Surfboard Reviews & Surfer Feedback

Honestly, this “talk to the shaper” thing is no baloney…

review1surfboard — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:17:09 +0000

Hey Todd and Charissa,

I got the board yesterday and was psyched to see the sickest looking board ever on my couch. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to use it until today and even though it missed the best part of this fun little jersey swell we had, I did get to ride it all morning on the tail end of the swell, in waist high and glassy surf. I was very happy to find that the board backed up it’s sick looks in the water.

After only my first ride I realized that your on to something special over there in Ventura.

Everything seems effortless and flowing on my new board, from the takeoff all the way to the kickout. It definitely helps me throughout every single one of my turns, I can kind of feel it finishing off my roundhouse for me, which is pretty sick seeing as I’ve been working on it for months on my old board and now I can finally get it all the way around in one smooth motion.

On some of the bigger sets, I could actually feel this flex thing you were talking about, almost as if the board was slinging me through the turns,

especially when I really put some power into it (powerful for the 125 pound ME that is). It’s fast but not too fast where I’m out in the flats, and it paddles and rides like a dream. Plus its really light, which is awesome because I’m too light to be handling a PU the way I can handle this one. I couldn’t have asked for more.
This was my first experience ordering a custom board, and I was very very surprised. I went in expecting to ask for a board model and dimensions and any other specifications and that’s it. As evidenced by over 20 emails between myself and you, this was a very interpersonal project, with input and suggestions from both sides.

Honestly, this “talk to the shaper” thing is no baloney.

You said that I’d be stoked on a

……..magic Groveler IV.p……. well, Todd, I am.

Thanks so much for your time and effort,

Robert Crane, 15, New Jersey
Custom Proxy epoxy 5′11″ x 18 3/8″ x 2 3/16″ Groveler IV.p [performance]
rounded squash tail
Future EA fins

P.S. I’ll write back when I get the board in some real surf, but that may not be for a while out here in Jersey.

The Rascal II is so manueverable, fast, and responsive, I don’t want to ever put it back in the board bag

review1surfboard — Wed, 14 May 2008 18:01:31 +0000

Holy Shakas Todd! The Rascal II is absolutely insane. I’ve surfed it
nonstop since picking it up from you, and I’m loving it.

This is not just a small wave board; it’s an all around awesome board for

everything from knee high dribblers to head high peelers.

No need to grab the shortboard for the average good days.

The Rascal II is so manueverable, fast, and

responsive, I don’t want to ever put it back

in the board bag. Everyone should get one.

Thanks for the magic board.

Ben DiChiacchio
Custom Surfboard: Proxy Epoxy construction: Rascal II, modern round nose fish
5′6″ x 19 3/8″ x 2 1/4″ moontail

The board is a nice balance for taking my surfing a level up yet keeping in mind my level of experience and size

review1surfboard — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:38:27 +0000

Todd / Charissa,

Sorry it took so long for me to write but it was awhile before we received some good swell for me to give the board a going over and since then

I have been having the most fun in my life surfing with it.

But before I get to the board I wanted to thank you for the most impressive service I’ve seen in awhile. You both were easily accessible, I never had to wait long for any sort of response to
questions and I felt the service was done with a smile. From Todd calling me in Spain and taking his time to discuss the board with me to Charissa keeping me updated on its progress, the service was high class all the way.

Now about the board….

First off it looks totally sick.

The kevlar looks awesome as does the greyish color from the glassing. Combined with the digital camo that you put on the bottom of the board it looks totally insane. I received tons of looks and comments about how incredible it looks and needless to say I love it.

As for the performance,

I don’t know what you do Todd but you must

cast a spell or sprinkle magic dust over it or something because this

hands down performs better then any other board I have tried.

I thought after reading your testimonials that maybe it was just a lot of hype but no - the board actually contains the properties of magic.
It almost feels like it is spring loaded just waiting to be fired. The best part about it has to be the way it handles turns as this is when it really shows its quality. The speed you get when coming off of the top of the lip is incredible.

You can feel the board ’spring’ off of the top and it feels a little like a sling shot.

I can’t stress enough how much better this aspect of the board is compared to other boards I’ve ridden. I seriously feel like I’m “flying” coming off the lip and down the face.

Since I have had the board I feel like I have taken my

surfing to a new level and I’m having way more fun in the water.

I also feel like you listened during our consultation interview to what I needed. The board is a nice balance for taking my surfing a level up yet keeping in mind my level of experience and size.

You shaped it spot on.

Anyway I couldn’t have asked for anything more and you can count me as your customer for life. I’ve attached a photo of the underside of the board and will send some more when I can get some shots of it in the water. Keep up the great work and service. If you guys ever head to Spain or Portugal let me know and maybe we can meet up and ride a few.

Muchas gracias por todo. Mis mejores deseos.

Craig Potsep, 34, Nigran, Spain
6′4″ x 18 7/8″x 2 3/8″ Groveler IV.p [performance] rounded squash tail

Proxy custom epoxy construction with Titanium Series Upgrades: Kevlar Compression Patch & Carbon Hinged Flex Tail

Visit the Custom Epoxy Surfboards page to read more about Proctor’s “Proxy” custom epoxy surfboards

Visit the Proctor Surfboards Worldwide Custom website to custom order surfboards, see movies of the boards in the water, and to see over 40 board models in 360 views

Proctor Board Shop

You can feel the concaves working right off the bat and thickness to the advantage of speed and flow

review1surfboard — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:16:36 +0000

To the Proctors,

thank you for a unreal lil’ rascal. Got the board mid morning and unpacked it and found pro packing was used,no damage.

Surf was 3-5ft point break weak windswell and board was making sections and carving in ways that I could not believe.

You can feel the concaves working right off the bat and thickness to the advantage of speed and flow.

I will be ordering another one very soon.

Cheers, Chris Stanger
Custom Proctor Lil’ Rascal: 5′9″ x 19 5/8″ x 2 /38″

Visit the Lil’ Rascal in the Proctor Board Shop

Best board ever totally awesome

review1surfboard — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:50:46 +0000

Sorry I lost touch…Been surfing your board..

Best board ever totally awesome.

I have some video and pictures..When I get them put together I’ll pick a few and send them….

Brian McCarthy, 42, Newport Beach, CA

Proxy Epoxy construction withTitanium Series Upgrade
Option 1.0: Kevlar Compression Patch
Option 2.0: Carbon-Hinged Flex Tail

SR71 rounded squash tail 6′4″ x 18 7/8″ x 2 3/8″

the Lil Rascal has had an incredible affect on my surfing ability and stoke

review1surfboard — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:18:07 +0000

Duuuuude!
I can’t believe how great this board (Lil Rascal 6′1″x20″) works!

I surfed 2 foot Oceanside yesterday and I felt almost like Jay Phillips: catching waves outside with the longboaders, passing them, doing floaters and cutbacks on tiny waves.

Normally I would have gone home because it was so gutless and small, but I decided to put your “project” to the test. You passed!
A week ago I surfed Lowers and found, to my surprise, that the board worked equally as well backside. In some ways I even like it better because of the way it accelerates and snaps off the top.
The next day I was at walled, shoulder high Churches making sections no one else could.

And my three friends said I was surfing better than ever. The envy was thick. I

‘m still making adjustments for more in-the-pocket surfing but I have zero complaints. On several occasions, complete strangers have asked about the board. Though I’d love to take credit and chalk it up to my surfing ability, the Lil Rascal has had an incredible affect on my surfing ability and stoke. Don’t be surprised if you start getting calls from south Orange County.

Thanks for the insane board!

Mark Quest, 35, San Juan, Capistrano, California
Proxy Custom Epoxy 6′1″ x 20″ x 2 9/16″ Lil’ Rascal - custom shaped by Todd Proctor, MR-TX twin fins with trailer by FCS

the board practically paddled itself into waves…

review1surfboard — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 21:46:20 +0000

Todd and Charissa Proctor,

I got the board that was shaped for me last Wednesday. It looks great, and it arrived on time and unharmed. Of course I couldn’t wait for a 2 foot mushy summer day to take it out, so the following Saturday when a shoulder high swell rolled in I gave it a first spin. To sum things up, the board rips.

It’s fast down the line, feels just right rail to rail, and catches everything!

I think anyone considering a fish for their quiver should seriously consider the lil’ rascal. The conditions were hollow early on and the

board practically paddled itself into waves.

Later in the day the winds turned onshore, and even when the waves got mushy the board performed at the same level. I was really impressed.

I also wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed working with both of you. The entire process was really smooth and easy and I would not hesitate to come to Proctor Surfboards again for another magical board. Shouldn’t be long until i’m looking for a new performance board!

Take care,
Joseph Zitarelli, 19, Pennsylvania
5′8″ x 19 3/4″ x 2 3/8″ Proxy custom epoxy Lil’ Rascal
Future Fins, Vector II FT1 w/ trailer

Visit the Lil’ Rascal on the Proctor Surfboards Worldwide Custom website and see the movies….

compared to my old board was like comparing a horse and cart to a Lambourghini Diablo!

review1surfboard — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 19:41:50 +0000

Todd and Charissa,

Just a quick note to say WWWWAAAAAAOOOOOOW!

Love the board!. It came in one piece only four days after you sent it. I went surfing the following day and the difference,

compared to my old board was like comparing a horse and cart to a Lambourghini Diablo!

I can’t believe how light it is, any movement or weight shift at all and it responds immediately, unlike the coffin I was surfin’ previously . This is definitely going to take my surfing to a whole new level. I just want to say thanks to both of you for your kind and very efficient service, I will not hesitate to buy another board from you in the future…

Anyway take care….

Thanks again,

Stay safe,

Niall Carlin, 38, Northern Ireland
6′6″ x 19 x 2 1/2″ Proxy custom epoxy Blackbird
Titanium Series Upgrades 1.0 & 2.0
Kevlar Compression Patch & Carbon-Hinged Flex Tail

The Blackbird

the new sticks were great

review1surfboard — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 19:21:16 +0000

the new sticks were great

•

hey charissa.

the trip was awesome and the new sticks were great.

we had some freak swells roll into the island area and found ourselves among some decent surf for most of the trip.

I miss the island so much already and am planning to
go back within a couple weeks.

if possible can you send some proctor stickers our way?
the bigger the better.

Dylan Rakai, 26, Edmonton, AL, Canada
5′11″ x 18 3/4″ x 2 5/16″ Greased Pig Swallow Tail
Dylan Rakai, 24, Edmonton, AL, Canada
6′1″ x 18 1/2″ x 2 1/4″ Groveler IV.p (performance) Rounded Squash Tail
Vancouver Island surf trip, summer ‘07

Since picking it up last weekend, I have ridden it at head high Trestles, head high Swami’s and 10-12 foot closed out Mission Beach

review1surfboard — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 02:02:22 +0000

Hey Todd,

I hope all is going well and you guys are getting tons of waves from this swell!!

I wanted to give you some feedback on the Blackbird, the best board I have EVER ridden. This board is everything you said it would be and more. Since picking it up last weekend, I have ridden it at head high Trestles, head high Swami’s and 10-12 foot closed out Mission Beach (for a contest - not by choice). First off, this board is so fast right from the take off, I find myself confidently freefalling into waves five feet behind the peak and zipping right into position. When coming off the top, it releases like no other, actually pushing your lips higher and projecting you through the turns down the line. The tail will bust out insanely at times, especially on the backside, totally breaking free and reengaging for some pretty solid comments from people watching. I found moving the back foot up off the fins helps it go through the high tide mushy spots with no loss of speed and keeps it really manueverable. This may be the board of all boards, if you can think it, you can do it! It truly goes where you want it to. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to take their surfing to the next level! I’ll give you some feedback on the Greased Pig soon, but fortunately the waves haven’t been small enough for it yet! HA!

We had the fourth contest at solid 10 - 12′ Mission Beach yesterday and I had a near drowning incident involving EMT, lifeguards etc. It wasn’t the board, but instead the little string on the leash broke leaving me in a rip tide with no board, a filled wetsuit and a 6 wave set on the head. Despite my near tragedy, the Blackbird made it out of the carnage fine and I still made it to the finals even with the one wave I had in the semis. I can’t believe the Blackbird sustained no damage - that foam must be kriptonite, because I took the one that broke my brand new leash right on the back. The whole contest crew was on their feet watching and just in awe that the board didn’t break (not a scratch!). It was one of those scenes where everyone went, ‘Ohhhhhhh!’.

I am thinking of backing it up with an SR71 and maybe an Ante Up / SR71. Here are some thoughts / questions:

1) Would you recommend making any adjustments from the Blackbird to SR71 (length, width, etc) based on the differences between the two boards?
2) Would you recommend decreasing the widepoint of 18.5 if I went up by an inch to 6.1 for the SR71 or can I leave it alone?
3) On the Ante Up, if I get into a Big Rock / Point Mugu situation w/ a lot of water moving and offshores, do I want a PU w/ heavier glass or a Proxy?

Thanks Todd and Charissa for all the support! Check the shots of Braeden practicing his pig dog on the Greased Pig!

God Bless,

Paul

The board arrived last night, safe and sound — it is totally AWESOME!!

review1surfboard — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:54:55 +0000

Hi Charissa!

The board arrived last night, safe and sound — it is totally AWESOME!! I’m stoked just looking at it in my apt.!! It’s without a doubt one of the best looking boards I’ve ever seen. Great job of packing, too.

Tell Todd thanks, he did a great job. It’s perfect. Can’t wait to get to take it out on its maiden voyage, probably this Spring!

A very Merry Christmas and blessed New Year to you and Todd!

Warm regards,
Steve

Thanks, the boards were ripping, yeah, we’re just psyching

review1surfboard — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 01:21:02 +0000

Hey Todd, it’s Jeff, how are you man?
Justin and I are somewhere in Long Beach…and I just had to call to say thanks again, cuz that was such an epic day. We just had to high-five the whole drive home, Justin’s givin’ big claps…epic, epic time.

Thanks, the boards were ripping, yeah, we’re just psyching….

talking about how gross the waves are at home and what glorious surf we had out there.

Alright man, Talk to you soon. Bye,

Jeff Baldwin, Oceanside, CA
6′4″ x 18 3/4″ x 2 1/4″ Groveler IV.p (performance), Proctor Custom Epoxy
the “PROXY”

It definitely has more drive off the bottom than other fish I have had, and can go vertical pretty easy

review1surfboard — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 01:10:33 +0000

I tested the board out today at Boneyards just north of Swamis this afternoon.
I really like how it rides.
It definitely has more drive off the bottom than other fish I have had, and can go vertical pretty easy.

Lots of speed coming through turns. I think it will be a great all-round everyday board for me.

The volume, size, concaves, paint job all turned out exactly how I wanted them.

Thanks for the great board!

Chris Oesch, 30, Encinitas, CA
6′4″ x 20 1/2″ x 2 3/4″ Module/Groveler IV.p Proctor Custom Epoxy “PROXY” Series

surfboard review: custom epoxy small waves versatile shortboards,
oceanside surf

TO CUSTOM ORDER A SURFBOARD & DETAIL YOUR BOARD WITH THE SHAPER, CLICK HERE

I had the best sessions I have had yet do in large part because of the magic board

review1surfboard — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 01:07:28 +0000

Todd,

I just returned from Rincon Puerto Rico. I scored great waves at Maria’s and Domes(solid 6-8). I used the board that you made for me this past Spring.

I had the best sessions I have had yet do in large part because of the magic board.

I had a major break through in my surfing and I can’t tell you how excited I am about that. I will be ordering another board from you this Spring. Thanks again.

Craig Kaufman, New York
6′10″ x 20″ x 2 5/8″ Squash Big Chief

surfboard review: custom big guy shortboards, east coast surf

First of all, thanks for making my magic board

review1surfboard — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 01:05:12 +0000

Hey Todd and Charissa,

First of all, thanks for making my magic board.

That board has taken my surfing to the next level.

I don’t know if you remember, but you shaped me a levee and sent it to Okinawa a few months ago. I wanted to loosen up the board with some new fins. I was looking at the FYU fiberglass, but before I ordered I wanted to make sure you had some in stock. I also wanted your opinion on those fins before I get them. Thanks

Richard Jay, Okinawa
Custom Epoxy Proctor Surfboard: 6′0″ x 19 3/8″ x 2 5/16″ Levee Squash Hip

surfboard review: custom small waves grovelers shortboards, japan surf

Christian Gankema, Mysto Reef, CA

review1surfboard — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 01:01:33 +0000

Christian Gankema, Mysto Reef, CA

6′4″ “Guided Missile” Tow In

I’m glad to see that the hard work of many who have been looking at alternatives for years are finally getting recognition

review1surfboard — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 00:59:06 +0000

Hi Todd,

To start with, I hope everything is going well for you up there in Ventura. With the sudden interest in epoxy technologies, I’m guessing you’re still really busy.

With all the surfboards you make, being that I have only ordered the one with you so far, you’re probably don’t remember me. I ordered my board at the beginning of the year, picked it up at the beginning of April, and am just now taking the time to write you an email. The board I ordered from you was a flexible-epoxy, 6’3” x 19” x 2.5” Groveler IV.P
I gave you a try because I had read and heard about your unique epoxy, and in light of the foam fiasco, decided to invest in someone trying to do something different. Because the board was made with something completely different from what I’ve ridden for the last 17 years, I was expecting it to take a while to get used to.

What I found is that right away I liked it.

It felt more lively and quick than my other boards, and not at all too stiff.

After a little while I was quickly able to utilize the unique rocker combination you have on this board. Because I’m a bigger guy, I have always ordered my boards wider and flatter for the average days to help with speed. However, now I realize that I was starting to go too flat, especially in the tail, because on your board I can step back and really pivot the board quickly, kinda like a skateboard. If I need speed, I just center my weight and take advantage of the flatter mid-section. The bump in the tail helps keep it loose, and by going less wide it feels quicker rail to rail.

So now I’ve had the board a few months and surfed it in all kinds of waves and conditions. What’s been great is that the board still feels very alive, and I feel like I’m surfing better. I have even had someone tell me (actually the shaper who I used to get boards from) “that board really works good for you.” On top of that, I still have not had to fix one single ding.

A lot of my friends have started riding the EPS/Epoxy combinations and generally like them. Although that structure seems to yield even lighter boards than your flexible epoxy, they seem to not hold up as well.

I’m glad to see that the hard work of many who have been looking at alternatives for years are finally getting recognition. I admire the people who have been trying something different (with the exception of a certiain “pop-out” company and its owner).

Again, thank you for taking the time to talk over the details of the board and then providing exactly what I was looking for. I hope your innovations and technologies allow you to keep making great boards while also allowing you to make a good living. Keep up the good work- Pr. 22:29

Best regards,
Aaron Ross, 32, Ladera Ranch, CA
Proctor Custom Epoxy “PROXY” Series: 6′3″ x 19 1/4″ x 2 /12″ Groveler IV.p, Future Double Foil Composites

surfboard review: custom epoxy groveler shortboards, california surf

BROWSE THE ONLINE BOARD SHOP FOR GROVELER IV.P SHORTBOARDS OR ORDER A CUSTOM

READ THE PROXY PROCTOR CUSTOM EPOXY BOARD CONSTRUCTION DETAILED DESCRIPTION HERE

This is the perfect all around surfboard for me

review1surfboard — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 21:09:14 +0000

Hi Charissa,

Merry Chrismas and Happy New Year to you and Todd.

My two 6 channels single fin are perfect.

I’ve surfed the 6′6. It’s a very fast board
going up and down very easily.
This is the perfect all around surfboard for me.
I will bring the 6′8 in march 07
during my next boat trip in Maldives outer atolls.
Vincent

Vincent Tourtoulou, 43, Anglet, France
6′6 x 20″ x 2 5/8 6 Channel Single Fin

surfboard review: custom 6 channel single-fin surfboards, france surf

CLICK HERE TO ORDER A CUSTOM
6 CHANNEL SINGLE FIN

I must say I am sold on your epoxies

review1surfboard — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 21:07:00 +0000

Todd,

Hola, first of all let me thank you for the 6′8” rounded pin flexible epoxy, Though I have only got to use it a few times for it’s intended use, I must say I am sold on your epoxies. Without getting into all the specifics

your boards are unlike any other epoxy I have tried.

I am now inquiring about getting an everyday shortboard, SR 71 and also am interested in getting a small wave fish. I look forward to working with you again.

Adios, Mike Bryand, 31, Portland, Maine
6′8″ x 19 1/8″ x 2 7/16″ Ante-Up/ SR71 Proctor Custom Epoxy “PROXY” Series

surfboard review: custom epoxy performances shortboard gun hybrid

VISIT THE PROCTOR CUSTOM EPOXY “PROXY” SURFBOARD TECHNOLOGY PAGE

Todd, here is my feedback on the 6’4” LeVee Flexible Epoxy

review1surfboard — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 21:03:40 +0000

Todd, here is my feedback on the 6’4” LeVee Flexible Epoxy. By the way, got the extra fin screws from you today. Thank you for excellent customer service.

Todd, took delivery of the 6’4” LeVee and let it cure just as you instructed. Here is my comments.

I found the LeVee to be generally very fast and highly maneuverable. The most satisfying thing I can say about the board is that it is very responsive in the tube or any portion of the wave when it became a steep vertical face. That alone made me very happy, as my ability to stay in the tube is somewhat mediocre at best. Also, getting bounced off the bottom on a bad shoulder makes one generally skittish about getting hammered by the lip. The board paddles acceptably well for such a small board. It catches waves well.

This flexible epoxy construction really seems to work.

I can actually feel the board loading under (flexing) on the bottom turn, and then when it releases the flex, feeling the “spring” spit me out of the turn.

That part is really unique to my experience. Kinda like skiing or snowboarding.

It seems durable under my rough handling. It definitely springs back with energy, which is something I have never dealt with before (will take some getting used to, but that is a good thing!).

This board shape and the construction rates a 10 – 10, 10 being best. Thanks for a great product. I look forward to using the flexible epoxy 7’2” West Peak/Big Chief on my overseas trip this year.

I can only imagine what a really good surfer must be able to do with this shape and this construction. This is a quality product.

God bless, 46, Bert Rivera, El Segundo, CA
6′4″ x 19 7/8″ x 2 5/8″ Levee Proctor Custom Epoxy “PROXY” Series
7′2″ x 19 1/2″ x 2 5/8″ Ante-up outline/West Peak Rocker

By the way, I surfed Newport River Jetties yesterday on peaky knee-waist on the 6.4 Proctor LeeVee and my good friend from Hurley was astonished at the speed I was getting on these little waves. I am attaching a couple to give you an idea of what fun I had on your boards.
I am a happy customer, Bert Rivera

surfboard review: custom epoxy small waves grovler shortboard

7′2″ x 19 1/2″ x 2 5/8″ Ante-up outline/West Peak Rocker

BROWSE ONLINE BOARD SHOP FOR ANTE UP SMALL GUNS