Todd & Charissa,

Just wanted to drop you guys a line and let you know how impressed I am with the Lil Rascal you made for me. After the swell on Thursday calmed down I took the board out to C-Street.

First off, you hit the nail on the head

when you described this board as fast.

The first few waves I caught ended with the board shooting out from under me since it was accelerating so fast. After a while thought I started to get the hang of it and eventually got a few rides where I felt in control.

I also love how responsive this board is,

it reacts to any little movement.

Going from a 9′2 longboard to the

6′6 Lil Rascal worried me a bit, but

Todd’s recommendation of this board was spot on.

Thanks again you guys, I’m hoping to be back in a few months for Todd’s input and to get started on another board.

Take Care,

Pete Meadows, 32, Oxnard, Ca
Custom Proxy Epoxy Lil’ Rascal
6′6″ x 21 3/4″ x 2 3/4″ swallow tail

http://www.proctorsurf.com/Surf-Boards/Rascal-Series ]]> http://custom-epoxy-surfboards.com/2009/10/21/going-from-a-9%e2%80%b22-longboard-to-the-6%e2%80%b26-lil-rascal-worried-me-a-bit/feed/ 0 http://custom-epoxy-surfboards.com/2009/09/15/plainly-put-proxys-builds-speed-hold-it-and-slingshot-you-into-your-next-maneuver/ http://custom-epoxy-surfboards.com/2009/09/15/plainly-put-proxys-builds-speed-hold-it-and-slingshot-you-into-your-next-maneuver/#comments Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:09:33 +0000 admin http://custom-epoxy-surfboards.com/?p=79 Hey Charissa and Todd,

I am very excited to order 2 new Blackbird IIs in Proxy epoxy and

wanted to give Todd props on not only the best

and most versatile boards I have ever ridden,

but the durability and consistent liveliness of the Proxy material.

I would recommend getting the Proxy epoxy upgrade to anyone who wants an incredibly flexible, fast, and durable board!  Unlike competitors’ epoxies that have a less lively feel than their poly counterparts, the spring and tensile flex of the Proxy epoxy is actually more noticeable and faster than the traditional polyurethene blank by a long shot.

Plainly put, Proxys builds speed,

hold it and slingshot you into your next maneuver.

This was evident on the very first ride at D Street in Encinitas, a fast and punchy (usually walled) beachbreak.  I clearly remember taking off and flying past a section that I normally wouldn’t have made, then wafting the tail free on several hits all the way to the beach. The speed the Proxy material and board design generates has changed my outlook on what is makable and not.

This board has been through 2 successful competitive seasons 07/08 and 08/09 and is still going strong and riding like the day I got it two years later.

I can’t remember the last time I’ve had boards that long!

In the summer of 2008, it went with me to Kandui in the Mentawaii Island chains.  I broke 2 leashes while riding this board and the board washed across DRY REEF on both losses, the second time across the reef at HEAVY Rifles.  The boat guys tried several times in vain to get it, but it was too dangerous with the surge. I put on tennis shoes (that’s how much I love this board) and walked out in treacherous conditions to retrieve it expecting to find the board smashed to smithereens.  Part of the leash was caught around a coral head really adding to the tension! The collateral damage was a couple of spider cracks along the rail and they came out after a very light sanding.

Still looked like new! Everyone, boat guys

and other surfers, couldn’t believe the board wasn’t destroyed.

I have 2 Greased Pigs, 2 Accelerators, 2 SR71s, a 4-Leaf Clover w/ tri fin setup too, Blackbird II, Falcon, and an Ante Up.  All are Proxy epoxy and I ride and absolutely love every one of them.  I welcome ANY questions and feedback on how they all ride to my email below. If you’re on the fence about trying one of Proctor’s Proxy epoxy boards, don’t be. You’ll never look back!  See you in the water.

God Bless and Aloha,

Paul Pence, Cardiff by the Sea, California
ppence@hotmail.com

I ordered a custom 6’2 G4-E from you about half a year go or so and I half to say

I am greatly impressed…

I have put the board through hell

being that I am new to surfing and this was my fist board that wasn’t borrowed..

My surfing has progressed really fast

and I have been thinking about getting another board from you for waves chest high and below… I moved to okinawa and I am surfing reef breaks.

I would like a board that can catch pretty much anything, is loose, and fast. I learn quick so don’t worry too much about my experience.

I remember when I first got my board from you and everyone says dude that board is going to be way to hard for you to learn on and how it would be to fast for me.. The first wave I went for was about waist high and choppy and I caught it..

I fell in love with that board instantly..

Although the board has been through 2-3 foot VA mush to overhead hurricane bill swell in OBX to waist-head high hollow Okinawa reef breaks, I would like to have something a little more loose and fast on the smaller waves.. I also want to try out your polyproxy construction this time as well. What do you think about a quad?

I won’t be ready to order for a couple months but I am serious about getting this board.

I also have a friend who loves how strong

my board is and how few pressure dings it has in it

and is getting a board from you when I get mine.. All I have is good things to tell people about your board and service..

Thanks a lot for jump starting my surfing

and I look forward to getting new boards from you in the future and spreading your name. Just let me know what you have in mind for me.

Take care,
Vaughn, 19, Chesapeake, Virginia

Custom Proxy Epoxy Titanium Series

Upgrade Option 1.0: Kevlar Compression Patch &
Option 2.0: Carbon-Hinged Flex Tail
G-4.E: 6′2″ x 18 1/2″ x 2 1/4″ squash tail

I see that you are designing on a NMC machine. Very interesting, what a great idea.

Me, 6ft, 165lbs, fit, 50 years old.  Started on a 9-6 Robert August, now on a 8ft- 3.5 inch thick pointing nose Infinity.  Learned at LA point breaks, Sunset, Malibu, Latigo.  Now surfing beach break at Venice and El Porto.

Looking to go shorter, more responsive,

but lets be real, I am 50, and probably a level 2 surfer.

I  would probably want it in EPS.

I am in Venice, very easy for me to drive up to Ventura.

Thanks for your time, and thanks for pushing the board technology forward,

David

Hi David,

Thanks for your e-mail; nice to meet you.

The perfect next level board for you would be

the Lil’ Rascal.

This board has the paddleability of a longer/ thicker board and carries the speed of a retro/ fish style shape down the line, but maintains the responsiveness, maneuverability and holding capacities of a modern high performance shortboard…..

it combines the best of both worlds into one versatile board.

Ideal dimensions to drop down to would be in the 7′2″ – 7′6″ x 22 1/2″ x 3 1/4″.

This board is ideal for the LA points as well as the beachbreaks of Venice and El Porto where you’re surfing.

I recommend the Proxy construction.

The Prroxy is my name for our uniquely handcrafted composite construction.  This is the highest grade board I make for both performance and strength.

The Proxy has the positive flex characteristic of an

ultralight polyester board,

but with three to five times the strength of a standard

polyester board…..and it is made custom (here in our

Ventura factory from start to finish) to the exact

dimensions that are going to be best for you.

The Proxy is slightly more buoyant which makes for good paddling and lively under your feet as well.
Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have.  I know you would be stoked on a magic Proctor Lil’ Rascal.
Looking forward to your reply,
Aloha,
Todd

Hi Todd,

Thank you for your long and thoughtful reply.  A few more questions for you.

Do you vent your Proxy boards to prevent delamination?

What would the cost be of the board you recommend, I am thinking a sand finish.  How long would it take to make?
Best wishes,
David

Hi Dave,

The core material I use doesn’t require venting…

as is the case with other companies that use a recycled form of eps….thermoformed/ molded technologies i.e. surftech as well as firewire and others use  a 1lb. or 1.5 lb typically. The recycled eps is a generic foam used in many different applications traditionally outside the surfboard industry, it is much cheaper, has very low compression strength as well as a high tendency to “vent” at high temperatures or at high altitudes due to the high porosity of the foam….ultimately this will cause foam shear or delamination.

Many companies that outsource their boards, those that mass produce outside the US, those who are trying to save on construction costs, or those that don’t understand the dynamics of different foams use this kind of eps foam in their boards. Then, they have to overcome the associated problems by venting their boards, poking tiny holes all over the skin of the glass job (as is the case with using a closed cell polystyrene) or some other weird thing to try to offset complications caused by using a poor core material.

Other problems associated with a poor core material is that you will be told to get immediately out of the water if you get a ding while surfing….this is  to prevent water absorption into the board core……which can only be removed by applying a vacuum system to it….a nightmare which you should not have to worry about….(and you don’t by the way with the Proxy system).

I use a non recycled or ‘virgin bead’ epoxy foam

that is made for surfboards

and specifically for use with our unique Proxy (custom flexible epoxy custom composite construction). The use of the virgin bead epoxy core foam and its part in the entire Proxy system of construction

eliminates the need for a valve or vent.

It is always advised not to keep your board consistently in extremely high temperatures for extended periods of time….and that goes for any kind of construction since it can weaken the resin-to-core-to-skin bond of the board.

A custom Proxy Rascal in your dims is $775.00 and includes fin system. fins, a two color spray and sand finish to 320 satin.  It takes approximately 3-4 weeks. Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have. I know you would be stoked on a magic Proxy Rascal. Looking forward to your reply,
Aloha,

Todd

P.S. – It might be a good idea to set up a phone or walk-in appointment if you have further questions regarding the uniqueness of the Proxy system…..it is quite different than anything else out there, but also took about ten years for me to dial in this process, so breaking it down and explaining all of its nuances is much easier for me over the phone or in person…..otherwise I end up writing novels and not getting to all the boards I’ve got on my plate.

Hi Todd,

Thank you for your detailed response.

I love a good tech response.

I’ll give a ring to the shop tomorrow and we can go over all the specs and such.
Best wishes,
David

not knowing that the epoxy market has really exploded

since I last bought a board.

I must admit the choices are overwhelming.

Permit me to ask you to compare your boards with firewires,

resin8’s and xtrs, if you are familiar with them.

They are the choices that I have narrowed down, and yours of course being front runner at this stage.

Regarding the other epoxy constructions out there;

it is difficult to encapsulate in an e-mail since I don’t want you to have to read a novel,

but I will try as best I can to give you a brief rundown

on each and how they compare to what I am doing here.

To start off, I started building boards out of alternate materials over ten years ago and have built boards out of each of the methods mentioned by you i.e. Firewire – sandwich construction using high density parabolic rail structure, eps foam and epoxy resin; Surftech – compression molded construction; Resin8 – eps (expanded polystyrene with epoxy resin and glass skin); XTR – xps foam core (extruded polystyrene foam core) glassed with epoxy resin and glass….

Like I said, I’ve built many boards out of these same methods/ materials, and actually before these companies were building them. I found limitations with each, but these early years of building various prototypes out of many other methods as well as these mentioned here gave me the road to the Proxy technology which is what I currently feel has got them all beat….not to sound like I’m tooting my own horn, just trying to be honest after many years of trying just about everything that is out there.

Here is a short list of the pros and cons of each of the competitors construction methods first,

then I will follow up with how the Proxy technology has got them beat:

Firewire -

pros: good flex, springy, good performance in small waves and up to head high, uses environmentally friendly materials as well as some recyclable components.

Cons: can sometimes overflex giving you a board that recoils when you want to be loading it up for a turn, rides very similar to an ultrlight polyester board, but also has problems with breaking/ snapping like polyester boards – especially right above the fins and right in between the fins…you can find forums where people are bummed at how easily their
Firewires broke….not cool when you can buy a polyester board for much less, have it ride the same or better and last just as long. I feel that when you pay more it should have performance as well as increased durability. Another thing for you to consider since you’ll be getting plenty of sick waves on your voyage, is the overflex issue which really comes into play on the Firewires in bigger waves. I’m pretty sure that even Taj Burrow has been riding polyesters in Hawaii and at the big wave locations.

So, in short, you get a pretty good performance board similar to that of a polyester board, but you are getting something that for what you pay should be much stronger than a poly….and it simply is not.

Surftech -

pros: very strong, nice and light under the arm

Cons: These boards are made with a super lightweight core (1.0 lb. eps) with pvc sheet foam pressure molded around it. Pvc sheet foam is very hard and durable, but very very rigid….so you get a lightweight, overly buoyant surfboard that is very strong, but rides on top of the water (common problem you hear is that you can’t set the rail without it wanting to pop back out, want to ride flat, or slide out on you at critical times.) The pvc sheet foam also hurts the ride since all the life giving flex characteristic is taken out of the board making it feel stiff;  basically just lacks the life a surfboard needs to afford anyone past the very novice learning stage of surfing.

Resin8 -

Pros: cheap

Cons: Handmade in China so the consistency from shape to shape is very dodgy unless you are a pro then you might get special attention.

These are a basic eps/ epoxy construction, but I would be very leary of getting one of these boards due to the manner in which they are produced…I have always felt that consistency and direct oversight by the shaper who is making your board for quality control purposes on all steps of the process is key to getting a truly magic board.

XTR:

Pros: lightweight

Cons: No matter what they try to tell you, the foam XTR uses (extruded polystyrene) is prone to delam and foam shear under normal use or from heat. They punch thousands of little holes through the glass of the board and say that it eliminates the problem, but it does not. The foam they use is also very rigid, not as bad as a Surftech board, but not the
ideal flex you want out of your board. These boards are fairly strong, but not enough stronger than a poly board to warrant the additional cost.

Proxy:

This construction is from over ten years of building boards out of every kind of foam, composite glass, and resin I could research….the result after 10 years was this specific combination of superfused specific grade eps made just for surfboard use (so it has excellent compression strength and does not suck in water if dinged – which 99% of the rest of the eps being used on surfboards does just that; dents and sucks in water like a sieve). The resin is a specially formulated epoxy that has added elongation/ elasticity or flex characteristic so the board has a very responsive, positive flex pattern and recoil out of turns. The glass used is S-glass (highest grade of fiberglass on the market)in combination
with carbon and Kevlar strategically placed….this yields a board as strong as a Surftech, but with the performance characteristics of an ultralight polyester board.
These boards last five times longer and are about five times stronger than a polyester board counterpart, and have the lively feel under feet that truly makes a board magic by both design and the use of the materials composing it.

I’ve attached a link to some other articles detailing the Proxy technology in more detail for you to check out:

http://proctorsurfboards.net/surf-board-science-proctor-epoxy/

http://proctorsurfboards.net/proxy-custom-flexible-epoxy/

Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have. I know you would be stoked on a couple Proxies for your journey.
Looking forward to your reply,
Aloha,

Todd Proctor

Accelerator:

6′0″ X 18 3/4″ x 2 1/4″

Our Price: $735.00
Recommended Cure Time: ideal cure time is 1 week
Construction: proxy custom flexible epoxy
Glassing: S-glass
Fins: comes with Future Fins
Rider Weight: 145 – 175 lb. / 65 – 80 kg

Availability: Usually Ships in 3 to 5 Business Days

Accelerator
This board is specifically designed to make small wave performance surfing easy. You get fast-driving speed bursts off the front foot and hair-trigger, tail whipping warp-arcs off the back foot. A wider nose outline and low entry rocker get this board into waves quicker and blot it down the line faster. A bendy tail rocker sweeps off the back fin making it quick and responsive in tight rail-arcing hook-turns. An even single concave runs through the midsection of the board making for a “wide open sweet spot” i.e. the board wants to go even if you don’t have your feet right in the perfect spot every time.

Right at the fins the rocker ‘drops out’ and the single concave goes deep….this creates what feels like an engine under your back foot. The deep concave forms an air pocket as well as a straighter path to compress the water through the extreme rocker of the tail….this air pocket acts like a gas pedal or “accelerator”…push back on the tail and it rockets through turns like a piece of ice on wax paper.

Here’s the dimension I suggest based off your normal “good waves” shortboard: ride this board one inch shorter, 1/4″ wider in the middle, 1/2″ wider in the nose, and 1/8” wider in the tail. Go with the same thickness just with a fuller, boxy rail. This creates a flatter deck which gives the board a springier flex pattern….key for that extra little thwang in small waves.

Oh yea…as a bonus, it also goes looneybinsmental in everything up to slightly overhead.

Skill level: intermediate to advanced
Type of waves: primarily designed for knee high to shoulder and weak, but it goes great in everything up to slightly overhead.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THIS SURFBOARD IN THE ONLINE BOARD SHOP & HAVE IT SHIPPED TO YOUR FRONT DOOR. OR, ORDER IT CUSTOM TO YOUR OWN SPECIFICATIONS.

Product Specs:
Dimensions: 6′0″ X 18 3/4″ x 2 1/4″
Tail Shape: squash tail
Construction: proxy custom flexible epoxy
Fins: comes with Future Fins

Watch the Accelerator in action

Surfer Feedback

Hey Todd and Charissa,

I hope all is well!

I wanted to suggest a nickname for the Accelerator – “The Preserver”, because that’s what this board is doing to all of my other boards on the rack.  It’s like the MVP player that is getting played the whole game, while the rest sit there sadly waiting their turn. If it’s less than ideal conditions, the Accelerator is coming out!  It flies in anything from knee high to slightly overhead and turns on a dime!  I haven’t ridden any other board in the entire rack since I picked it up from you over a month ago.  Every time I stand in front of my quiver, the Accelerator calls to me, almost glowing from the pack, reminding me of how many waves I catch, the speed it generates, the turns, and how no wave seems to be a close out on this board.  Though I know winter swells will bring out the Blackbird and SR71s, for now, the fall doldrums are perfectly fine since I found the Accelerator!

I had a contest 2 weekends ago and didn’t even bring any other boards other than the Accelerator and I usually bring minimum of 3-4.  I made the finals again, by the way!

Thanks so much for the support!  Take care and God Bless!

Paul Pence, Cardiff, CA

Todd, that new Accelerator you shaped me is sick!
You are a true craftsman… it shows in your boards as well as your artwork

I can’t thank you enough.
I look at this board as a true step to take me to the next level and thats what I’ve been searching for.

As you know I’ve ridden all the top shapers boards out there and the difference with you is being able to be in direct contact with you, as well as your commitment to producing the board I was looking for.

Thanks for walking it like you talk it, you and Charissa are really cool people.

My only regret is not contacting your company a few years ago.

When I get my SR71 I want to leave this board with you , so you can ride to see the tweaks we made to it. Just keep in mind you will probably have to pry it out of my hands.

Thanks again and God bless you and your family.

Rob Kenworthy
Accelerator: 6′0″ x 18 7/8″ x 2 1/4″ round/thumb tail

THE PROXY

---

Proctor Custom Flexible Epoxy version 2.0

- Stronger than before, lighter than before, with an even more responsive/ longer lasting flex memory –

Made from materials designed for the highest performance surfing possible – utilizes specific flex patterns to increase the board’s torque through turns.
Stronger than the molded boards (i.e. Boardworks, Surftech, etc…)
Lighter than traditional p/u boards (polyurethane)
Custom designed…no pop-outs.
Now with unlimited custom graphics options.

The Proxy….definition. – Custom epoxy surfboard that matches the flex and performance advantages of a polyester board with strength that surpasses the molded pop-out boards.

This is our latest development in the flexible epoxy series.
We begin with an ultra-lightweight epoxy “fusion Core” for the shaped blank – a uniquely formulated eps that has been fused under higher pressures to achieve greater compression strength and less ‘worm holes’ (i.e open pores typical with standard eps foams. These open pores, or worm holes add unnecessary weight due to water or resin absorption into the blank.) The “Fusion Core” does not suck in water, or bubble or delaminate over time like other custom epoxy core materials are prone to do.

I custom shape and design each board on the DSD surfboard cad design program. This allows me to use my most proven shapes to further customize the perfect board for each surfer. Through personal discussion and interaction, I am able to determine each surfers’ height, weight, experience, the type of waves they surf, and the direction they want to take their surfing. I have always believed that plain old communication is an integral part of the design process.

The glassing is done with premium grade S-glass (the best fiberglass for yielding the highest strength-to-weight surfboards). Strategically placed flex points, or hinges are added at this stage as well. We are offering two performance enhancing upgrades to the new PROXY line….I’m calling this the Titanium Series. Upgrades include: (1) reinforced carbon-hinge flex tail and/ or (2) Kevlar deck compression patch.
The epoxy resin used in the process is also uniquely formulated to have more elongation, or flex than is typically characteristic of most epoxies. This is very important to how a board rides. The best surfboards flex and recoil back out of turns…..they flex lengthwise as well as side-to-side along the board….this is the “spring”, the “life” that you feel in a magic board. No matter how great the shape of a board may be, you kill it if you build it so it rides stiff and rigid.

Each board is made from start to finish here in our Ventura factory. This allows me and the Proctor Surfboards crew to ensure that the highest level of attention and quality is put into every board.

---

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

TO READ MORE SURFER FEEDBACK FROM SURFERS AROUND THE WORLD, CLICK HERE.

]]>

Charissa board arrived o.k. no damage…

absolutely stoked with it.

First custom board ever that came out the way I wanted it to.

U guys should be marketing ur boards over here… Thanks heaps!

Customer service is second to none

will let u know how it go’s.Taking it to the mentawis next week.

Regards, Nigel        Australia
Proxy Epoxy construction with Titanium Series Upgrade
Option 1.0: Kevlar Compression Patch &
Option 2.0: Carbon-Hinged Flex Tail

Greased Pig: 6′2 x19 1/2 x 21/2 swallow tail

…

Surfed the board at Beacon (13th Beach) ….went great!

raised a few eyebrows with the technology involved in the production of it.
Thanks again.
Nigel

Hey Todd the greased pig I got – the titatanium series,
surfed it in solid six foot waves at 13th beach today.
seems the bigger the waves with more push the better it goes.
I’m stoked.

It has raised some eyebrows, surf has pumped for 6 weeks here.

Nigel

Charissa,

I just want say thank you so much for making my magic board. I have to say my surfing has bumped up a lot, the board is exactly how I wanted it as far as shape, size, and to improve my surfing.

I knew from my 1st conversation over the phone with Todd that he had a passion to help surfers with their surfing

because he took a lot of time to list and explain the science of surfboard making.

This is the best investment I have made on surf boards. I look forward to ordering more magic boards from Proctor Surfboards.

Jason Ponteres
Mission Viejo, CA
Proxy Epoxy construction with Titanium Series Upgrade
Option 2.0: Carbon-Hinged Flex Tail
Groveler IV.p [performance]
6′1″ x 18 5/8″ x 2 1/4″ rounded squash tail