Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for protecting the bow of a sailboard from damage caused by a falling mast and boom assembly, and includes at least one deflecting surface and structure for supporting the deflecting surface forward of the mast and above the board surface. The apparatus is preferably aligned substantially with a longitudinal axis of the board. The deflecting surface will deflect the mast to either lateral side of the sailboard whenever the mast and boom assembly moves forward toward the bow, preventing direct impact and damage to the bow. A sailboard and a method for preventing damage to the sailboard are also disclosed.