For a professional wakeboarder one of the most exciting and honerable things is to have your own pro model board. In the coming season of 2010 the ozzie contingent of pro model boards has never been stronger. This week we caught up with Dean Smith to see what he had to say about his new board "The Mana" by Ronix.
Q: What does it mean to you to have promodel board?
Having my own Pro Model means a great deal to me, as it is something you work towards as a Professional Wakeboarder. Working so closely with people like Paul Obrien and Jason Stanley (Designed the old Hyperlite line) was a real honour, and a massive learning curve for me. To be standing on top of a board that you designed from scratch is a cool feeling, and gives you that little bit of extra pride in the product you use. I already have ideas for future collections I design for Ronix, so times a really exciting at the moment!
Q: What is so good about your board this year?
I wanted to design a board that was reflective of me. When people see the 2010 Mana, I want them to be able to tell that I designed it. The characteristics of the board are clearly visible simply with the board on the rack. I wanted the board to reflect my aggressive style which I have only developed over the past 3 years, so I think to say that this board is a progression of my style would be accurate. I also like the story that goes along with the Kai-Mana line. The meaning of Kai-Mana (power and water) is reflected in everything from the graphics on the board, to the construction of the Kai Boots. The boots are 100% PVC free, and made from recycled bottles, keeping in touch with the environmentally conscious times! The Mana has always carried over an earthy, tribal feel with the graphics, and 2010 has been the same. It is now a signature style graphic.
Q: How much input did you have in the design and making of the board?
The Mana board is a board that myself and Jason Stanley designed from the ground up. It is a completely new shape, different to anything in the Ronix line. It was fun having such a huge influence on the direction of the company, and was a huge learning curve for me. Working with the people that Ronix has on board makes the process so much easier, and being handed so much responsibility by them is challenge I enjoyed.
Q: What did you want achieve most with the shape of the board?
The main goal of the 2010 Mana, was to create a more aggressive version of the old Mana. The late 3 stage rocker line helped with this, as well as the simple base design we came up with. In essence, we created a board that is super fast, and super poppy of the wake. The board is designed to send the rider straight up of the wake, and in a hurry. It is a super fun board to ride.
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