Early Sunday morning at UPPERS,
I took a test ride on the PROTO board, the next Japan-only model made for SHAW.
It's 5'4", one size shorter than Nishii's 5'5" board from the other day.
It is also one size thinner at 2 1/8".
The width is 19 1/4 inches, making it a slim board that is about 2 cm narrower than Nishii's wide 20 inch board.
The CL value also goes from 26.5CL to 25.34CL, so there is a noticeable difference.
It has little buoyancy and is narrow, so it makes the turn at the top lighter.
However, because the width was narrower, I felt a difference in take-off performance above the cL value.
I realized that the width of the board has a greater impact on the speed of takeoff than the length.
A sizing width of about 19 1/2" seems better.
I don't need as much buoyancy as the TABLET or CONQUEST, but it's easier to ride than the SUB-type point nose boards.
Take advantage of the takeoff and enjoy a fun feeling in any condition during your weekend surfing.
We aim to create a board that allows you to enjoy the ride while providing lip action that is on par with high performance.
I set up a quad set of AUROLA 'WARD5' fins.
It's a matter of preference, but Nishii prefers QUAD over TRI because the rails tend to tilt even in waves he's not particularly fond of.
I will provide feedback to Mayhem and have them shape and design the next PROTO board.
Please look forward to further updates.
