnt on, and thought if I cut the nose off right back to the mast track it might be a fun board to ride in 20kn+?.
If the nose retains some rocker and the volume is around 80-90L how bad could it be?
I have cut 24"off the nose of an old formula board and cut bevels from the nose to around the foot straps. It is certainly less forgiving on touch downs but as my technique improves it will be worth it. Just starting to sail swells and waves and loving it. Used a circular saw and chopped away. Board was 268 cm and is now 198cm.
Go for it !!
My attempts 3 years ago below - mixed results ![]()
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The Toad works pretty well, super loose up on foil but tricky to get going.
Great fun chopping them up but got bored after 5 mins of shaping ![]()

Saw this Zeeko if you need more inspiration
source: www.facebook.com/groups/271504922974281/permalink/2713906382067444/
I ride in 20+ knots on a Goya Bolt 243 cm, works fine and long nose gets me over 2+ foot waves when I am starting out.
I have been foiling for years on a well battered 21 year old Starboard F155. Me, my wife and daughter have all learned foiling on it. I always intended to chop some of the nose off it the first time it got a nose ding - but it is just indestructible and keeps on going!
It would be interesting to know what the difference in feel is, and how much harder it is to get going. I certainly notice the ponderously long nose creating an up and down motion - but I wouldn't want to lose much of the smooth touch downs and early take offs.
The reason I chopped the nose was the dings
it was either fix them or chop them off. If your board is that tough you may want to leave it.
I have been foiling for years on a well battered 21 year old Starboard F155. Me, my wife and daughter have all learned foiling on it. I always intended to chop some of the nose off it the first time it got a nose ding - but it is just indestructible and keeps on going!
It would be interesting to know what the difference in feel is, and how much harder it is to get going. I certainly notice the ponderously long nose creating an up and down motion - but I wouldn't want to lose much of the smooth touch downs and early take offs.
I began foiling on an AHD 95 formula board from 2002, 95cm x 265cm long.
Like you, I noticed the nose taking over and controlling the ride.
I'm now on an 81cm x 225cm long (similar volume) and its a nice ride.
Takes off earlier and sorts itself out on touchdowns/breaches.
I contemplated chopping the AHD nose but the nose rocker is then way too low which makes them sticky on contact and would be a problem for nose dives/breaching etc.
I didn't think it was a worthwhile mod and would have wrecked a half good board.
Try a current model Foil board, I reckon you'll like that.