I broke my leg at Malibu on December 11, and I think you might be the guy that carried my board to my car for me (thanks, by the way). Anyway, I’m dying to get back in the water, but my doctor won’t give me the go ahead to surf. He didn’t say anything about belly boarding, though! So, since you seem to know a lot about this sort of thing, I have two questions for you: first, do you need to kick to get into waves, or can you just paddle? I don’t seem to recall seeing you with fins or anything. Second, where can I lay my hands on one of these exotic craft? I’ve never seen one like yours for sale, but maybe I just wasn’t paying attention. Thanks again for helping me out.
sorry to hear about the leg-the craft Proneman rides is a one off and might be difficult to get another(unless you don’t mind paying for it)Not sure what your current board is, but try bellying on that- you may find it will be plenty of fun without spending money.If what you ride has a bunch of rocker and down rails, then you might want to try and pick up a used Liddle or Paul Gross-anything from 7’6" up oughta do.(they tend to have correct rocker and rails)i take mine out on small days and belly 'em and have a blast!
I’ve been occasionally bellyriding my standard issue 9-8 ever since I tried Pronemans EPG. No fins required-just like regular surfing without standing up. Everything is overhead! Have fun!
Janet, I figured the leg would be better by now, sorry to hear it’s not. Proneman’s boards are very unique. I believe the board you’re referring to is an extra thick hull made specifically for that application and wave type. Your 10’0 might be a little too much board for prone riding, so you may want to take Matt’s advice and see what’s out there in the the used bin.
start out in small waves…hold both rails slide up an back change trimspot alot find the real sweeeeet spot you can ride the nose island pullouts are accessible from forward… in small perfect waves you dematerialize into a total involvement poster child …up forward one hand on the tip the other outside rail body drag to stall on slow sections when it speeds-up pull body back upon deck weight inside rail an let the impact of the curl in the trough on your back hard set the rail and scooter you down the impact line(1/3 wave down from curl line) I find this is more effective going left as I am right handed,oh yes thi is not a displacement shape but a radical wide concave 5’4" round pin single fin ambrose…when you dawn run pakala an its tiny you still go out especially if you had to walk the beach from waimea r.m.
Janet, I knew you were hurtin that day but, a broken bone! Well that might be better than damaged ligaments or joints etc. Hope you are back soon. The “El Paipo Grande” was made specifically for lay down surfing in good point surf and is 8-8. I have a number of boards from 8-8 to 10-4 that I ride prone, but the EPG is most user friendly. You would be more than welcome to give it a go. While your 10-0 HUNT DESIGN would probably belly ride nicely, it might be hard to manage in anything over a couple feet until you get used to rideing it that way. To answer your 2 questions: 1) No swim fins needed. 2) Paul Gross makes all my boards Ambrose has come as closely in words to capture the essence of prone surfing as any I have heard…“In small waves you dematerialize into a total involvement poster child.” When the wind is blowing icey offshore through Malibu Canyon and the biggest waves are generously 3ft and everybody is heading to El Porto or home, we in awe of what awaits. Roger
Thanks you guys! You make it sound like so much fun that I have to get out and try it. Hey Roger - next time you’re going to Malibu maybe we can trade boards for a few waves? If that’s cool with you we should figure out how to get in touch. El Paipo Grande looks like a blast.
Gregg should have my e-mail address. I just looked at Malibu. Looked ok but the creek is flowing into the lineup at first point. Probably give it a couple days to clean up. Roger