Dear Proctor surf company,

I am a 6’4″, 205 pound surfer out of Danielsville, GA

I am looking for a board that can support my height and weight but wont give up its maneuverability.

I’ve been looking at the Greased Pig 2, the reviews say its good for small waves which is mainly the only stuff I surf.  Basically I’m looking for a manuverable board for small wave conditions (2-3ft) that can support my frame and will allow me to get some turns in.  Any suggestions?

Sincerely, Joseph

Hi Joseph,

Yea the Greased Pig II is exactly what you are looking for…..high performance and maneuvable with incredible speed in small waves….it also
holds in good too at top speed. Typical dimensions for your build (if you get to surf a lot and are at least intermediate) would be 6’2” x 19 ¾” – 20” x 2 5/8”. It is available in either a single wing swallowtail, or a wide hip-squashtail.

I also make another board that might work even better for you specifically for the 2-3 foot zone that you are most in….the board is “Da Monsta”. This one you could actually ride about an inch shorter and a little wider: 6’1” x 20 ¼” x 2 5/8 +” .

If you let me know how long you’ve been surfing, how often you surf, you age, what basic design and dimensions of the board you typically ride (or are coming off of)…..then I can check up to see if indeed these dims I gave you are spot on. It’s kind of only a little bit of information you initially gave me that I’m going off of, but if I need to adjust at all based on your additional info….I will get ya the exacts of what I think will be the magic board to take your surfing to the next level.

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

Todd,

Dude, first of all thank you for replying to my email, I didn’t think that any would. So, thank you very much!

Now on to the board. I was on your website and looked at the model for “Da Monsta”, I really like the way that one sounds and the possibilities it has. I’ve been surfing since I was 11. Unfortunately for me I live in Georgia, in the middle of the woods. No surf here.

The main break I go to is Sebastian Inlet, Florida.

I also make trips to Folly Beach, South Carolina and Atlantic Beach, North Carolina.

Since I’m a full time student and also a basketball player, I don’t get to go to often during the year. I mainly go during the summer months, this summer particularly I will be spending more time in South Carolina.

This is why I’m looking for a gnarly, small wave board.

I am 20 years old, intermediate sufer, the board I mainly ride is called The Spoiler by Oceanside, 6’9″ x 21 1/4″ x 7 7/8″. This board is just about right for the conditions I’m usually in. But “Da Monster” sounds just like what I’m looking for. If there is any other info that you need from me just let me know. Again, thank you for working with me!

Sincerely, Joey

Hi Joey,

Ok, that extra info helps a lot, now I know exactly what you should run with:

[fancy_box]

Monsta 6’6″ x 20 1/2″ x 2 3/4″….just a touch more board for what you are coming off, this will make a smoother transition, but still feel like you’re on a skateboard and just let out of jail.

[/fancy_box]

I can write up the details on an order form and send all the details over to you via e-mail….? We can ship direct to you door also, but we would need to know your address to get an exact quote. Do you want to go with a poly board (standard foam and fiberglass) $625.00 includes fin system and fins, or our Proxy custom epoxy (high grade composite 5 times stronger than a poly) $785.00 inc. fin system and fins? I recommend going with either f.c.s. or futures fin system.

Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have. I now you’ll be frothing on a Monsta. Feel free to call into the factory showroom at (805) 658-7659 if you would like to speak with me directly. Charissa answers the phone here, so if you do call, just let her know that we have been communicating already though e-mail and that you are ready to order a board, and that I said it is ok to get me. She will come and get me from shaping that way….otherwise, you’ll get barred and have to make an appointment.

Looking forward to your reply,
Aloha,
Todd

Awesome.

I got the invoice and everything. Thank you for your service. I’m super stoked about getting out on the board and exploring what it can do.

Hey there,

[fancy_box]I’m looking for a model for small and powerless waves that we have in the Mediterranean sea. I need speed to past powerless section.[/fancy_box]

Hi Eric,

I recommend a 5’8″ x 19 1/4″ x 2 5/16″ Scarecrow.

I have a board with these exact same dimensions and it is my favorite board.

http://www.proctorsurf.com/Surf-Boards/scarecrow

Forever Grom Explains da Monsta from Proctor Surfboards on Vimeo.

Hey guys,

I’m trying to get a recommendation on which board and appropriate specs I need.

I’m 6’1, 182lbs.  Intermediate to Advanced surfer.

[pullquote_right]I’m 6’1, 182lbs.  Intermediate to Advanced surfer.[/pullquote_right]

I’m looking for a board to ride in San Diego in small to head high surf (beach and reef breaks).

I have my performance short board from you already so I’m looking for a hybrid or all-arounder.

I want it to get into waves easily, have forgiveness in the turns, and perform a little more like a shortboard than a fish (I have a fish).

[fancy_box]Bottom line is I want it to generate a lot of speed in and out of turns even when the waves aren’t very energetic.  My biggest issue when I surf is getting bogged down through my turns and catching rails.  Learning to surf better is my goal, but the right equipment in the right conditions will help.  [/fancy_box]

I’ve been primarily looking at a couple boards in Da Monsta series.  I think I definitely want a good Quad option (5fin), but am interested to get a recommendation from you given the above information.

Please reply to all so I get your response at my yahoo account too.

God bless,

Jonathan

Hi Jonathan,

God bless you too!!

Ok, well I pulled your last order card and board file to check out what we did for the performance shortboard…..and going off that for something that has more pickup and drive in the smaller/ mushier realm,

you are on the right track with Da Monsta….which is also a very versatile board that will not make you feel the drawbacks of a fish, but will give you the benefit of extra speed with maneuverability and hold.

I recommend dropping it down to the 6’0” / 6’1” range x 19 ½” x 2 ½” with a fuller rail than the G-4…..so the deck foil ends up being flatter and the rail volume bumps up to what would feel like a standard 2 5/8” rail….for more pushback through turns so you don’t ever feel like your bogging through the flat sections.

The five fin option is an excellent upgrade so you can go tri or quad depending on the conditions….definately recommend that as well. Quads go real quick down the line and arc out nice carving turns with speed to burn through the second half of the turn…perfect for points or drawn out beachbreaks. The trifins like to pivot tighter and go straight up and snap in the pocket easier….so if you’re in real bowly waves, or tight, cornery beachbreaks, then the trifin setup will still be you go to.

Well, I hope that helped to answer some of your questions. I know you would be stoked on a Monsta five finner. Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have. Looking forward to your reply,

Aloha,

Todd

Todd,
Thanks for getting back to me!

I like the idea of a 5 fin Monsta. Quick question before moving forward with a quote.

[fancy_box]What is the major difference between the Monsta and the El Pavote.[/fancy_box]

Its hard to tell not having seen them in person. Thanks.
GB,
JM

Hi Jonathan,

The Pavote has a flatter rocker throughout, a fuller outline, and fuller rails than the Monsta. The Pavote is primarily made as a super small scale waves board…..more of a specialty board for the really tiny/ mushy conditions – and it goes crazy in those kind of waves, but due to it’s extremely low rocker, it is not a very versatile board at beachbreaks with any steepness to them; expecially if it is steep and cornery….the flatter rocker that works so well when the waves are slopey/ mushy can tend to get hung up in the lip of short, hollow waves.

But don’t get me wrong, I had a Pavote that I rode for a year straight and couldn’t get off it…..but I was surfing a lot of pointbreaks that year also….

the Pavote does love pointbreaks

and can handle a wider variety of size and hollowness if it’s a point due to the down-the-line nature of pointbreak surfing.

Anyway, my Pavote “year of ecstasy” experience led into the development of the Monsta…..to have a board with the small wave speed attributes of the Pavote,

but with more versatility so I could ride it in a larger variety of conditions.

[pullquote_right]And right from the get-go the Monsta was a special board/ magic from day one. It has become the go-to board for most surfers that have jumped onto them. I think it would be that way for you too.[/pullquote_right]

And right from the get-go the Monsta was a special board/ magic from day one. It has become the go-to board for most surfers that have jumped onto them. I think it would be that way for you too.
Please let me know if that made sense?
Looking forward to your reply,

Aloha,

Todd

Jonathan’s final board choice:

Proxy Epoxy Monsta v.1.3: 6’1″ x 19 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ wide squash
with 5 fin option install

Monstas in the Proctor Board Shop

Forever Grom breaks down the Monsta

Todd,

Since moving to San Diego from the SF Bay Area about five years ago,

I have been on a quest to find a small wave board

for average everyday surf.

I’ve experimented with everything from groveler type boards to modernized fish types and have not been able to find that magic shape that I can ride in area reef and beach breaks when the surf is small and mushy to somewhat punchy/decent in the knee to shoulder high range.

Complicating matters is that I’m a 40 yr old 200 lb guy.

However, I’m in good shape and surf 2-3 times a week.

My current small wave board is a quad fish (6’0” x 21” x 2.4”) with a concave deck, fairly pulled in tail and volume moved out towards the rails. It works well in mushy surf of any size up to head high, but struggles in the more punchy stuff with setting that fat rail and vertical turning in the pocket.

I love the down the line speed of the fish,

but want to be able to do short board moves in small surf.

I’m thinking I want more of a groveler type and am interested in your Greased Pig but also very curious about the Apache. My regular short board is a 6’6” x 19.5” x 2.65” swallow tail. I really won’t pull that board out unless it is head high and good and is mainly a Blacks board. If the surf surpasses the 8’ mark I have a 6’8” step-up for that. I’m trying to maintain a three board quiver and that small board is going to be a primary ride workhorse, so I need something that is pretty versatile. My style is pretty heavy footed and I use the rail a lot for turns. What do you suggest?

John

Hi John,

I think you’re spot on the right track and have done your homework super good.

The Greased Pig is what you’re looking for…..

super quick board, but with the hold and

maneuverability of a performance shortboard.

I would go 6’2′ – 6’4″ x 20″ x 2 5/8″+.

For heavy footed powerful guys

I make the concaves slightly heavier…..

this gives the board  nice positive hold when you push hard on it, it pushed back with positive speed this way. The Greased Pig surfs quick in the pocket and will keep things way more vertical than a typical fish or grovely kind of board.
The Apache is rad too, but for you I think you will gain more of the vertical thing and a more versatile board for you area of waves than with the Apache who’s fuller nose can get a little touchy sometimes when you wanna through right in the hook….the Apache’s best qualities are at the pointbreak setups.
Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have. I know you would be frothin’ on a Greased Pig.
Looking forward to your reply,
aloha,

Todd

Todd,

Thanks for your response. The Greased Pig sounds like what I’m looking for.

The Greased Pig

What type of board would Todd recommend for a beach break type of wave that is really short and pretty weak?

Looking for something that can generate speed very quickly as the wave doesn’t give you much time to build speed.

Ok, this is where one of those new designs I was talking about would go insane…..

cause I realize everybody almost everywhere has conditions like what you describe…so that’s why I designed the “Monsta”: you ride this board a couple inches longer than a Rascal, about 1/4″ narrower and right around the same volume maybe just a hair less on the rail volume. I’m using the same basic rail line rocker as the Rascal II, but have dug out all the spiral vee through the back third of the board and run instead an even single concave throughout the entire bottom of the board with inset double concaves through the back 1/3 of the board and through the fins….there is even a slight concave running right off the tailblock. This gives the board a wide open sweet spot, a lot of quick get up and go right off the bat, and also gives the board really positive hold through more critical, vertical turns in the pocket. The outline is changed up to more of a full outlined shortboard as opposed to a roundnosed front end. I think you could go 5’7″ x 19″ x 2 1/4″ Monsta with a winged diamond tail or a wide hip squash. Don’t need channels with this new hull contour, but the five fin is still sick for it.

My friend is interested in a board too…he’s a big dude though…5’11 220 lbs.

He rides a Boardworks Epoxy Hynson Fish 6’6 x 21” 7/8 x 2” 3/4 — has Todd made boards for big guys?

I make tons of boards for bigger guys actually….

since many stock boards in shops don’t have what is right for a lot of these guys, I am able to give them something that is the right volume, yet still a board they can rip on….and not just a big plug. I think he would be stoked on a Monsta also. I think he could drop it down a bit, but keep the thickness up…..like 6’3″ x 21 1/2″ x 2 7/8″ with a winged diamond or a wide hip squash.  Five fin setup is good too. I’ll have Charissa send you a picture of what I’m talking about tomorrow. I’ve got a bunch of them going right now for guys around here they are starting to take off. Please let me know your thoughts when you’ve received the new pics of the Monsta. BTW….this is my current favorite board and I’ve been riding it in everything unless it’s way overhead…Ok well hope that helps. Talk to you soon, and thanks again for the killer review,

Aloha,

Todd

Thanks, Neal   -Surfboard Shack

Last Board:Custom Proxy Epoxy Rascal II5’5″ x 19 1/4″ x 2 1/4″ moontail
5 fin install/ parabolic channels

Hey Todd, thanks for the detailed insight…haven’t met too many shaperswilling to provide so much detail and explanation.

Hope you don’t mind but I had a few questions. What is the difference

in performance between the rascal 2 and monsta?

How does the monsta compare to the other rascal variations like the

falcon or el pavote?

Also, how does the monsta perform compared to your small wave

grovelers eg greased pig &  Module?

Can’t wait to see photos of the monsta! I’ll show my buddy when I get

them. Thanks!

Neal

Hey Todd.

I am particularly interested in possibly

your lil’rascal shape.

I am in pretty good shape,

but want really good float for smaller waves.

Just something small that can fit the face

of a smaller wave and something to just have

a blast on-however, I really want buoyancy as well.

Hi Timmy,

Hi Todd,

Well, my home break is Wrightsville Beach, NC.

It is all beach break here where I surf.

We get quite a bit of mushy type waves

without alot of push, but do get days mixed in

where there is a little more punch to the waves.

I am a back foot surfer by nature as well.

Is the Lacerator the same board as the Superbank

or is it tweaked like a newer version.

I’m wanting to put together a quiver of solely your boards and Im going to start with 8.

I just needed some clarification on the Lacerator. Thank you for your time.

Hayden Gaddis

Hi Hayden,

Nice to meet you.

Yea, the Lacerator is an updated superbank.

I have dropped a bit of the entry rocker from the original Superbank design, but have kept the mid through the tail rocker the same and kept the same hull contours (single to inset doubles).

This gives the Lacerator a bit more versatility

getting into waves earlier, quicker through the flat spots,

but without sacrificing any responsiveness in the pocket….where it’s home is.

Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have. I know you would be stoked on a quiver of custom Proctors.

Looking forward to working with you,

Aloha,

Todd

VISIT THE LACERATOR PAGE TO SEE A 360 DEGREE VIEW OF THIS BOARD & MORE

Hey Todd

I was checking out the greased pig on your site.

I was looking for a new everyday board

for waist to head high + .

as far as size I was thinking 5’10” x 19.5” x 2 3/8” .   My only question would be single or double bump in the tail and whether I should go thruster or quad.   If I was going to go with four fins I figured it would work better with the wider tail or single wing.  I dont like four fins on real pulled in tails.

At the same time I wanted something

that will pivot off the bottom and

be able to go vertical

where I’ve rode quads that have trouble doing that. Any suggestions.

Mike

Hi Mike,

Good to hear from you.

The Greased Pig is a great board and one of my favorites.

It jams in small waves and gives you the speed

to do all the turns and maneuvers that you

can’t normally do on a regular board

in those same conditions.

Also, what is very cool is that it is really versatile for a small wave board in that it will surf up to head high + and still run clean.

This board goes quick and loose

(like a quad) already

without the need to loosen it up more as a four fin….I find the tri fin is my favorite since it does more of exactly what you mention…..holds and pivots vertical and lets you lay into it in tight, snappy turns.

I have been having people get them with five fin (boxes) set-up so it can be ridden as a trifin or quad…..and that works really well and gives you the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds.  What is your current height and weight, so I can crosscheck that with your suggested dimensions.

The tail is pretty wide already on the

Greased Pig

so I don’t recommend going wider…..

it works great for both tri or quad as it is.

Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have. I know you would be stoked on a magic Greased Pig.

Looking forward to your reply,

Aloha,

Todd

http://www.proctorsurf.com/Surf-Boards/Greased-Pig

Todd,
 
I am having trouble deciding on what style of board I  I should buy.

I fall into the category of a beginner for my lack of time

in the water, but I  I feel I  I have the physical ability

to surf at the next level, I  I just need a better understanding of the waves.

I will be spending most of my days in Costa Rica surfing chest to head high beach breaks, mushy slop, and maybe some super long lefts, so having a good all arround board is key. (this will be my first one of course)

I am 23, a short 5’6″ and anywhere in between 155-160.

I am looking for a board that will go down the line quick,

paddle well and be fairly stable.

A 6’0 x 19.5-20″ w, swallow quad was kind of what I  I had in mind (but what do I know). And lastly could you give me the low down on the carbon fiber rail idea I think thats rad.
 
Thanks

Hi Graedy,

The most versatile all-around performance shortboard I make is called the G-4.E. I think this would be the magic board for you. This board generates incredible speed in the small gutless stuff, yet also holds in affording stability and positive drive in the punchier and more powerful waves as well….the best of both worlds type of board I like to call it. It has a single to inset double concave bottom which yields excellent down the line speed.

I recommend going 6’0” x 19 ½” x 2 ½” -

swallowtail quad version works great with this board too…..

what is really popular is the five fin box setup…..then you can ride the board as a thruster/ tri-fin or quad making even more versatile in a wider variety of conditions – sort of like having two boards in one.  These dimensions would be a bit more board than typically someone your height and weight would ride, but these dims will be good for you to afford you the extra paddle-ability and stability necessary for where you are at with your surfing currently. But know also that this design will challenge you, but without frustrating you; and will

allow you to progress into the performance realm

of surfing without the need to switch to a

different board as you progress.

The carbon rails is a very durable and high performance design feature of the construction of the board. They are an upgrade and done only with the Proxy construction; which is my custom epoxy construction. The Proxy is 3-5 times stronger that standard foam and fiberglass and has a flex pattern that adds incredible performance to the board. This is where the carbon rails also come into play.

By eliminating a center stringer and strengthening the

rail structure of the board, the board has a

very lively flex characteristic that makes it feel

like it is slingshotting through turns.

I have great results with this upgrade option.

Ok, well hope that was able to answer some of your questions. 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

Todd

Thanks for all the info…..What would this ride like if we went a bit shorter lets say 5’10-5’11″, and a bit wider like 20-20.5? If this is even possible. When I started to look for surfboards I was chasing around the fat round fish idea (not sure why) but I think if we can put a swallow and a boxed five fin this would turn out good. Can you swallow a 5 fin?..i think I would ride it as a quad (they are supposed to be more stable correct?) I know that once I get to surf on a regular basis I will be improving fairly fast so a board that has room for improvement is key… I am not very familiar with the different types of boards, aka foam,epoxy,proxy….(those carbon rails look so sick!!) All I know is being that I am fairly new to the sport I will eat sh*t lots and

I am gonna need a board that will take a fair amount of punishment…..

Last but not least I am gonna need some prices on this magic board.
I quickly looked thru your artwork and there so many I can’t decide…what is the difference in price between the airbrush, spraycan, paintpen??

Thanks again for all your help,
Graedy

Hi Graedy,

I answered your questions below in blue…

Todd
Thanks for all the info…..What would this ride like if we went a bit shorter lets say 5’8″, and a bit wider like 20-20.5?

As from your last e-mail, I think we could go 5’11” – 6’0” x 20” x 2 ½” for the dimensions….and as for the design, I think we could actually go with a bit of a compromise between a standard performance board and a fuller outlined board (like you mentioned regarding a round nose fish sort of design). Well, I have a little board I’ve been doing for the last year or so that is absolutely amazing….it is called the Falcon. The Falcon is super fast like fish, but it has the performance, responsiveness and holding capacities of a high performance shortboard design. It paddles like a champ and flies in small waves, yet also goes mental in good waves….so it’s range is from two foot and mushy to overhead.

If this is even possible. When i started to look for surfboards i was chasing arround the fat round fish idea (not sure why) but i think if we can put a swallow and a boxed five fin this would turn out good. Can you swallow a 5 fin?..i think i would ride it as a quad (they are supposed to be more stable correct?) I know that once i get to surf on a regular baisis i will be improving fairly fast so a board that has room for improvement is key…

the Falcon will match where you are at now, yet will bring out a new performance realm in your surfing also….this design is a favorite across the board from professional surfers to novice.

I am not very familliar with the different types of boards, aka foam,epoxy,proxy….(thoes carbon rails look so sick!!)All i know is bieng that iam fairly new to the sport i will eat sh*t lots and iam gonna need a board that will take a fair amount of punishment….. Last but not least iam gonna need some prices on this magic board.

These two go hand in hand…..the traditional foam and fiberglass boards (polyester construction) are $605.00. The five fin upgrade is an additional $45.00. The Proxy construction is $750.00….and the five fin upgrade is additional $45.00. The Proxy is the premier board I make for both strength and performance (they last approximately 3-5 times longer/ stronger than traditional polyester construction). The carbon rails work insane also as I explained to you in my previous e-mail….the carbon rails are an additional cost of $100.00 since carbon is a high grade composite and the fabrication process on the board is timeconsuming….but it is definitely worth it.

I quickly looked thru your artwork and there so many i cant decide…what is the difference i price between the airbrush,spraycan,paintpen??

The price varies anywhere from $65.00 to $250.00 on the airbrushes and rattlecan art depending upon what you want. You can check out the different ones and let me know which number you like and I’ll get you a price for it. The rattlecan sprays run between $65.00 – $85.00. Please keep in mind the artwork up on the site is just there to give you some ideas of what we have done and are capable of doing, but it is not limited to what you see there. Basically we can do anything you can think up, but we can’t quote you until we understand what it is you would like.

Ok bro, well please feel free to ask any other questions you may have. I know you would be stoked on a custom Proctor Falcon Proxy with carbon rails. Looking forward to your reply,

Aloha,
Todd

Visit the G-4.E page to find out more about this board model

Aloha from Oahu, Hawaii:

Would you have an epoxy Big Chief

for my stats below?

Ht: 5’9”
Wt: 195-200 lbs
Surf experience: Been surfing since 1974
Surf frequency: 1-2 times per week (the past 4 years)

Surf style: front foot, rail-to-rail surfing

Surf spots:  Diamond Head-Cliffs/Right Hands, 2-4 ft (Hawaiian scale); Waikiki-Threes/Pops/Paradise, 2-5 ft. (Hawaiian scale)
Current surfboard:  6’9” x 21” x 3 ¼” Aipa epoxy sting with vector 3-2-1 fins, too much float for me now and hard to really drive the rails to get vertical on the wave.
Best board ever:  6’0” Aipa Town & Country, round-pin, thruster – best all-around board in 2-5 ft surf  (Hawaiian scale) when I weighed 185 lbs.

Mahalo,
Dominic

Hi Dominic,

I used to live on Oahu years ago….great memories from surfing all over the island.

I recommend dropping down to a

6’6” x 20” x 2 ¾” Proxy Big Chief….

that would be the magic board for you….We have one coming through stock production or we could make one custom 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

Thank you for the email reply & to hear that you lived on Oahu!

These dims are what I was thinking,

as on the really small 1-2 ft. days,

I ride a 6’5” x 21 x 2.5” Gotcha semi-fish thruster

I purchased from Sam’s Club.  It’s way looser than the Aipa, but just short of the float (since it’s a poly board) that I need to get enough speed on the take-offs.

The stock production sounds good!  When do you expect to have them ready and how much would I be looking at for it to be shipped to me?  My wife told me I could get a new board by putting aside money each month — I am somewhat half-way there — and I realize you only accept credit cards…not a problem for me.