The VS Project

TWEET TWEET WITH TODD

ABOUT THE VS PROJECT

A Bodyboard is defined by its materials, how its constructed and its shape. The actual shape, or template, of a board can be determined by many factors, but when you combine the wave riding knowledge of the sports best riders, with the design skills of the industry's best shapers, it can only result in one thing: and that's high performance shapes. The Versus Project was established for this very purpose, joining elite bodyboarders with world-class shapers in a one on one collaboration to create the most technically progressive board shapes.

Nick Mesritz's VS Project now enters it’s 5th year and the 3 riders have firmly established themselves as the pre-eminent bodyboard team in the world. Jake Stone is the team’s the young gun and a true contender for the IBA crown. Joe Clarke is the free-surfing freak, but will still drop by and win the odd comp to remind the crew that he's on a level all of his own. Ryan Hardy brings serious respect and cred, earned through over a decade of high performance blazing on the world stage. Combined, these 3 riders continue to work closely with their respective shaper Todd Quigley, to further refine the ultimate bodyboard range on the market today.

OUR RIDERS CLIPS

RIDERS

Ryan Hardy: Age 31, Margaret River

What are your thoughts about riding for VS in 2012? Working with VS is great. First and foremost the boards are as good as you can get by todays international standards - and the professionalism within the company is of huge benefit as a sponsored rider. Also riding alongside world class riders that are super amped and keen like Pierre and Joey provides an underlying boost and encourages you to keep your game up.

Can you give us some technical feedback regarding the features that VS make on your boards?

With the strength and reliability in the materials that VS boards have, I know that I can take my board as far as I want to go and be able to rely on it to pull me through the most critical moments...big freefalls, landings, heavy scoops, speed drives and on

edge speed turns are where VS boards come into their own. The combination of the strongest, most durable and responsive material available today combined with precision shaping makes for a reliable and loveable board. When you find a board you love, your whole wave riding world becomes that little bit more exciting!

What are your bodyboarding and profile goals for 2012?

My priority for 2012 is to continue pursuing what I am doing now - competing on the world tour and making myself available for good photo/video trips around Oz and overseas that promote myself and my sponsors in the best possible light for relevant mags & online publications as well as sought after DVD's, podcasts, and online productions.

JoeClarke: Age 25, Gold Coast

Did you release any Podcasts this year? Boom Podcasts itunes Versus project 4.0 Joe Clarke - Jarrod Gibson

What are your thoughts about riding for VS in 2012? I was stoked with the VS boards this year. Everything came together from the new templates, colour combos and contours.

I couldn’t be happier with my boards!

Can you give us some technical feedback regarding the 3D core feature that VS makes on your board? Ive had one 3D board and I rode it in Samoa. It didn’t handle too well in the warmer water. A bit too soft and flexy for me so probably not the best one to do for me haha!

What are your bodyboarding and profile goals for 2012? I’started my World tour campaign in 2011. My aim is to crack into the top 24 in 2012. I aim to place top 3 in the IBA Australian tour 2012. Film at least 3 podcasts through out the year! Top 10 in the Peer Poll.

Are there any other mediaworthy info regarding yourself that may be of use to our retailers? I’ve done radio interveiws for ABC radio and Sea FM Gold Coast radio in 2010. Got articles in the Gold Coast Bulletin about the Australian tour comps at Dbah this year. Personal goals wise - my deepest driving goal is an elusive world title - I think as long as that is there I will be relentless in my drive for peak performance...whether that happens in 2012 or 2020 I can't see myself slowing down in wanting to ride at the highest level in bodyboarding and particularly in competition.

Jake Stone: Age 21, Margaret River

What are your bodyboarding and profile goals are for 2012?

Make another DVD with chris white and hopefully better my performance overall in small and large waves, do well on the world tour, have fun And enjoy life.

Can you give us some technical feedback regarding the features that VS make on your boards?

I am loving the template me and Todd came up with it is the perfect shape for me and I think a really good all round shape for all waves and all riders, tight moves or big waves either way I can back this shape for anyone. Todd is the best shaper, every board I've had has been straight as an arrow and I am able to concentrate on my riding more, my stock boards are what I ride and have I have changed the shape alot of times to get to a perfect medium.

Some media worthy info or links regarding yourself that may be of use and worth promoting to the retailers?

Eldospod.blogspot.com

BOARDS

Deck: Black

Pin: Green

Rail: Black

Slick: White

Stamp: Green

Deck: Blue

Pin: Red

Rail: Black

Slick: Silver

Stamp: White

Deck: Silver

Pin: White

Rail: Black

Slick: Red

Stamp: Black

Deck: White

Pin: Black

Rail: Black

Slick: Green

Stamp: Black

Hardy LTD

Deck: Grey

Pin: Black

Rail: Black

Slick: Orange

Stamp: Black6

My shape has always been refined to allow for maximum speed and control when the waves get serious. This years template is no different and it allows me the confidence to get the best controlled scoop possible when dropping into the wave and maximum speed and forward projection off the bottom turn. I like riding the PE core when the water is colder and the waves are suckier and heavier. This gives me the best flex for scooping and maneuverability that's required when you're moving fast in heavy waves. I prefer to ride the PP core when the water is warmer and the waves are softer, have a bit more of a slope and thinner lips. In these conditions I find the PP's rigidity to be optimum in retaining maximum speed from take off to finish and it also provides the greatest 'pop' or projection off the lip.

Hardy MicroPE:

Core: 2.4lbs Extruded PE

Deck: 8lb PE Cell cushion

Slick: HD

Tail: Crescent

Features: React stringer, nose and tail bumper, bull slick grips, 55/45 double rails and graduated channels

Sizes: 38, 40

Hardy MicroPP:

Core: Kinetic PP

Deck: Wave Cushion Air 8lb PE

Slick: HD

Tail: Crescent

Features: React stringer, nose and tail bumper, bull slick grips, 55/45 double rails and graduated channels

Sizes: 38, 40

Hardy PE:

Core: 2.4lbs Extruded PE

Deck: 8lb PE Cell cushion

Slick: Surlyn by DuPont

Tail: Crescent

Features: React stringer, nose and tail bumper, bull slick grips, 55/45 double rails and graduated channels

Sizes: 39, 40.5, 41.5, 42.25

Hardy 3D:

Core: 3D (PE/PP)

Deck: Wave Cushion Air 8lb PE

Slick: Surlyn by DuPont

Tail: Crescent

Features: React stringer, nose and tail bumper, bull slick grips, 55/45 double rails and graduated channels

Sizes: 40.5, 41.5, 42.25

Hardy PP:

Core: Kinetic PP

Deck: Wave Cushion Air 8lb PE

Slick: Surlyn by DuPont

Tail: Crescent

Features: React stringer, nose and tail bumper, bull slick grips, 55/45 double rails and graduated channels

Sizes: 39, 40.5, 41.5, 42.25

Hardy Ltd:

Core: Kinetic PP

Deck: Wave Cushion Air 8lb PE

Slick: Surlyn by DuPont

Tail: Crescent

Features: Hardy contoured deck,

react stringer, nose and tail bumper, bull slick grips, 55/45 double rails and graduated channels

Sizes: 39, 40.5, 41.5, 42.25

Deck: Dark Blue

Pin: Orange

Rail: Black

Slick: White

Stamp: Orange

Deck: Black

Pin: White

Rail: Black

Slick: Orange

Stamp: White

Deck: Blue

Pin: Black

Rail: Black

Slick: Orange

Stamp: Orange

Deck: Green

Pin: Black

Rail: Black

Slick: Orange

Stamp: Black

Deck: Yellow

Pin: Black

Rail: Black

Slick: Silver

Stamp: Black

Clarke LTD

Todd and I have been dialing in some pretty cool tech on my new set ups. New LTD contours, PP stringer mesh combo with a nice straight template is my dream ride. This board has all that you need. Tight turns in the pocket to nice high lines are all possible. Maneuvering the board around the pocket with ease .The contours he has designed are sick. It changes the flex pattern away from a normal flat board towards something I feel way more comfortable on. These designs are helping my surfing evolve beyond what I could have dreamed could occur. Everyday I’m blown away by the variety of waves and conditions this design works in. All in the name of R & D. Stoked.

Clarke MicroPE:

Core: 2.4lbs Extruded PE

Deck: 8lb PE Cell cushion

Slick: HD

Tail: Crescent (tail piece)

Features: React stringer, nose and tail bumper, bull slick grips, 55/45 double rails and graduated channels.

Sizes: 38.75, 40.25

Clarke MicroPP:

Core: Kinetic PP

Deck: Wave Cushion Air 8lb PE

Slick: HD

Tail: Crescent (tail piece)

Features: React stringer, nose and tail bumper, bull slick grips, 55/45 double rails and graduated channels

Sizes: 38.75, 40.25

Clarke PE:

Core: 2.4lbs Extruded PE

Deck: 8lb PE Cell cushion

Slick: Surlyn by DuPont

Tail: Crescent (tail piece)

Features: React stringer, mesh, nose and tail bumper, bull slick grips, 55/45 double rails and graduated channels

Sizes: 38, 40, 41, 42, 43

Clarke 3D:

Core: 3D (PE/PP)

Deck: Wave Cushion Air 8lb PE

Slick: Surlyn by DuPont

Tail: Crescent (tail piece)

Features: React stringer, bull slick grips, 55/45 double rails and graduated channels

Sizes: 40, 41, 42

Clarke PP:

Core: Kinetic PP

Deck: Wave Cushion Air 8lb PE

Slick: Surlyn by DuPont

Tail: Crescent

Features: React stringer, nose and tail pumper, bull slick grips, 55/45 double rails and graduated channels

Sizes: 38, 40, 41, 42, 43

Clarke LTD:

Core: Kinetic PP

Deck: Wave Cushion Air 8lb PE

Slick: Surlyn by DuPont

Tail: Crescent (tail piece)

Features: Joe Clarke contoured deck, flex tip stringer, nose and tail pumper, bull slick grips, 55/45 double rails and graduated channels

Sizes: 40, 41, 42

Deck: Black

Pin: Black

Rail: Orange

Slick: Yellow

Stamp: Orange

Deck: Blue

Pin: Orange

Rail: Orange

Slick: Orange

Stamp: Orange

Deck: Grey

Pin: Black

Rail: Black

Slick: Orange

Stamp: Black

Deck: Orange

Pin: Red

Rail: Red

Slick: Yellow

Stamp: Red

I have been through ups and downs my whole career with boards, but now I’m on VS Bodyboards I’m more confident and feel I’m surfing better than ever. I’ve tuned in my ideal setup for both PP and PE. Dimensions and materials I’ve been working on since I started getting custom boards It’s a narrow template with a sick tight curve. Perfect for releasing into tight spins in the pocket. The nose is just the right thickness for all types of waves. From the curve it goes down to a pretty narrow tail. This allows me plenty of drive in down the line and doesn’t bog down in bumpy sections. When I get a new PP board I make sure I surf it in warmer water before I take it somewhere icy. It needs to be worn in. PE is pretty much ready to ride straight up. Though I don’t use it too much in summer sessions. I keep my PP boards for that.

Stone MicroPE:

Core: 2.4lbs Extruded PE

Deck: 8lb PE Cell cushion

Slick: HD

Tail: Crescent

Features: React double stringer, bull slick grips, 55/45 double rails and graduated channels.

Sizes: 37, 39, 41

Stone MicroPP:

Core: Kinetic PP

Deck: Wave Cushion Air 8lb PE

Slick: HD

Tail: Crescent

Features: React stringer, bull slick grips, 55/45 double rails and graduated channels

Sizes: 37, 39, 41

Stone PE:

Core: 2.4lbs Extruded PE

Deck: 8lb PE Cell cushion

Slick: Surlyn by DuPont

Tail: Crescent

Features: React double stringer, bull slick grips, 55/45 double rails and graduated channels

Sizes: 39, 40, 41

Stone 3D:

Core: 3D (PE/PP)

Deck: Wave Cushion Air 8lb PE

Slick: Surlyn by DuPont

Tail: Crescent

Features: React stringer, bull slick grips, 55/45 double rails and graduated channels

Sizes: 39, 40, 41, 42

Stone PP:

Core: Kinetic PP

Deck: Wave Cushion Air 8lb PE

Slick: Surlyn by DuPont

Tail: Crescent

Features: React stringer, bull slick grips, 55/45 double rails and graduated channels

Sizes: 39, 40, 41, 42

Ignition:

Core: 2.4lbs Extruded PE

Deck: 8lb PE Cell cushion

Slick: HD

Tail: Crescent

Features: Ignition Deck Contour, 2 x stringers, bull slick grips, 55/45 double rails and graduated channels.

Sizes: 39, 41

Blank:

Core: Kinetic PP

Deck: Wave Cushion Air 8lb PE

Slick: Surlyn by DuPont

Tail: Crescent

Features: Flex tip stringer, mesh, bull slick grips, 55/45 double rails and graduated channels

Sizes: 38, 40, 41, 42, 43

TQ Ltd:

Core: Kinetic PP

Deck: Wave Cushion Air 8lb PE

Slick: Surlyn by DuPont

Tail: Crescent

Features: TQ deck contour, rdouble mesh layer, flex tip stringer, bull slick grips, 55/45 double rails and graduated channels

Sizes: 40, 41, 42

BAGS

Focus Bodyboard Bag:

Features: Fits 2 boards. Fully padded and reinforced.

Vega Bodyboard Bag:

Features: Fits 2 boards. Heavy duty and reinforced.

Scope Backpack:

Features: Heavy duty construction, featuring padded laptop compartment.

Vision Backpack:

Features: Heavy duty construction, featuring laptop construction.

ACCESSORIES

Joe Clarke Bicep Leash:

Features: Padded arm cauff, double marine grade swivel system, grenade pull tag and polyurethane coil. Available in mini, mid and large.

VS Bicep Leash:

Features: Rolled edged neoprene cuff, buckle and double marine grade swivels.

VS Wrist Leash:

Features: Rolled edge neoprene cuff and double marine grade swivels.

VS Bodyboard Wax:

Features: Bodyboard formula wax to suit all water temperatures.

SHAPER

Todd Quigley: Age 31, Kirribilli

When Mez approached me a few years back with the Versus concept, or "project" as he termed it, I instantly loved the idea. While I've spent the best part of the past 14 years shaping custom boards, for pros and local heroes alike, I've always wanted to parlay my skills into a stock board line. On top of this, to be able to work one on one with three of the world's most dynamic riders is a shapers dream. Each rider in the VS Project has their own unique style and with that comes their individual board requirements. Its my job to be able to translate each riders requirements into boards that will allow them to push the boundaries of high performance bodyboarding. Once we finalize on a "master template" for each respective rider, I then work closely with Mez to convert the exact templates into the CNC machine. From there Mez and I develop a range of boards that offers something for everyone, in terms of sizes, performance features and specific material constructions for virtually every water temp and all wave conditions. Using only the finest materials available and the worlds most advanced construction techniques, I feel proud to put my name to the VS range of boards.