Proof, an upcoming brand
This brand lives basically through Bjorn Dunkerberk who is far less known but far more respected than Robby Naish. Proof has his own shop and development pole in Canaries.
This brand used to be a brand for professionals; nowadays it tries to reach a wider population. Like RRD which became the reference for a lot of people, leaving behind AHD. Proof tries to do the same and take a part in the market.
Unfortunately, the market is harsh. Carlos Sosa did understand that having the name of a great rider and nice boards aren't enough. There is also the need to be recognize, something attractive for the customer.
On their website, it is possible to buy boards but also getting information on their goals, receiving a newsletter maybe less nice than Gun Sails or Exocet's ones but much more interesting. Little extra, the website shows the conception of a Proof board from A to Z.
The brand opening to a wider market won't be for too soon as board prices are pretty high and specific design doesn't fit everybody. But I don't think Carlos Sosa's aim is here. Getting a wider market; ok, but a particular market: Experts and great windsurfers. This is a difficult position but which might paid as it is most valuable to be a specialized brand for experts than a brand which tries to spread itself on every market.
Here's the Proof's team: Bjorn Dunkerbeck E-11 (98kg), Orjan Jensen E-19 (65 kg), Michael Viscovich D-0, Fritjof Opsal N-4 et Marcos Pérez E-7. Most known guy are obviously Bjorn and Orjan. Their careers are incredible:
12 x PWA Overall World Champion (1988-1999) 12 x PWA Race World Champion (1988-1999) 2 x PWA Vice Wave World Champion (2002, 2003) 7 x PWA Wave World Champion (1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1999, 2001) 1 x PWA Freestyle World Champion (1998) 1 x PWA Speed World Champion (1994) more than 100 single PWA Worldcup victories
6. PWA Overall Wave Worldcup (2003) 11. PWA Overall Freestyle Worldcup (2003) 7. PWA Wave Worldcup Pozo, Gran Canaria (2003) 9. PWA Wave Worldcup Sylt, Germany (2003) 3. PWA Freestyle Worldcup Tarifa, Spain (2003) 5. PWA Freestyle Worldcup Costa Brava, Spain (2003) 5. PWA Wave Worldcup Pozo, Gran Canaria (2002) 5. PWA Freestyle Worldcup Costa Brava, Spain (2000) 1. PWA Grand Prix Ultra Maneuvre Zaandvoort, Holland (1999) 2. Supersession, King of the Lake, Italy (2001) 12. PWA Overall Wave Worldcup (2002) 12. PWA Overall Wave Worldcup (2001) 19. PWA Overall Freestyle Worldcup (2002) 10. PWA Overall Freestyle Worldcup (2000)
You could buy boards on the internet: http://www.proofboard.com. or by phone: 928 790617 or 928 791604 , fax: +34 928 759824 et Email: info@proofboard.com
This brand is for high level specialist but also sells some second hand boards. Its lack of communication with Wind or Planchemag and the lack of presence in shops make this brand difficult to discover. Peter Thommen for sure, helps for the first steps on the market, but speed competitions will allowed Bjorn to developed this brand by realizing some new tricks. It's just a matter of time to see Proof on the front scene.
Stif for airjibe.com