Proctor Surfboards Shaper: Todd Proctor

Year started shaping: 1992

Boards shaped: 15,000 (approx.)

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, it will feel like it is actually thinking a split hair second ahead of you; already on it’s way to the places you want to be.

What led you to become a shaper? My love for surfing. And wanting to know all about how to make boards faster and more explosive.

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.

What do others consider your expertise? Detailing the best custom board design to match the individual surfer and the waves they surf, as well as utilizing the widest variety of individually tuned construction options for boards to have a customized flex characteristic for high performance as well as unsurpassed strength.

What is unique about the boards you shape? I speak with the Creator of the universe while I design and shape each board. I ask for creative wisdom that is beyond my own understanding; I ask for humility and insight, so that each surfer getting a board from our factory will be blessed in a way that can’t fully be explained by science or hydrodynamics.

What advice would you give to customers to help them get the best board possible? Get your board from an experienced shaper who is willing to take the time to listen, and really cares about getting you on the best board for you and the waves you’re surfing.