Month of the Shaper: Todd Proctor

Editor’s Note: In conjunction with our annual Surfboards Issue (On newsstands Nov. 18), we will be posting one interview per day with a craftsman who contributed to the issue. Some are the biggest names in the bay; others are underground and want to keep it that way. But all of them share an equal passion for the crafts that move us forward. In these tough economic times, they all have a lot to say on where their craft is going. This time: Ventura’s Todd Proctor.

Name: Todd Proctor
Zone: Handmade in Ventura, CA – worldwide custom
Years Shaping: 17
Boards Per Week: 15-35
Specialty: Custom – anything and everything

IS YOUR BUSINESS BETTER OR WORSE SINCE THE CLARK FOAM SHUTDOWN?

Better

DO YOU FEEL POLYURETHANE FOAM/POLYESTER RESIN WILL ALWAYS BE THE DOMINANT SURFBOARD CONSTRUCTION?

There are a lot of possibilities out there for materials with increased durability and performance, and which are far more environmentally friendly. I make it a priority to constantly be trying, experimenting and innovating with different materials.

DO YOU THINK THERE’S AN INCREASING OR DECREASING APPRECIATION FOR A CUSTOM SURFBOARD?

There’s an increasing demand for quality, custom boards that take each individual surfer to the places they dream of going on a wave. I think there will always be a demand for something unique and special like that.

ARE QUADS DECLINING OR INCREASING IN POPULARITY?

They’ve got there niche….and they do what they do well.

WHAT’S KEEPING YOU AFLOAT? CUSTOM CLIENTELE? SHOP ACCOUNTS? SURFTECH?

Attention to the individual surfer.

IF IT HASN’T ALREADY, WILL YOUR SURFBOARD PRODUCTION EVER HAVE TO GO OVERSEAS?

By the goodness and grace of God, I plan to continue to see my business grow right here in Ventura. Personally, I love shaping boards and I enjoy hard work. This is what I was created to do. I like the fact that something quality is made right here in this country, and that I am able to provide jobs right here to a crew that has the same level of care and desire to put out the best boards we are capable of.

WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU LIKE TO LISTEN TO WHEN YOU SHAPE?

Usually I’ll listen to preachers all day on the radio, but sometimes I’ll move the dial around to classic rock, news, classical music, oldies…I like a lot of different sounds….my current favorite right now though is a new album by Dominic Balli called Public Announcement….that one makes my soul soar!

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND ON A SINGLE BOARD NOW?

Sometimes 30 minutes; sometimes two hours….whatever it takes for it to be right.

DO YOU SPEND MORE TIME ON THE COMPUTER SCREEN OR IN THE SHAPING BAY?

About 60% of the time shaping and 40% designing. I really enjoy designing boards, so sometimes I think I spend a little too much time doing that….but I really like the hands on of fine-tuning the boards too.

HOW IMPORTANT IS TEAMRIDER FEEDBACK TO YOU?

It’s really important….but I think of my team as everyone that I shape boards for; be it a ‘CT guy, a mom, a local ripper, a granddad longboarder. There are so many different surfers, each one needing different boards to cater to their unique style and the types of waves they ride….so I make it a point to listen to everybody and pay close attention to each persons requests and feedback. I find it makes for a solid surfer/ shaper relationship that way, too.

WHAT KIND OF BOARD DO YOU ENJOY SHAPING MOST RIGHT NOW?

I love them all. Rght now, I guess I would have to say the last board I just got done shaping.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU GET TO SURF?

When the waves are good….but sometimes when they are bad too. As much as I can.

ARE YOU ACTIVELY PURSUING “GREENER” AVENUES IN YOUR SURFBOARD PRODUCTION?

Yes….for over a decade now. Check out our website at proctorsurf.com. There is all kinds of stuff you can get stoked about there….more than I could summarize real quick for you in one sentence here.

TO VISIT TODD IN THE SHAPING BAY AS HE DESCRIBES THE PROXY CUSTOM FLEXIBLE EPOXY TITANIUM SERIES SURFBOARD CONSTRUCTION, CLICK HERE

Hi,

I was watching/admiring the clips you have of Larry Ugale. Do you know the dimensions of the board he used and his fin set-up? Also, was it a poly board?

(Mind you, I’ll never surf the way he did, even in my wildest dreams.)

Thanks,
Paul

Hi Paul,

The board is 9’0″ x 22″ x 2 9/16″

Performance model

with fin set-up at 5 1/2″ back fin with side fins at 15 1/2″.

Bonzer back fin with two normal sized thruster sides. Fin placement and configuration on this particular model is largely dependent on it’s unique tail rocker and extreme spiral vee/ chimed rails bottom configuration.

It is a Proxy custom flexible epoxy constructionmade here at our Ventura factory.

Do you need a new Performance Longboard? If you let me know your height, weight, the type of waves you surf, and experience….I will detail the magic design and dimensions longboard for you.
Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have. I know you would be stoked on a magic Proctor.
Looking forward to your reply,
Aloha,

Todd

Hi Todd,

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I’m looking at performance longboards, so I’m very interested in what you have.
I’m 50, 5’8″, 145 pounds.

I’ve been surfing my entire life but only recentlymoved to longboards

(after surgery on both shoulders).

I surf almost entirely on the East Coast — everything from mushy summer waves to hollow post-hurricane swells.

Basically, I’m looking for an epoxy longboard

that I can noseride but turns well

– I’m thinking big nose with a lot of concave (and entry rocker for hollow days) and a pulled in, rounded pintail. What are your thoughts on rails? I’ve ridden Waldens and McTavishs and the bevels seem to work well when it’s more hollow — didn’t catch the rail.

I like plain white boards, just your logo.
Also (I’m anticipating this question from my wife, whom I want to stay married to) how much would it cost, including shipping to Maryland?
Thanks,
Paul

Hi Paul,

The magic board for you would be:

9’0″ x 22 1/4″ x 2 9/16″ Performance Noserider

with a round pin.

This board noserides and holds trim like a dream, yet turns off the tail on a dime….this board model truly matches exactly with what you are looking for. The rails are chimed or beveled from the nose through to the fin cluster where they fade out into a hard edge boxy rail. My bevels are a little more subtle than what those shapers do, but I feel this makes them more versatile for a wider variety of conditions, but always keeping that nice no-catch/ no-dig feel to them. We can do plain white in the Proxy….and I actually have a unique new epoxy that has a uv stabilizer which helps it to not turn yellow as quickly as most other epoxies do; as well there is an optical brightner in the resin which makes the board brighter white than other clear epoxy boards. A Proxy custom Performance Noserider in those dimensions is $965.00 and shipping is going to run approximately $100.00 to your door and includes insurance.

Keep in mind this is a custom composite

surfboard made out of the highest grade materials

and is my premium board for

both strength and performance.

In the long run, this board will last you as long as two or three polyester boards….so in the end you actually do save money by purchasing something with higher quality….plus it will work better than anything you’ve ever ridden (had to through that in). Oh, and one other thing. To place an order you only need to put down half. You pay the remaining balance when the board is done and just prior to shipment.
Well, please feel free to ask any other questions you may have. I know you would be stoked on a magic custom Proctor Proxy Performance Noserider. Looking forward to your reply, Aloha,

Todd

CHECK THE PROCTOR ONLINE BOARD SHOP TO SEE WHAT’S IN STOCK OR TO ORDER A CUSTOM LONGBOARD

Hi,

my name is Thomas from Norway.

I found your site browsing the internet searching for the “perfect board”!

The local surfspot is coldwater (winter ca.4-6 C) and often mushy condition, ca 3-12 feet.
my height is 174cm and weight ca. 85kg (about 187 lbs).
I bought myself a Southpoint Bomber 6′ 6″ epoxy. That catches small waves early, but its not so manouverable in the take-offs in bigger conditions its like riding a plank!
I got also a HB 6,4″ that i bought in New Zealand. But this is yet a to experienced board for me!

I also found a size and weight table on the web and for my size i’ll need a board between 6′ 8″ – 7′ 2″

And therefore I saw your Big Chief 6′ 10″, but more interesting The Module (length ??)

with art like your pics (what a nice piece of work). And after reading the comment of Alex, it seems like a board for me!?
Or do you have a better board to offer an old intermediate surfer (stand up and slow turns)?
What does “PROXY” – Titanium Series Upgrade Options means?
What will it cost included boardbag and shipping to norway?

Mvh/Best regards

Thomas

Hi Thomas,

Sorry not to get back to you sooner….things have been very busy here. I read through your online consultation request and your e-mail below and I know the “perfect board” for you.

You are on the right track with the Big Chief design since it has more volume than the other shortboards in the line.

This will give you more paddling and early entry into waves as well as increased stability for where you are currently at with our surfing experience. Best dimensions would be: 6’8” x 19 ¾” x 2 5/8” with a squashtail, or 6’6” x 20” x 2 5/8” Module with a double wing swallowtail.

The module design favors small waves, but will also work in waves with more power,

while the Big Chief is a great all around performance shortboard that also works in small and large waves. Both boards generate their own speed in small waves and hold in and are very stable in powerful waves. I recommend the standard Proxy construction since it is very light, very strong and slightly more buoyant – It is $735.00 and includes fin system, a set of fins and a two color fade airbrush. The “titanium” upgrades add more strength to the board and increased performance – if you like the upgrades they are $75.00 each. You can check out the “New Technology” part of the website for more information regarding the titanium series upgrades. The standard Proxy construction on its own is very strong.
We also make polyester construction boards (the traditional foam and fiberglass construction) – these boards start a $585.00 and include fin system and one set of fins.

Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have. I know you would be stoked on a magic Proctor custom.
Looking forward to your reply,
Aloha,

Todd

Hi Thomas,

I answered your questions below in blue…

Hi Todd,

and thanx for the answer
Have a couple of other questions regarding “my perfect board”:
1. How about the fin system….is it better to have a quad setup than a thruster? There are positives about both fin configurations. The quad set-up has gained a lot of exposure lately since it is a very fast design….speed is always good. I find that the quad set-up has its best colors brought to full light in mushy, sectiony long point type surf. Since there is no center rear fin, there is less drag and thus the quad flies down the line on trim. So it is great for making those normally unmakeable flat faced sections. The quad also drives through turns unreal….since you have nearly double the fin area on your rail, you get increased leverage and drive through your turns…..great for acceleration through the second half of roundhouse cutbacks and drawn out arcing top turns. The thruster fin set-up on the other hand, I feel works better in the real performance push back kind of waves where is some hollowness and a lip coming back at you. The positive hold of a thruster can’t be beat, and it pivots off the bottom and in the lip with a much tighter turning radius than a quad will in those type of hollower conditions. So, they both have their place depending on the type of conditions. Many people have been getting the five fin set-up lately so they can have the option of one of the other….two boards in one. Hopefully that helps to explain the difference each fin set-up offers.

2. in your board shop you have an Big Chief with double wing swallow tail, and you recommend a squash tail. Is that for more stability? A squashtail is the most versatile tail shape…..it works great in a wide variety of conditions and wave heights; it draws really clean carving lines in the punchier waves, yet is also snappy in turns with a good release coming off the top. A swallowtail, or double wing swallowtail loosens a board up and makes it skatier….best for smaller conditions to keep it loose and skatey, or just for an all-around looser riding board under your feet.

3. A two color fade airbrush means…. like example artwork17 in your gallery? how about artwork32? The standard two color fade that’s included with the Proxy can be checked out if you go to proctorsurf.com and then to “Proxy Epoxy” and on that page you’ll see about five or six boards lined up and above them it says: Proxy options. There is a two tone grey board to the far left as well as a two tone light blue fade board a few spots over; this is how the fade and airbrush look. We also do a two-tone light olive drab/ sage green fade too. The two boards you pointed out are additional artwork and run around $55.00 – $60.00. You can get any kind of artwork that you can think of….the samples we have are just to give ideas. Nearly every board we do here is completely unique in both the boards custom design as well as the graphics…..so things are wide open there.
Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have.
I know you would be stoked on a magic Proctor.
Looking forward to your reply,
Aloha,

Todd

Take care

Mvh/Best regards

Thomas

Thanx for the feedback Mr. Master Todd!

I think i would go for the 5 fins setup…so i can feel the difference of the option of thruster too quad.
Since i have my southpoint 6’6″ with swallowtail… I’ll would like to try the squashtail.
And for the artwork… How about light blue in the middle to fade to black on the rails? Or let your creative mind make some nice uniq artwork in this area.
I think we’re getting close to my “perfect board”.
Do you have enough info for shaping one?
Let me now the price for it….and just last one question….: What is the differense from the standard polyester made one and the proxy standard (for my skills)? And what would that cost?

Thomas

Hi Thomas,

Hope you had a good weekend.
Everything looks good for the board. I have all the info I need to dial in the magic for you.
The standard polyester construction is the foam and fiberglass construction that boards have been made out of for a very long time; this is a good construction and the boards work very well. About half the boards I make are polyester construction and the price for those start at $585.00 and include fin system and fins.

The Proxy construction is my premium board for both performance and durability.

Proxy is a custom epoxy composite surfboard made with the highest grade materials available for a surfboard.

They are lighter, stronger and slightly more buoyant than the polyester boards…..

lasting approximately 2-3 times longer lifespan. The Proxy is $735.00 and includes fin system and fins, as well as a two color fade….we could do the light blue with black rails.
The five fin set-up for either board is an additional $35.00 for the extra fin boxes. If you would like an extra set of quad fins, they are $40.00.
For international orders we do direct bank wire for 50% of the total to get the board started, then the final half due at the completion of the board just prior to shipment. We have been shipping boards for over ten years all over the world and know how to pack them very well, so most every board makes it to it’s destination safe and sound.

I will have Charissa send you an invoice via e-mail with instructions how to proceed should you like to do so.
Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have. i know you would be stoked on a magic Proctor.
Looking forward to your reply,
Aloha,

Todd

Hi Eric,

Nice to meet you….I answered your questions below in blue…

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Hi
My name is Eric and i live in the UK, i am hopeing you could help me choose a new board and hopefully shape me a new board.
Firstly some information about myself:

My weight is usually between 75kg and 80kg and i’m 6ft tall, i’ve been a very dedicated bodyboarder but for last 2 years i’ve mostly been surfing fishes and now feel i want to progress into quicker, snappier surfing. My boards so far in order have been a Jim Banks 5’10 x 20 1/4 x 2 3/8 twin fin retro fish, it felt good but i got tired of drawing long lines. I then got a Donald Takayama 6’2 x 20 1/2 x 2 3/4 quad fish thinking it would be more responsive and loose but it feels very heavy and hard to turn, a bit like a small longboard. I then decided to go for a shortboard so i bought a Webber 6’4 x 19 1/4 x 2 3/8 S-core swallowtail thruster which feels great and friends say my surfing has improved greatly since my first surf on the board, my only concern is its great on the overhead days but feels too big for those small mushy or clean days.

Now i’m looking for a all round, light and strong board for all surf conditions which is quick, loose and responsive.

I like to hit sections hard as well as slide the tail when possible. I’ve been looking at the Lost RNF and was thinking it’s the board i’m looking for but

then i saw your lil’ rascal and lil’rascal 2 and really like the look of the lil’rascal 2

and really hope it’s the board i can work with. I like the fact it has 5 fin boxes so it can be ridden as a thruster and a quad and it sounds like a quick snappy board.

Now for my questions if you could help:

1. Do you ship to the UK and is it possible to give me a quote on shipping cost, my post code is TR26 2FB if it helps? No need for express shipping if it keeps the cost down. Packing and shipping to UK is approximately $250.00 USD.

2. Which board would you recommend and what size and dimensions do you think i should go for? I recommend the Rascal II with dimensions at: 5’10” x 19 3/4” x 2 3/8”….

keep in mind the deck is much flatter and the rails much fuller and boxier than a traditional shortboard shape.

This redistribution of foam gives the board the volume appropriate for your height and weight.

3. Are all the upgrades available for the lil’ rascal 2 or just performance shortboards? All the upgrades are available on the Rascal II.
I recommend the Proxy construction since it is the premium board I make both in strength and performance. The Titanium series upgrades i.e. Kevlar compression patch and carbon hinged flextail are also unreal upgrades to the Proxy….which are available for the Rascal II.

4. Whats the current waiting period for a complete custom board? Currently the waiting period is 3-5 weeks. We also do 2 ½ week rush orders for an additional $75.00.

Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have. I know you would be stoked on a magic Rascal II. Looking forward to your reply,

Aloha,

Todd

Hope you can help and thank you for your time
Eric Jooste

keep the stoke

————————————————————

Hi
Thanks again for the great help and patience and after looking at the board over and over again and still loving it i have to take the cost into consideration and make 100% sure i’m getting the right board for what i’m looking for in my surfing.

I want to stop buying new boards and finding out they are not really what i’m looking for so i just want to make sure i make the right choice now and keep the board for as long as it lives.
I like to surf as much as possible in all conditions, no matter how big or small, onshore or offshore and

looking for one board i can use in all conditions,

even though i love pumping down the line and getting as much speed as possible i’m looking to progress into more radical moves like tight snaps, floaters, 360′s and airs.

I understand someone like Kelly Slater and the like could do airs on a kitchen table and it really depends on the surfers ability rather than the surfboard but what i would like to know is,

is it possible to do more advanced moves on the Rascal II or is it not really the ideal surfboard for progressing into more radical surfing?

If i had the money i would buy a Rascal II as well as every other surfboard that would be best for every different style of surfing but unfortunately I’m limited to only be able to afford one surfboard that has a bit of everything.
Hope you can help with my worry.
Thanks again

keep the stoke

————————————————————

Hi Eric,

The Rascal II goes off with the whole back of tricks i.e. snaps, floaters, airs, reverses, 360’s, etc….

If I could offer my personal opinion though, the Rascal II is a great board and it will offer you what you are looking for, but it is more of a specialty board designed for smaller, mushier type waves and not really meant to be an all-around board for the widest variety of waves. For what you are looking for out of your surfing and from one board,

I think the best board for you would be the Greased Pig.

This board carries incredible speed, will do all the new performance moves you want, and is much more versatile than the Rascal II. The Pig is your board that will “do it all” in the widest variety of conditions. For you I would recommend going 6’1” x 19 ¼” x 2 3/8” with a single wing/ stinger swallowtail. Personally, if you want my input, that is what I would think would be the magic board for you.

Aloha,

Todd

Hello Todd. I live in New Zealand. Is it possible to ship here?
I surf mostly 1-2 ft sorf beach break waves..

I’m after a high performance epoxy smallwave board.

Which model do you recommend?
I want to be fast and loose.. You have some really good smallwave models, but hard to choose which one and what type of epoxy..
My standard board is 6’4, 191/4, 2 1/2
Kindest regards
Duncan Stoddart
NZ

————————————————————

Hi Duncan,

I know the perfect board for you: The board model is called the Greased Pig,

and the best dimensions would be 6’1” x 19 5/8” x 2 9/16” with a stinger swallowtail….this board generates tons of speed in the small stuff, yet holds in and surfs tight in the pocket remaining responsive like a performance shortboard.

This is the most versatile performance small wave shortboard I make for your particular waves since it hauls in the mushy stuff, yet is quick and responsive when there is a pocket…..perfect for smaller beachbreaks.

As far as materials are concerned, I do about half polyester boards here (the standard foam and fiberglass), and half the boards are the “Proxy” custom epoxy construction – these are the premium boards I make both in performance and strength.

It is unique from most other epoxy boards in that

it has a very positive flex characteristic

(really springy and alive, not stiff or rigid as can happen with the molded boards, etc…

The Proxy is about two to three times stronger than a polyester board and the memory of the materials last much longer as well….this allows the board to keep that new, alive feeling under your feet longer. You may see that there are a couple of upgrades….the Titanium versions one and two. The Kevlar sheet (that yellow/ olive area on the deck) adds compression strength to the deck without adding rigidity or weight to the board.

The carbon hinge flextail adds strength to the tail as well as providing as a hinge for a thinned out tail which allows for more flex; adding a slingshot effect out of turns.

Both of these upgrades are unreal, but they do cost a bit more to get them….so it is your call. To give you an idea of price, a Greased Pig Proxy in your dimensions is $735.00 (includes fin system and fins), while each of the titanium upgrades is $75.00 each, or $135.00 for both.

Well, that’s what I think is going to be the magic small waves ripping board for you. Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have. I’ll be sure to respond to you promptly. I know you would be stoked on a magic Proctor. Looking forward to your reply,

Aloha,

Todd

————————————————————

Thanks so much for taking the time to email me way over here in NZ..
Greased Pig sounds good.. I might get another fast small wave model too (Will shipping costs be the same for two boards?)
I was looking at the Lil Rascal or Lil Rascal 2, would these be good for small beachies? Or do they go better in Points?
What size Rascal or Rascal 2 would I be looking at?
My Standard board is 6’4. 19 1/4, 2 1/2
I am 6’2 and weigh 96 kg

Thanks again Todd for the personal touch.
Regards

————————————————————

Hi Duncan,

The packing/ shipping is pretty much the same for two boards as for one….so it is definitely a better deal to go about it that way.

The Rascal’s go better in mushy points, but I’ve ridden them in hollow beachbreaks too, and have been stoked out of my mind….

you have to light-foot them a little more in pushier type waves;

and beachbreaks/ hollow type waves aren’t really what the Rascals are designed for….but out of the two Rascal models, the Rascal II is definitely the most versatile since it has a little extra nose rocker. I would go with a 5’11” x 20 ¼” x 2 5/8” Rascal II. Well, let me know if there are any other questions you may have. I know you would be stoked on a magic Rascal II and Greased Piggly.

Looking forward to your reply,

Aloha,

Todd

————————————————————

Thanks agin Todd..

Regarding the Rascal 2 and the Greasy Pig..

Are they good for fins out maneuvers, Reverses, slides etc in small waves?

I’m currently on a Surtech Merrick 6’4 Flyer, and it it so temperamental, corky and stiff, I’ve blown so many waves..Usually come in angry..And I don’t like feeling like this about my passion.. I have ordered custom Polyesters in the past, but they always come back heavier than expected..

I like the lightness of the Surftech tho, but the performance isn’t there for me.

I’m 31 now, and the last 8 years or so I’ve made bad board choices and ended up going backwards..

I can surf really well on a magic board, but I’ve lost all my flow.

And get so frustrated knowing I can do a move, but am inhibited by the board, or I land the move yet it feels ugly and too forced.. It is hard being 6’2 and 96 kg, mass production doesn’t cater for surfers of my size who can surf..
Sorry bout my rave!

Regarding the Greased Pig, could I go 6’2 and 6’0 for the Rascal 2?

Thankyou so much for listening..
P.S I looked up your verse Jeremiah 5:22 Very cool!!

Regards
Duncan Stoddart
New Zealand

————————————————————

Hi Duncan,

Yes, both these boards are great for classic style surfing i.e. speed, carves, etc…as well as the modern, progressive style surfing i.e. fins out maneuvers, tail/ rail sliding turns in the lip, etc…
Please don’t worry about “your rave”…..

getting surfers like you the right board is what I am all about….

the custom approach and personal interaction is key!!

The Surftech construction methods are a blight on the surfing world and very different from what we are doing here. The pop-out boards all have the same problem – too buoyant, and too rigid….these are two of the worst qualities you can put into a surfboard.

My approach to board design/ construction is to make a board that has a very positive, springy flex characteristic,

yet is stronger than polyester construction and has a nice light weight – I feel we have been accomplishing something for many years now that the surfing world is longing for….we have so much positive feedback on the Proxy technology it is really incredible….makes me smile.

Anyway, it would be fine to go 6’2” for the Greased Pig and 6’0” for the Rascal II. Considering your build and the fact that you are not stoked on your current board, I suggest we go with these updated dimensions for you….(these are really more appropriate for what you should be riding) – Greased Pig @ 6’2” x 19 5/8” x 2 5/8” and Rascal II @ 6’0” x 20 ¼” x 2 5/8” in Proxy technology.

Well, those would be the magic boards for you….

and I know they would bring the passion and life back into your surfing.

Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have.

Looking forward to your reply,

Aloha,

Todd

P.S. …Yes, God is great….He made it all

————————————————————

Thanks again Todd..
Yeah, The Merrick Flyer Surftech I’m on now is too buoyant, and hard to bottom turn and feels too long in small surf, It’s 2 1/2 thick, 19 1/2 wide..

Heres my order so far
Greased Pig 6’2 x 19 5/8 x 2 5/8 Proxy Parabolic FCS

Rascal II 6’0 x 20 1/4 x 2 5/8 Proxy FCS

I’m wondering about the thickness of the Greased Pig, do you think I could go 2 9/16? As my normal weight is 90kg..I’m a bit overweight at the moment at 96kg.
I’m a bit paranoid of it being too buoyant for me and not being able to bottom turn easily.

Thanks again Todd
Duncan
New Zealand

————————————————————

Hi Duncan,

We can go 2 9/16” for the Greased Pig….that would be good. Everything else looks good…..

parabolic stringers cost a bit more, but they work insane….

definately recommend them for the Pig.

I’ll get the boards down on order forms and have Charissa send you the breakdown/ final invoice and payment methods to get the orders in process. Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have. Looking forward to making a couple magic boards for you….speak soon,

Aloha,

Todd

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Hello again Todd.
Hopefully our Dollar will go up soon..
Just wondering why the Proxy Rascal 2 is $855 and the Proxy Greased Pig is $735..
Regards
Duncan NZ

————————————————————

Hi Duncan,

The Proxy Rascal II is more because it has the four parabolic channels and five fin set-up.

The channels are harder and take longer to shape, glass and finish sand…..basically I have to pay my crew more to glass and sand them…..and they take me some time to shape them as well. The five fin option is more materials i.e. more boxes and fins….and more labor.

It really is worth it on this board….and I definitely recommend it.

However you can get the Rascal II with the added entry rocker and concave deck, but without the channels or five fin set-up….just the standard Rascal I bottom contours i.e. single to double to spiral vee bottom with tri-fin setup…..this would bring the price down to the same as the Greased Pig @ $735.00. Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have.

Aloha,
Todd

Hey Guys!

i am looking for a 6´2″ custom shortboard with diamond tail.

i want a board which fells like a skateboard. Easy to control and turning like a skateboard.

Most of the time i want to ride the board in Indonesia. Do you think a futurs quad set up is good for a board like this? How much is a board like this in titanium 1+2 technology with a white finish?

Thanks a lot!

Simon

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Hi Simon,
Sorry to take so long to get back with you…been really busy here.

Anyway, of course I can make you a magic 6’2″ diamond tail Titanium quad.

I would go with a five fin set-up that way you can ride it as a quad or thruster…best of both worlds depending on the conditions.
It is $870.00 for both upgrades (Kevlar compression patch and carbon hinge flextail)….and we can do it in white also.
Let me know your height, weight, age, and how long you’ve been surfing/ your experience, and

I’ll detail the perfect design and dimensions for you.

I know you would be stoked on a magic Proctor. Looking forward to your reply, Aloha,

Todd

Below you can read information about the progression of Todd Proctor’s custom epoxy surfboard construction. The current version of the Flexible Epoxy is now called, the “Proxy”, for Proctor Epoxy. The history starts with the current construction being offered at the top and as you scroll down you will find the earlier descriptions of the evolution of the Proctor epoxy. Todd has continued to make improvements and to hone his development of increased performance and superior durability over the last ten years in the area of alternative surfboard constructions – in order to continue offering you the highest quality of precision custom surfboard design and elite surfboard strength and performance.

Harnessing the New Order of Flex – “Proxy” Custom Flexible Epoxy, version 2

Titanium Series Performance Upgrade Series

Proctor Surfboards Worldwide Custom

• Fusion Core –

Premium grade eps foam fused under higher pressure yields greater compression strength. This core is slightly more buoyant than polyurethane foam, so the boards can be ridden smaller and fit in the pocket of the wave better.

• High impact rails

drive through turns and hold up to a beating.

• Instead of just using standard fiberglass cloth in the glassing process, a combination of S-glass, inter-woven

composite fabrics and Kevlar

(a product that’s five times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis) are employed.

• Kevlar compression patch –

this is a sheet of Kevlar, not a green airbrush. The beauty of this material is that it increases a board’s compression strength (the deck from crushin in), while maintaining the positive flex characteristics.

• Reinforced carbon-hinged flextail –

A thinner tail makes for better flex and a more lively feeling board by reducing rigidity and increasing torque. Interwoven carbon-kevlar composite has a rapid recoil flex memory that acts as a hinge to slingshot the board out of turns, as well as protecting the toe and heel areas of the rails from crushing in over time.

• Single-to-inset-double concaves –

I feel this is one of the most versatile bottom contours you can run in the modern performance shortboard. It has a wide-open sweet spot, is really drivey and predictable in waves small to large; and it allows you to break the tail free when you want to.

• Flatter deck –

I typically go ½” to one inch shorter, 1/8” narrower, and 1/16” thinner than your poly board. By using more buoyant materials, you don’t need to hide foam in the center of the board. The less-domey deck that’s achieved increases the flex characteristics of the board.

• Uniquely formulated epoxy resins

that have more elongation, or elasticity allow flex lengthwise as well as laterally throughout the board. This increases the performance of the board as well as its flex life/ longevity.

• All fin systems are available including glass-ons

(shown here) which are rare on epoxy boards.

• Environmentally friendly –

when a traditional p/u board’s life is over, there’s only one place it can go….to a landfill where it sits for 100 years before it starts to decompose. “Proxy” technology is recyclable.

• Made custom in the free world from concept to construction.

It’s your board….talk to the shaper.

Todd Proctor

Shaper’s notes:

I‘ve been working on alternative surfboard materials for 10 years with the commitment to improve technology while enhancing performance. I believe surfboard building is a unique hands-on process that will always be done best by the innovators who love the sport. The unique construction detailed here is done in our factory in Ventura, California. I custom design every board using cutting edge computer assisted design software. This allows me to detail every board keeping the quality, consistency and custom aspects of my shaping always at the forefront.

Surfer’s Feedback:

…the board I’ve been so ravin’ about lately is that Blackbird, the Proxy one. That thing’s incredible. Thanks mate. Jay Phillips, Gold Coast, Australia

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.proctorsurf.com/boards/proxyboard.swf" height="640" width="502" /]

Order a Custom Proxy ………………. Check Stock Boards

Currently Available Proxy Custom Epoxy Surfboard Constructions:

$715 – standard PROXY Custom Epoxy, includes one color airbrush fade, S-glass premium cloth, elite epoxy resins

$785 – standard PROXY plus one of the two Titanium Series Performance Upgrade Options
1.0 – Kevlar Compression Patch
2.0 – Carbon-Hinged Flex Tail

$850 – standard PROXY plus both of the Titanium Series Performance Upgrade Options

(Prices listed above are for shortboards, to see full price list, click here) we require 50% down payment to begin a custom surfboard with final balance due upon completion – standard 8 week turnaround

…

For some time I have been studying your web page, and finally have decided to order my new board by you, Proctor.

Once I decide to have a new board, I had clear it should be of epoxy resin, as I’m tired about the care you have to have with a normal poly board, (I introduced in early ninetieth the British brand SP Systems to the local surf, boat and constructors-building here on the Canaries).

I’m 5´7´´ feet tall, my average weight 155 pounds and I’m 44 years old. I arrived to the surfing for three years ago, after have done a lot of water sky, wind surf, kite surf, dingy and cruising sailing, well, always involved with water sports.

I consider my self as an intermediated (low intermediate) surfer. I’m not a powerful or a tube rider, and I don’t fell comfortable in 8-10 feet steep vertical face waves. The high of the waves I us to surf are between waist and half overhead. 50% of the time, I surf on rocky bottom or at beach breaks, and I use to rail turn, or alternative by a little pivoting.

Actually I have 2 polyester boards of Tropical Brazil (mass production boards by shaper Avelino Abastos). One is what we call here an “evolutive” 7’4’’ and the other one, which I most use, is what the manufacturer call “Merrequeira” board, which is 6’2’’ X 20 ¾. X 2 ¾. It’s a double concave bottom and it also has two (I think you call it) “forgiving edges” in the aft part of the rail at each side.

I would like to be advised by you which kind of board would fit me best. Your “Module Proctor Custom Epoxy” and the “Croveler IV Quad” are the boards I like most, but I will follow your advice.

In June a group of friends and I will travel 14 days to surf at the Maldives, and I have been twice in Morocco, as we have it quiet close to us, here on the Canaries.

Hoping to read from you soon, and expecting to could have the new board before the travel to Maldives, yours sincerely, Ole Skou.

Ole Skou
Canary Islands, Spain

—————————————————————————

Hi Ole,

Sorry to not get back with you sooner…..things have been very busy here…

Anyway, after reading your e-mail and learning about the different boards you are riding, your skill level, and the type of waves you are surfing….I know the perfect board for you – 6’6” x 19 7’8” x 2 5/8” double wing swallowtail Groveler IV with a five fin setup. This way you can rider the board as a thruster (three fin) or as a quad. This board has a little more volume than what someone your height and weight would typically ride, but considering the boards you are coming off, where you are at with your surfing and your age….

I think these dimensions will help take your surfing to the next level without frustrating you.

This board is very fast, and very responsive and will work the best in the variety of waves you will encounter both at home and in the Maldives. I can have the board done in time for your trip. It takes approximately 6-8 weeks right now minimum time from beginning of order until completion. So it would be good for you to order now, or soon; this way I can ensure that you will have your board in time for your trip.

I also, definitely recommend going with the Proxy custom epoxy since this is a much stronger board and the materials are a much higher grade to give the boards a much livelier performance in the water.

Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have.

I know you would be stoked on a magic custom Proctor.

Looking forward to your reply,

Aloha,
Todd

—————————————————————————

Hello Tod.
Thank you for your reply, and before I make the order I would like you to clear some doubts.
What is obvious, that the order will be for an Proxy custom epoxy, and about the selected board, material and finish, I have several questions.

A) Will I not have a little too much floating with that length, wide and thickness?

B) The Titanium finish. Do you recomend it and if so, would you be so kind to quote it?

C) The different finish you show at the web page, (airbrush, resin, etc), are these only on one side of the board, and commonly which are the customised side? (With the wax you loose enjoying part of the work).

C) Would you be so kind to quote me following finishes:
Resin: picture 12 and 13 (13 as bottom with 12 as deck?)
Airbrush: picture 27
Ratlle can: pictures 4, 10, 17 & 22
If I decide not to have an custom finish, would the board than be white?

D) Which kind of keels (brand) do you supply with the board? Or in this case, which keels would you fix?

E) When is it recomended to use the board as five fin setup, as a quad or as a thruster?

F) Your experience sending boards to Europe, which would approximatly be the cost to my adress, and time? How should it be paid?

G) Do you ensure the board for the delivery? If so, please write me the costs.

H) Can I pay you by a SWIT transfer? If so, need your full bank details.

Finally I beg you to quote the suggested board with the different options, so I can take a dicision and order you the board and make the money transfer.

Thanking you foward for your time spend and I beg you excuses by certain questions done at this e-mail, as I don’t have the sufficient knowleght.

Ole Skou.