In this episode of American Surfboard Factory, @proctor_surfboards explains the dynamics of a hi-fi two-board quiver for the traveling journeyman, as well as addressing the quad vs. tri-fin question, poly vs. epoxy, some fresh new thoughts on green approaches to board construction, the benefits of building boards to a quantifiable actual demand, and why personalized equipment is good for the environment.
Todd & Peter tackle the age old question, “Is it the surfer or the board?” …amongst other topics…including homerun hitters, thick is the new thin, how to swing an ax, a power surfer’s fin design, race car tires, and how to blend three different boards into one shape…watch the full 11 minute in-depth breakdown.
Todd explains the use of hydrofoil concepts in an everyday board. Also exploring the elastic properties in its rubber-like construction. A cross-section of 4 surfers varying in age, builds & styles demonstrate. From Nick Rozsa representing surfers in their 20’s to Peter Mendia the 30-somethings, Ricky Schaffer the 40’s & Allen Sarlo the 50-somethings & up.
This squatty firebrand has all the speed of a retro-style shape, but with the holding power of a modern board. Using a bulby outline with a flatter rocker, full boxy rails, and new generation hull contours; it loves to rocket on 2 foot gutless days when most people are running for their longboards. This design has better traction than your typical retro-style speeders. Should be ridden 5” inches shorter and 1” wider than your standard shortboard. This is the fastest, funnest board I make for those of you who find yourselves surfing in small, weak, mushy, slopey, sectiony pointbreak waves … the Lil’ Rascal will have you flying past the longboarders at your favorite spot.
shot by: Josh Shedden | The Mendia – A board designed for timeless power surfing; gouging rail arcs; big sprays; made for deep barrels and goliath turns
Underground ripper loc, Forrest, blastacious on a bending beachbreak horseshoe peak. 6’0″ x 19″ x 2 3/8″ 28L G4-71 HD. Forrest is 6’1″/180lb. photo: Stanley
In this episode of the American Surfboard Factory, take a look into the world of hydrodynamics; the concepts behind what makes a versatile everyday performance board tick . . . and see what it means for you. Proctor dissects his arsenal of one board quivers known as the Monsta series. Nick Rozsa articulates in a demonstration that inspires.
A Ventura shaper talks about a new twist on a traditional design. Set down squat down or lie down, cuz here’s 16 minutes or so about a surprising adventure that changed Todd’s perspective on combining modern high performance design features with classic fish concepts.
Todd tags this video throughout with subtitles identifying the various board models being ridden; allowing you to see the differing nuance of performance in specific waves & conditions. Rozsa demonstrates. film/edit: Papaleo
Tommy O’Brien footloose and fins-free, east coast hurricane swell, and the G4+ Celestial Transporter. 6’0″ x 18 3/4″ x 2 3/8″ 27.8L | Tommy is 5’9″/175lb | photo: Nate Adams
Handmade, Custom, High-Grade Composite Surfboards >> Built For Optimum Dynamic Performance in Ventura, CA
Tamayo Perry dismantles a Pipe bomb on his 7’6″ x 18 3/4″ x 2 5/8″ ‘Man-o-War’ Pipecleaner. #hawaiianlegend photo: Matt Paul Catalano
Mendia Surfer Cover
Greased Pig v.3 | an everyday performance shorty that grovels like a dream, yet still runs smooth as silk when the waves get pushy … loves on rail or tail out …. let your fins waft to your heart’s content. Nick Rozsa demonstrates on his 5’9″ x 19″ x 2 3/8″ 27.2L Ridiculite Proxy epoxy GPv3. Nick is 5’10″/175lb photo: Papaleo
As seen in Surfer Magazine 8 year old Kepa Mendia gets a drainerrrrrrrr on his 4’4″ x 15 3/4″ x 1 3/4″ 12.9L SuperGrom surfboard. Kepa is 4’4″/75lb photo: Ali Mendia
ESM surfboard design issue with Travis Beckmann surfing wintertime Montauk, NY while there’s snow on the ground!! “I really like how it holds the rail through the bottom turn but wants to explode out the top and off the lip when you make contact…” -Beckmann 5’11 x 19 x 2 3/8 27.4L Ghost
Shaper’s personal favorite >> G4+ << the most versatile performance shortboard in the line. Todd, above, snags some tube time at home. photo: Papaleo
Gouge-aholics don’t need to be cured. You like gouge? Well, then go git yo’self one Mendia shortboard. | 6’2 x 18 3/4 x 2 3/8 Mendia thumbtail | photo: Hawkins
American Institution, Peter Mendia, slots into a dredger at Insanities on Oahu’s North Shore.
Wha-bango – that’s the sound it makes when ya blap da Monsta on yer backhand | Nick Rozsa as seen in Surfing Mag | 5’8″ x 19 1/4″ x 2 3/8″ 27.5L Monsta v.2 | photos: Seth De Reulet
Polymer engineered perimeter stringers
Nick Rozsa, timeless bottom turn. North Shore, Oahu. Super-Typhoon step-up 6’2″ x 18 3/8 x 2 3/8″ roundpin. as seen in Surfer Magazine // photo: Kenworthy
Custom made, one board at a time, for surfers worldwide. It’s your board … talk to the shaper. photo: Tim McCaig
we’ve started a blog…AmericanSurfboardFactory.com …it’s incredulous & wily with a dash of precocious
What we get stoked on here at Proctor Surfboards is building relationships…making the board that’s right for you.
No pop-outs. No outsourcing. No marketing team.
What you see is who we are.
Every surfboard has a story. Every surfer has a story.
Shaping custom surfboards for 25 years… Todd’s story.
Daily interaction, innovation, and inspiration.
No compromise on quality.
Not making a scene, making a difference.
Remember – the best surfers in the world are the ones having the most fun! It’s your board . . . talk to the shaper.
What is unique about the boards you shape?
I believe that true success is marked by how well you identify with the individual surfer. By going on a journey of discovery I guess you could say with each and every person I make boards for. Finding out what is going to be the best possible board for them. To take each person as a separate entity, one at a time, case by case; By asking the right questions, and really listening to them…the reality is that it is possible to take all the current design elements out there, and narrow them down to produce that perfect, magic board for each person wanting to take their experience to the next level. For this, I do not lock myself into one type or style of board for one particular cross-section of surfer(s), but draw from all that has come before design-wise and keep an open mind ready to receive downloads from the creator of all things as to what is around the next bend….and at the end of each day, my goal and what is unique about the boards I shape, is that my ultimate desire is to be a blessing to people by giving them something one-of-a-kind for their own journey. For me, board models are just the beginning, the starting place, the jumping off points that commence a beautiful journey.
the journey is the destination…
…equipping you for the journey
What’s your shaping philosophy?
Watch, feel, listen, create. Watch what the waves are doing so you can match the appropriate curves of a board’s design to the curve of each specific wave. Feel what the boards are doing under your feet; this is as valuable as second-hand feedback. Listen to each person that is ordering a board from me as if they are as important as the best surfer in the world. Create what is going to be the best board for that surfer by matching up the design of the board to the specific waves they are surfing and their abilities. A magic board will take you beyond what you are expecting to do on a wave….a magic board will feel like it is actually thinking a split hair second ahead of you; already on it’s way to the places you wanna be.
Who is your biggest shaping influence?
My dad. He was actually a police officer, but he taught me the importance of honor and courage in this world, and the value of being able to stand alone for what you believe in, and to always do your best and that the true and right path requires endurance.
