Ask the Shaper: Todd answers surfer’s questions

Ask the Shaper: Todd’s Answers to Surfer’s Questions

click on video segments below to hear Todd’s responses to the most current questions submitted by surfers from around the world

If you have a question about surfboard design or performance, you can submit your questions to Todd and the response to one question per month will be posted here. It’s your board…talk to the shaper.

Email your detailed question & a photo of yourself; along with your name, age, height, weight, skill level, and type of waves and area you surf to: asktodd@proctorsurf.com

1. Surfer Profile

Question from Billy M. San Diego, CA

2. What’s Up with Board Thickness?

Why do pro’s use super thin boards, or is that just a rumor?

3. Style of surfing & weight factor

Comparison of various pro surfer’s style, weight, and board thickness.

4. Why Do Pros use Super Thin Boards?

Is it just because it makes them lighter (and thus easier to control and get squirly on)?

5. Board Design & Performance

I want a board that is fast, but can turn well. What is the give and take regarding thickness, width, length, and type of tail on the board.

6. More on Board Width & Length

Rocker is normally associated with turning, and length with paddling speed, right?

7. Tail Shapes: Squash Tails

How does tail shape affect the overall board performance? Rounded & regular squash tail description.

8. Tail Shapes: Round Pin, Pintail, Thumbtail

This tail shape complements more powerful, carving style in more hollow waves.

9. Tail Shapes: Swallow Tails

Swallow tails are loose & skatey…great for small waves.

10. Tail Shapes: Diamond Tails

Diamond Tails combine the benefit of squash tail pivot, along with tighter arcing curve capabilities due to the shorter rail line.