In general, prone riders prefer large noses : they give them a better manoeuvrability of their board, especially in the hot places of the wave (when the wave is hollow, inside the tube...). Moreover, a large nose enables us to use the front of the board at its maximum and so, to gain speed. Thus, moves that require projection are easier to do and landing is also easier to complete.

           For the drop knee, riders need more catching ; that is why they use narrow noses, sometimes with round corners and in extreme cases, a complete round nose. With a narrow nose, it is easier to do tricks in hollow waves like carves or to go up to the lip to hit it. The more the corners are round, the easier is to pass from one rail to the other one during extreme moves.

           Stand up riders always use narrow noses. This is for the same reasons as for drop knee riders : with a narrow nose, it is easier to make fast turn.