The Nova has a sharper entry at the waterline, a characteristic which gives it better flatwater performance, (top diagram). The blunter entry of the Intrepid allows for better resistance to impacts in whitewater situations.

The more rockered ends of the Intrepid, (bottom diagram) allow for easier turning in moving water. The flatter, less rockered ends of the Nova allow for better tracking – maintaining a straight line of travel – in flatwater conditions.