Some things we know are possible, such as “noseriding a long surfboard, have physics that seemingly remain unexplained. Since a rider’s center of gravity on a longboard is normally somewhat back of the center of the board, a nose ride visually looks as though it is the prelude to a disaster.
Obviously, physics is at work, allowing one hundred to 150 pounds--or more--to be on the extreme leading edge of a nine-foot board that otherwise requires a balance point center to slightly center rear.
Still, it is possible, and happens all the time. It is the Coanda effect, achievable only when the board is moving relatively fast, on a wave that is moving relatively fast. You cannot do this on a slow, mushy wave.
In other words, much as an airplane wing creates lift, the Coanda effect creates enough lift to allow a rider to do something that otherwise would result in falling off as the board dips its nose into the water and ends the ride.
The design of the board can enhance the ability to nose ride, creating more lift under the nose and drag on the tail that counterbalance the apparently-unbalanced position of the nose rider.
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