The HPD is still a hard object. It is an established design that has been ridden in large Hawaiian surf. Under paipo interviews look for Paul Lindbergh, Sean Ross, especially and Jim Growney, but there are quite a few historical interviews which show these boards. For some historical footage of Jim and John Waidelich and friends - see
https://vimeo.com/9742493Some people love them, some don't. You just have to put the time in and surf them in better waves - ideally something with a peak to launch from. Kage and Paipo Jim are two guys on this forum, that I know of, who have ridden this design over the years.
Hard to tell why the board hit your head - you could look into a Gath helmet if you're concerned about injuring your head.
I know a French shaper who might make you a fibreglass board.
They can be fast, the tail is the planning area and the wings act as fins