The smallest of the three Proof production wave boards; the other two being 81L and 89L.

Style

Reformed trad allround wave board

Design and Feel

The short length (233cm) and relatively wide tail "new-generation" design traits give the board a modern, compact feel that was well received, while in other respects it feels quite traditional. The most noticeable feature is the high tail rocker that delivers awesome control and high grip carving, but makes it a bit slower than average onto the plane and a little harder to keep going through the gybe or slow bottom turns.

The Proof excels in harsh and choppy conditions when it stays flat while tracking easily with excellent control, and it is a top gyber when you have a lot of speed going into the turn and your technique is good enough to keep that speed going. You never seem in any danger of losing a rail, whatever your board speed or the amount of chop trying to bounce you around.

It jumps pretty well, but with only moderate acceleration and release and relatively low nose rocker it is no rocket ship. The board's strength is more in riding where it responds well off either front or back foot, is both loose and grippy and appears very capable in either side or onshore so long as you keep the speed up.

Fittings

Good straps and reasonable pads. We were unable to do much testing with the original fin before it snapped when landing a jump.

Strengths

Very high control, compact feel, loose but secure, suiting a variety of different wave sizes/conditions.

Weaknesses

Not the quickest onto the plane and can lose speed when manouevring

Best sailor weights

Seems best for medium to lighter (67–85kg) sailors

Best sail sizes

3.7–5.0m

Overall

A good allround performer with a definite preference for stronger winds and front side riding. Recommended all-round wave board for stronger winds

Price: £999 with 21cm fin.

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