Those spray shields are made of waterproof material, like my first attempts back 8-9 years ago. It creates a puddle that holds the nose lower. I had to cut holes with my knife within minutes of the test on my fist ones to keep the nose from staying at water level. I destroyed mine shortly after as dangerous in wind and waves.
We quickly discovered shade-cloth material that works very well, cutting most spray and waves but breaths, letting water drain immediately and letting the wind through.
Make your own Sprayskirt out of shade-cloth with the free design on my website or order just the sewn fabric or a complete kit from my wife through the links on my webpages: http://www.kayakingbob.com/sprayskirt
http://www.kayakingbob.com/sprayskirt-purchase
Here's a sneak peek of our universal Sprayskirt on my brand new 2015 AI:
