9 Year Project. Puravida Custom.

Back in the day of single finned boards, I remember regularly ploughing my way through a perfect line up knee deep on a 74 litre wave board waiting for the looming clean up set on the horizon to engulf me. I also remember discussing my predicament with a young Jim Brookes who was fresh back from a spell learning his trade amongst the likes of Witchcraft out in fuerteventura. We were both of similar build so faced similar issues with having enough float to get out back yet still have a board perform on the faster waves that we get in our neck of the woods. There were literally no boards that were combining floatation with performance at the time.

Roll on 9 years and between us we have sailed, measured and discussed the vast majority of larger production wave boards out there. Ill admit I couldn't tell you what works for what design wise, just what i like from a design. Jim however analysed and absorbed it all and set about building prototypes that have finally evolved into the Puravida Rockstar 90 I got to sail in typically fun, gusty, cross off, head to logo Newgale a few weeks back.

It's clear to see that the Rockstar 90 has had a craftsman's hand put to it. The finish is immaculate. Jims own CAD system dictates to the CNC machinery forming crisp clinical lines. Rocker,  outline and bottom shape all flow like I'd pictured. Custom paint job, custom straps, sanded back to carbon hull, pre offset front fins and a dragon to fly the homelands flag to complete the visual decadence. 

A 9 year project in the making. All the background work that's gone in, late nights talking ideas in the pub, many a swapped email. 

The anticipation for water time with the board was immense. I could see Jim picking off some beltas on it so was keen to get a few for myself.

Picking up the wind line outside the break first thing that struck me is that its unbelievably fast for a waveboard. Like a rocket about the break, electric under foot. Very direct in feel. A fact that unnerved me a little, in my experience few boards combine speed and the ability to turn hard off the rail. It's a difficult marriage.The Rockstar combines the two attributes seamlessly.

Pulling into the first wave I took the first turn to feel my feet. Its quite clear that its the type of board that excels in good conditions, a board for sailing good waves with cross shore winds. A light foot isn't the right key for unlocking the drive this board can deliver. I pushed it down the line and it returned all I could give it. Fast hooking turns. The type of board that generates its own speed on the wave. It handles speed effortlessly and turns as a 75 litre board would. It would be easy to forget your riding a 90 litre machine. To me that poses the question whether i would even need a smaller board.

As I hiked back up wind a smile was thick across my face. To see an idea evolve and grow into something that not only works but excels in every way is pretty special. Puravida Custom Boards have grown into the promise they always offered with this board. 

Hats off. Top job.