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Testimonials

Listed here are just some of the testimonials from satisfied customers.

Firstly you need to know something- before you order a ski from Pro Designs (and trust me, you will want one)… Alan is an obsessive perfectionist. Don't get me wrong, this is no bad thing, you will get a ski that is beautifully crafted, using the very best materials, to the highest standards and shaped specifically to you- but don't expect your ski 2 weeks after you order it, it's just not going to happen! Alan will discuss and lead you through each step of the process, sharing images, ideas and concerns as your ski emerges from a faceless block of foam into a thing of beauty. This attention to detail shines through in the finished product and you, the customer, feel an integral part of the process.

I have had a chance to have a few sessions with the new toy in the last few weeks in waves from 3 to 6ft and clean to an absolute mess- what follows are a few first observations- I hope it makes some sense.

Paddling out

The ski is actually pretty stable, despite the low concave rails, on the paddle out and duck dives much better than my previous ski as the volume has been reduced. This gives you bags of confidence, even on bigger days, as you know you're not going to take a beating every time you try and get out back. It only gets a bit twitchy when there is a lot of chop.

The ride

Quite simply this thing flies! The concave rails give you the confidence that the ski will stay locked in even on the most critical of sections- not once, and I tried, did I slide out in a turn. It accelerates quickly and maintains the speed even through flatter sections. I can only assume that this is down to some sort of voodoo. The speed and grip give you the confidence to really chuck the ski into a turn and it doesn't disappoint. It generates loads of drive through the bottom of the turn and maintains the speed up the face, going exactly where you want to place it. The manoeuvrability is just mind-bending.

It's given me the confidence to really throw the ski at a section as I find the back portion of the ski provides plenty of grip, staying locked in through the move and more often than not I have found myself landing neatly in the broken wave with a big smile- even getting some air which was a rare event on past skis!

I can't wait to really get to grips with this ski as I it is going to really push my abilities and move my waveski paddling forward- this has only been possible with a ski customised to me, rather than the one size fits all attitude of many other waveski companies.

Go on… order one… it won't disappoint and I will see you on the water grinning like an idiot- just like me.

Matthew

Hi Alan

I have been amazed at the new ski I commissioned from Alan recently.
His craftsmanship and skill through the whole process shines through
right to the superb shiny finish (how do you do that?!). I wanted a
'ski that would progress my skills and push me in this most excellent
sport and it has started that already - the turns are tighter and the
drop-ins so smooth let alone the new speed, a very happy customer, a
massive thanks Alan :-)

John

Hi Alan ,

Thanks,well impressed with the new wave ski, its a totally different machine
to the last one, turning and speed are superb. I know you said the paddle out
would be harder because of the low volume but I'm finding it fairly easy.
When faced with larger closeouts its easy to sink and roll under without

getting the battering I used to get. Really easy to roll now I have learnt to keep my weight forward to keep the nose down, cant believe how quick it reacts, wherever I turn or lean it wants to go. I just need to improve my balance for the take offs. Showed it to another wave ski fan who has been riding for years, after a good look over the verdict was ,WOW, NICE. I cant see how you will be able to improve my next ski as this seems to be as good as it gets. Thanks again sir

Eugene

Hi Alan,
Yeah the ski is OLD!! I was riding one of Nicky Carstens Ski's from
South Africa, but snapped it on monsters reef. As it's a good half
mile of the coast I could only paddle back half of it!! You made my first Ski back in the early 90's I think! Would love a new ski but ain't got the
moolah. But your ski was what I used on the 40 footers!! Well aware
of you current stuff mate, have been offered deals here and there,
but nothing goes like my Pro - so will hang on till I can find the
coins (I have one other Carstens... that I ripped the fins out of...
on another reef lol!) Your boards have more of a flat bottom - so
much better than Oz or SA boards.
                                    ..............................................

Hi Alan,

Braved the sub zero temperatures and took the board out on Friday Morning.
OMG It was like getting out of my van, which doesn't hang about and jumping into a Maclaren F1. everything about it is faster smoother more refined. I was catching 6" south coast chop with just 2 paddle strokes. Can't wait to get properly strapped in, however didn't fall in even without a belt attached, which was quite remarkable in itself!!

Can't wait to get it on a proper wave. The lightness of the board seems to makes such a difference too.

Very Very pleased. My surf buddy, will be coming to you soon to place his order for the same.

All the best

Regards,
Richie.

                                    ..............................................

Hi Alan,

Braved the sub zero temperatures and took the board out on Friday Morning.
OMG It was like getting out of my van, which doesn't hang about and jumping into a Maclaren F1. everything about it is faster smoother more refined. I was catching 6" south coast chop with just 2 paddle strokes. Can't wait to get properly strapped in, however didn't fall in even without a belt attached, which was quite remarkable in itself!!

Can't wait to get it on a proper wave. The lightness of the board seems to makes such a difference too.

Very Very pleased. My surf buddy, will be coming to you soon to place his order for the same.

All the best

Regards,
Richie.

                                    ..............................................

Hi Alan,

Braved the sub zero temperatures and took the board out on Friday Morning.
OMG It was like getting out of my van, which doesn't hang about and jumping into a Maclaren F1. everything about it is faster smoother more refined. I was catching 6" south coast chop with just 2 paddle strokes. Can't wait to get properly strapped in, however didn't fall in even without a belt attached, which was quite remarkable in itself!!

Can't wait to get it on a proper wave. The lightness of the board seems to makes such a difference too.

Very Very pleased. My surf buddy, will be coming to you soon to place his order for the same.

All the best

Regards,
Richie.

                                    ..............................................

Hi Alan,

Braved the sub zero temperatures and took the board out on Friday Morning.
OMG It was like getting out of my van, which doesn't hang about and jumping into a Maclaren F1. everything about it is faster smoother more refined. I was catching 6" south coast chop with just 2 paddle strokes. Can't wait to get properly strapped in, however didn't fall in even without a belt attached, which was quite remarkable in itself!!

Can't wait to get it on a proper wave. The lightness of the board seems to makes such a difference too.

Very Very pleased. My surf buddy, will be coming to you soon to place his order for the same.

All the best

Regards,
Richie.

                                    ..............................................

Hi Alan,

Braved the sub zero temperatures and took the board out on Friday Morning.
OMG It was like getting out of my van, which doesn't hang about and jumping into a Maclaren F1. everything about it is faster smoother more refined. I was catching 6" south coast chop with just 2 paddle strokes. Can't wait to get properly strapped in, however didn't fall in even without a belt attached, which was quite remarkable in itself!!

Can't wait to get it on a proper wave. The lightness of the board seems to makes such a difference too.

Very Very pleased. My surf buddy, will be coming to you soon to place his order for the same.

All the best

Regards,
Richie.

                                    ..............................................

Hi Alan,

Braved the sub zero temperatures and took the board out on Friday Morning.
OMG It was like getting out of my van, which doesn't hang about and jumping into a Maclaren F1. everything about it is faster smoother more refined. I was catching 6" south coast chop with just 2 paddle strokes. Can't wait to get properly strapped in, however didn't fall in even without a belt attached, which was quite remarkable in itself!!

Can't wait to get it on a proper wave. The lightness of the board seems to makes such a difference too.

Very Very pleased. My surf buddy, will be coming to you soon to place his order for the same.

All the best

Regards,
Richie.

                                    ..............................................

Hi Alan,

Braved the sub zero temperatures and took the board out on Friday Morning.
OMG It was like getting out of my van, which doesn't hang about and jumping into a Maclaren F1. everything about it is faster smoother more refined. I was catching 6" south coast chop with just 2 paddle strokes. Can't wait to get properly strapped in, however didn't fall in even without a belt attached, which was quite remarkable in itself!!

Can't wait to get it on a proper wave. The lightness of the board seems to makes such a difference too.

Very Very pleased. My surf buddy, will be coming to you soon to place his order for the same.

All the best

Regards,
Richie.

                                         .......................................

I've been using Alan's waveskis for about twenty years and upgrade them regularly. The build quality is superior to any other ski I have tried. His skis are light and designed exactly to the customer's requirements. Waveskis are not 'one size fits all' and I would never buy a ski that wasn't made for me, so a custom build is crucial for progression and enjoyment.

Alan is someone who listens and can build a ski for anyone of any ability, he also allows me to input my own ideas into modelling my next performance ski. His designs evolve with the times but still retain features that are tried and trusted. The most recent skis have incorporated new features and are really performing. Can't wait for the next one!

Thanks Alan once again, your skis prove old wavekiers never die they just get better!

Paul Reading

2 x World Championships Grand Masters Finals (1^st & 4^th) '90 & '93

European Masters Champion '88

B.W.S.A National Masters Champ '88

B.W.S.A English Nationals Grand Masters Champ '89

                                      ..............................................

H ello Alan

Just got back from France 3 week trip, and high five, that Ski you have made my god it is amazing exactly what I wanted, it has taken my wavskiing up to a new level, I cannot believe how it performs, easy to paddle, fast as!!! On a wave and man does it like air!!!! it is so quick on the turn and I am amazed how when I slam a turn in, the rail keeps the speed and does not stall, and pops instead of burying amazing, and paddling out its a doddle I was sticking myself in the impact zone in critical sections, on purpose just to see what it could pop through, and not once so far have I gone over the falls backwards, and that's after trying!!!

Its me third Ski and it is defiantly a synergy of the two previous skis I am still astounded at the performance, looking forward to the heavy winter swells up North, well done and thanks very much.

Ps. I shall let everyone know who made this ski!!!

Cheers

Fergus Lynch

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Hi Alan, I meet up with Martin again at Saunton, took the ski out and the paddle out was easy. No more back flips like my old ski. The waves were 3-4 foot, and then later the sets got bigger. The Pro Design ski surfed fantastic.
Hi Alan, I meet up with Martin again at Saunton, took the ski out and the paddle out was easy. No more back flips like my old ski. The waves were 3-4 foot, and then later the sets got bigger. The Pro Design ski surfed fantastic.
I've started rolling again.. How I wished that I came to you two years a go. Save wasting all that money. Can't wait to use the ski again.

Thank you very much for making this ski for me.

Steve Tickell

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Hi Alan,

Ski and martin both arrived safely. Had it unpacked and on the water within a couple of hours.1st session was on Foz de Lizandro north of Lisbon, Lovely 4/5ft beach break in clear sunny skies. It performed marvellously, fast and loose yet buoyant and a nice easy paddle out even with a fat man on it. Looks very nice and is great to paddle, many thanks for all you have done and in the time scale requested. If you want to get the guy in Portugal to look at the ski please feel free to give him my details. We are staying in Praie de Luz and will be around until about August. Hope this helps. Martin has photos of the ski for you and will be in touch, many thanks once again.

Andy

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Hi Alan

I finally got out this Saturday in some decent surf with the ski that you made for me, and it performed fantastically the first wave a took must have been 4 foot plus and all I can say is WOW WHAT A SKI the speed is brilliant the maneuverability fantastic I found it is a quite forgiving ski and quite easy to paddle out once I got used to the lower volume in the back.

I can't wait for the next time when I can get out again I Know that I am going to enjoy using this ski immensely.

Everyone loves the art work and the finish I have given your card to a couple of guys so expect a call.

Thanks very much Alan and I hope you and your family have a very happy Christmas.

Martin



                    ..............................

Alan,

Thought I would send in a testimonial.

"I have ridden many wave skis from around the world, but none are comparable to Alan's special skill at translating a customer's requirements into a beautifully crafted wave ski.

The wave skis he makes for me are not only a pleasure to look at but have enabled me to surf each wave to the very best of my ability."

Adriano Placidi

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I can't wait for the next time when I can get out again I Know that I am going to enjoy using this ski immensely.

Everyone loves the art work and the finish I have given your card to a couple of guys so expect a call.

Thanks very much Alan and I hope you and your family have a very happy Christmas.

Martin

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Hi Alan, this is Tony Darbyshire's dad, neither use the web so I thought I would let you know that Anthony lives Nr Brisbane, goes surfing before breakfast and is at work by 7 A M.

Patricks Ski was blown off the top of his Motorhome recently in a gale and was not even scratched, if that doesn't sell your craftsmanship nothing will. Had new hip few years ago, should be back surfing this next summer at 73 yrs old. Still trying to get the other four lads into surfing. Got grandsons into it now. Jack 12 won a comp. at Hells mouth this year.

Thanks for your skill Tony D.

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Hi Alan

Got to use the waveski in Cornwall last week and its great!! Its no harder to paddle than the old

Raider and certainly rides over waves better when paddling out.The difference in speed is incredible

and I cant wait to surf in better conditions

Thanks again

Charlie

. ..............................................

Hi Alan.

Some quick snaps of the board from this weekend. Mostly of Cath since I seemed to have a bit more success with the camera than she did with the swell moving everything around.

Absolutely thrilled with it!!!!!!

It's super quick and the stability is great. It seems to roll for 10-15 degrees but doesn't go any further. I actually like that initial roll because it lets you use a bit more natual swimming action when prone.

From the overhead shots you can see how little wake or wash it leaves - you can see the vortices left by Caths's arms but no wake at all.

It's surprising but looking at the photos it doesn't seem to float much deeper with me on it than with Cath.

Also with a following swell it stays dead straight and doesn't seem to yaw around like my race mal does. It has so much momentum that it almost seems to surf itself. Gliding along on some small swells it was pretty apt looking down at the 'Precision Wave Tools' logo becuase that is exactly what it feels like.

This weekend was a bit of a play to get used to it. Next weekend I'll try a longer distance paddle and see how it feels over a few km's.

Will let you know how it goes.

Thanks a lot,

Mark

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Hi Alan,

I thought you might like a testimonial for the skis, they are very much echoed by Oz regarding his ski too. Please feel free to use or to ignore as needed.

The ski is fantastic! The first one was good and was what I needed at the time, but this one does EXACTLY what I asked for. I asked for accelerated turns and I got accelerated turning. I cannot believe just how well this fits not only my body shape and movement but also my style of paddling. It rides as though you've known me a long time and surfed with me a lot. I took it out today yet again, and the turns are awesome, they are so fast which is just what we talked about. Thank you so much for producing a second ski that, like the first, has exactly met my level and abilities and now also provides me with a lot of opportunity to advance and progress my skills. I think this one will be challenging me for quite some time.

I hope this is ok and as I said, please feel free to ignore this as you wish. I hope the family are well and that the weather hasn't made camping this summer too much of a chore.

Regards

Teri & Oz

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"..it does exactly what I asked for. It's very light and responsive easy to roll and light to carry. It is a true joy to ride and far better by miles than any [Wave] Ski that I have ever ridden"
- Ian Kimber

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"..I was very impressed by his meticulous attention to my requirements and when the ski arrived it was a work of art we unwrapped. A good kayak paddler and competent board surfer, I am relatively new to wave surfing, but as I merge my skills from these sports am finding that it surfs like a dream. What more can you say !"
- David C. Allan

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"In the last 10 years I have trained and raced extensively in GB and Australia. During that time I have been through quite a few [Wave] skis either because I have worn them out or they haven't suited me. Having put Pro Design skis to the test for the last five years, I can safely say that they are the most reliable and best all round skis I have had."
-Mark Ressell
(British Double Ski Title '98,'99
Bronze medal single Ski '98,'99
British Ski Relay Title '99 )

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"Thanks once again for the best [Wave] ski yet, it's certainly increased my motivation and enjoyment from surfing."
-Anna Whyte
( Welsh, Devon, Cornish & British Ladies Champion.
4 x European Champion.
2 x World Championship Finalist.)

.. ...................................................

"As I said it is still performing today, it is as stiff as a board, very light, and it's only limitation is my surfing ability!!!
I am very lucky to have a performance Longboard that does the business and yet is 9 years old.
Keeps pushing the limits Alan you're a craftsman and a star."
-Paul Marshall

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" I have used Pro Designs wave skis for the last 14 years for recreational
and contest surfing because Alan does nice colours"
-Kerion Davies
(4 x European Champion, 7 x British Champion, 5 x English Champion,
1 x French Champion, Newcastle (Aust) Senior Champion,
Victoria (Aust) Senior Champion .. and made every final since '96)