Voted SIMA’s Board of the Year in 2009, the Proton remains a standout in the Channel Islands lineup and a testament to Dane Reynolds’ eye for high-performance design. Developed in late 2007, the Proton was—and still is—Dane’s go-to board for good, pockety surf, and it continues to find favor among advanced surfers who demand precision and power in steep, critical conditions.
What sets the Proton apart is its aggressive design profile. With continuous rocker from nose to tail, it’s built to fit tight into the pocket and transition quickly from rail to rail. A deep single concave through the bottom provides lift and drive, while fuller rails give it just enough forgiveness to stay on track during explosive maneuvers. It’s not a board for the faint of heart—it demands commitment and skill—but for advanced surfers, it offers unmatched control and responsiveness when the waves start pumping.
Dane typically rides the Proton 1/8" thinner than his usual dimensions, highlighting the board’s natural volume and responsiveness. Designed to be ridden 1″–3″ longer than your height, it’s a custom-only model as of 2012, reinforcing its reputation as a specialized performance weapon.
Pros:
Elite-Level Performance: Continuous rocker and deep concave give it lightning-fast responsiveness in critical surf.
Built for the Pocket: Perfect for tight arcs, steep drops, and vertical surfing in good waves.
Proven Design: Still Dane Reynolds’ go-to in solid surf after over a decade of refinement.
Custom-Tuned: Custom-only status ensures precision tailoring to your surfing needs.
Cons:
Not Beginner-Friendly: Demands skill and strong fundamentals to unlock its full potential.
Narrow Use Case: Best reserved for quality surf—it’s not an everyday or small-wave board.
Custom Only: No off-the-rack option means wait times and limited accessibility.
Final Verdict:
The Proton is a high-octane, finely tuned performance shortboard designed for advanced surfers looking to push limits in powerful waves. With continuous rocker, deep concave, and a heritage of pro-level trust, it's a timeless design that still holds its own in modern lineups. If you're chasing precision, speed, and performance in great surf—and are comfortable ordering custom—the Proton remains a pinnacle piece of Channel Islands engineering.
