At a Glance

This is the first chance we’ve had to try a board from Proof, the famous custom board factory heralding from Gran Canaria and figure-headed by twelve times World Champion Bjorn Dunkerbeck. Working together with joint-owner and legendary shaper Carlos Sosa, they have recently developed their own production system, with the capacity of offering four of their designs (three wave models and one freestyle shape) in large quantities. The 73 is the smallest hull in their ‘Wave’ series, designed to be fast and perfectly controllable, for use in any coastal environment. With moderate width, a distinctive bottom shape (mono-concave in line with the shoulders, before developing into deep vee in the tail) and thinned rails in the tail, it has a modern rounded plan-shape, possessing qualities of both a stubby and a classic wave design. Constructed in sandwich technology it comes supplied with North Shore footstraps and a CNC milled fin.

Ride and Handling

Feeling stable at idle for its quoted volume, the 73 rises onto the plane with minimal fuss, the sailor able to drive it off the fin to release the hull from the water’s surface. Accelerating progressively, the ride provided is the exact antithesis of sharp and edgy, feeling incredibly calm, cruisy and composed underfoot at all times. Even in the most severe sea states this remains the case, the 73’s thin tail remaining in contact with the water (without being too sticky), thereby maintaining its smooth controlled nature. We did find the footstraps comfortable although the plugs themselves seem to be placed relatively far apart, meaning the straps give less support in bare feet than if they were pinching the sides of your feet. With a classic conventional wave board feel, the stance in which the rider is encouraged to adopt is ideal – with weight perfectly balanced on both feet, it imparts the confidence that the board will respond reassuringly irrespective of rider style.

Manoeuvres

During the bottom turn, the Proof is in the performance, so to speak! With measured predictable response, it holds into the turn well, retaining its speed in a smooth secure corner. Without being nervous or jittery, it can be driven into the turn in an aggressive manner, responding best to classic powerful carving techniques rather than short sharp slashes in close quarters. Particularly potent under the feet of medium to heavyweight sailors, the 73 is an engaging board to sail, best suited for those that are keen to make the most of any waves available; unless you are using the board on the wave, you are overlooking its true purpose and aptitude.

For: Control irrespective of conditions; classic confident carving style.
Against: Wide footstrap plug width, evident when used with bare feet.

Verdict

With a classic carving feel, the Proof has a supremely smooth controllable nature, ideal for medium weight sailors and above whose main interests lie in milking waves for all they are worth.

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