Thursday, October 11, 2007, 04:09 PM CST [General]
Big Scores and Big Surf for Day 2 of O’Neill Cold Water Classic pres. by JeepSANTA CRUZ, California (Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007) –
The surf increased overnight with solid four-to-six foot (2 metre)
waves pulsing through Steamer Lane for Day 2 of the O’Neill Cold Water
Classic presented by Jeep, and competitors rose to the improved
conditions, exhibiting some of the most dynamic surfing of the season.
The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series
(WQS) 4-Star event holds a lot on the line with the $75,000 prize purse
as well as valuable qualifying points, but the O’Neill Cold Water
Classic presented by Jeep also carries the added prestige of being the
final event on the 2007 Macy’s California Trifecta Surf Series
presented by Jeep (an ASP North America Specialty Series).
The Macy’s Trifecta culminates at Steamer Lane, offering an additional
$15,000 prize purse to the top 3 finishers, as well as an all-new Jeep
Patriot, valued at $26,000, to the eventual champion.
Jay Phillips (Gold Coast, AUS), in his first-ever competition at the
O’Neill Cold Water Classic presented by Jeep, posted impressive wins in
both his Round 1 and Round 2 heats today, dominating the punchy
righthanders on his forehand and netting the event high single-wave
score of an 8.83 out of a possible 10.
“I’m so happy to be here as it’s my first time ever surfing Steamer
Lane,” Phillips said. “I’ve brought the family and we’re really just
enjoying the beauty up here. I’m extremely comfortable out there having
surfed pointbreaks my entire life. I think today, the conditions are
washing through a little bit, but there are still some great waves to
be had.”
Once touted as one of Australia’s greatest exports, Phillips has taken
a brief sabbatical from professional competition, but the recent
exploits of his fellow countrymen have reignited the competitive flame.
“Back home, Mick (Fanning) and Dean (Morrison) and Joel (Parkinson)
have been telling me that they want to see a Jay Phillips comeback,”
Phillips said. “Seeing those guys doing so well at that level has
really motivated me to give it a go again. At the moment, I’m just
competing in select events, but I think the Cold Water is an event I
could do really well at, and I would love to claw my way onto the Dream
Tour.”.... click here to visit the ASP site and read the rest of the article and follow the contest.
GROVELER IV.P My most versatile and well received new shortboard design. This is a very fast design that generates it's own speed when it's small, yet holds in and rails tight arcs in the pocket when it's overhead. The rocker has a flatter area between the feet combined with an even, flowing single-to-inset double concave bottom. This creates a rail line that runs straighter from under the front foot to the lead-in fins, giving the board quick bursts of speed and incredible drive around sections. There is a good amount of tail rocker and release coming off the back fin allowing for lightening quick, explosive turns.
SURFER FEEDBACK Good morning Todd, it's Dale Rhodes...how are you? It's 10:00 on Tuesday. Happy Holidays. The board worked amazing. I didn't get to ride it in any big surf....Saturday, West PDS was well overhead and I didn't wanna go in it with that board until I got used to it. But I rode it twice in waist to chest-high surf... and it's very responsive, very fast, I love it. I was able to acclimate to that board quite quickly. So I just wanna let you know I'm super impressed with the board, it works amazing. And I haven't even ridden it in really good surf yet, so I think I'm in for a treat. But anyways, I just wanted to give you that feedback cuz I'm sure that you wanted to hear about it. So give me a call back because I want to order another one in another length. And that's that. Hopefully you guys had a beautiful Christmas and I will talk to you later. Thank you. Bye. Dale Rhodes, Malibu, CA 6' 1 1/2" x 19" x 2 1/2" Proctor Custom Epoxy "PROXY" Groveler IV.p Diamond Tail QUAD Fin
Todd, been riding your board lately and has been working really good. Made a final(5thplace) in the volcom pro/am down in oside this week. board was really fast and driving off of turns good. also been getting some photos on it. I will try and email you some soon. thanks Austin Ware, San Diego ripper 6'1" x 18 1/2" x 2 5/16" Groveler IV.p
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 Flexible Epoxy Series
My work horse. Surfed this from shoulder high to solid 6-7' points. Was a great board in the beefier waves. Pushed back when I needed it out on the shoulder for cutties, paddled like a dream, very fast around sections and held suprisingly well in the hollow stuff. At my first impression upon opening, she seemed pretty over built and to be honest she is for a lot of occassions. A lot of thickness everywhere. I asked you for an all around board and you did a good job. Next time will probably go a little smaller in size and thickness. Overall, was very pleased with the board, again, another good choice. Matt Panighetti, 31, Morroco 6'6" x 19 5/8" x 2 9/16" Groveler IV.p Rounded Squash Tail
Todd, The Groveler IV-p has been amazing. The dimensions you recommended for this particular board did exactly what you said it would do which was open up my surfing. I'll try and list what I am noticing on my board:
*The Board paddles great. *The speed generated after the first pump is allowing me to start my turns earlier on the wave and not worry so much about trying to pump my way down the line wasting valuable wave time to set up the one or two turns I'll get here at most of the beach-breaks. * I am getting in tighter turns on the face. * The rail is holding in really well on waves that are two feet over head .
Thanks again Todd, Zach Steele
Zach Steele, 27, San Diego, CA 6'1" x 18 7/8" x 2 3/8" Groveler IV.p Squash Hey Todd, How's it going, it's Jim Cicero. It's a few days before New Years and I just wanted to call and wish you and Charissa a happy new year and thank you for all the great boards you made me this last year. You actually excelled my surfing to a new level and I appreciate all that you've done for me. And I know you probably heard through the grapevine that I had surgery just recently...uh...hopefully I'll come back stronger than ever after this. I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done last year and all the great boards. Take Care. Jim Cicero, 41, Malibu, CA 6'1" x 18 3/8" x 2 1/4" Groveler IV.p Thumbtail Quad
Todd, Just surfed the Quad @ Hollywood. That was the best first go out on any board I've ever had. The thing was made for me. Stoked! MSJ
Mark St. Johns, Malibu, CA 6'0" x 18 3/4" x 2 5/16" Groveler IV.p QUAD
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
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
Todd,
I got to ride my board Saturday at Saltcreek and I had a blast. The waves were small but the board was awesome! It turns so well off the bottom and carves very well. Of all the custom boards I have had made for me, this one by far is the MAGIC :) one! I love the way it looks-super clean. The board floats me perfectly and I feel real confident on it. Thanks again and I look forward to working with you again.
Thank you,
Alan Nguyen, Ladera Ranch, CA I rode my board today at Salt Creek and the waves were much better-head high and sometimes bigger. The board again was awesome, I really like the speed it carries and the way it turns especially off the bottom and in the pocket. Thanks again!
Aloha,
Alan 6'2" x 18 5/8" x 2 3/16" Groveler IV.p
Todd,
I got lucky last week and hit the best surf Jersey has had all summer. My board rocks! Best board I've ever ridden, and I have been surfing for almost 25 years.
Thanks for everything. Keenan Hauke, 35, New Jersey 6'4" x 18 5/8" x 2 1/4" Groveler IV.p
Following up on the other email… I don't think I'll ride anything but a flexible epoxy for a long time. I had ridden an epoxy board before, a "ST", made with the usual PVC sandwich. I actually liked the board, being lighter and stronger, but it was nothing like your board. I think that you have really perfected it, having the durability and the light weight, but with a board that has some real spring. I rode it every day in Cabo and within the first few rides I was just sitting there, thinking that this was the best board I'd ever ridden. I really noticed it through my turns. The board would curve with the wave and then spring me through my turns as I came around. The flexible epoxy has made me a better surfer and much more fluid. Out of the two models, I got the lighter board with more flex and it's a lot like your standard high performance shortboard with 4 oz. glassing, but better. It flexes, making turns harder and faster… just think about a snap, the tail of the flexible epoxy tweaks back and then snaps forward. I felt so much better and smoother. It was just sick, the way it climbs foam and the way it works with you, flexing and snapping.
Thanks a lot Todd, for getting me the board before my trip and that nasty spray job
-Blair Berger, Cockeyesville, Maryland 5'11" x 18 1/2" x 2 1/4" Groveler IV.p ~ Proctor Custom Epoxy "PROXY" Series
A couple years later.... Hey Todd, i hope all is well in Ventura and with the board operations. I've had my hands full over the past few days with TS Ernesto- we scored big and the flexible epoxy was there to get me through it. I can't believe the life this board has, it's incredible. .... I have put that board through hell over the past two summers, just throwing it into the biggest and heaviest surf i could find, and it didnt disappoint. I will be talking with you in the near future about a new twig.
Thanks, Blair Berger (MD)
Hi Charissa,
I've been riding the board Todd make for me for a couple of months now and I love it. Every session is so fun. The board turns like no other board I've ridden. It is the best board I've ever had.
Thanks to both yourself and Todd. I will certainly be contacting you when it is time to get my next board.
Oh, and the graphics look fantastic!
Kim Holtze, 26, San Diego, CA Proctor Custom 6'1" x 18 1/4" x 2 3/16" Groveler IV.p Squashtail
I’m letting you know that I got the new board this week. Package was top notch and the board arrived in 1 piece.
For your future customers I sincerely think that you
should warn them about your surfboards.
I missed almost 2 days of work since I received mine. It rides so
good it’s just not sane, I’ve never had a board so responsive, nervous
and fun to ride. Ever get the feeling to just scream after landing a
trick because it feels sooo good?
Well this is how I feel just about every 2 minutes spent in the water.
My boss sent someone to pick me up at my favorite spot today to take me
out of the water, I’m forced to work now.
I could not be more pleased!
Guillaume Gingras, 31, Quebec, Canada
Custom Proctor Epoxy “PROXY” Surfboard: 6’2” x 18 ¾” x 2 ¼”
Greased Pig
surfboard review: custom pig, groveler, swallow tail small waves boards
Is there such a board that is 9' long, epoxy, that paddles and tracks very well, catches waves very easily but still can provide a light feel and easy turning characteristics of a performance board? I am 52 years old, 160 lbs and surf east coast waves and want something to take me to the next level. I started surfing at 44 so I am not quick like a 14 year old. I want durability, fun, easy to catch waves and performance characteristics if this is possible. I currently ride a 9-6 Robert August-"What I Ride" model (epoxy). Our normal waves are 1-3 feet. We however have good waves in the fall (hurricane season),5-10 feet. Is there something that meets all of these conditions well? I must be able to ride a tube and get out of the way on large fast waves but I don't want to give up to much wave count either. 90% of our waves are 1-3 feet.
Hi Al, The answer is yes to all of your questions!! I make a longboard that has the quick paddling and early entry into waves combined with the performance characteristics of a very responsive design. My Performance Longboard model would be the magic board for you. This is a very versatile design that generates a lot of speed in small waves, yet holds in and is very responsive in the punchier and hollow waves as well. Judging from the board you are coming off, your age, the direction you want to go with your surfing, and the typical waves you most commonly surf....the perfect dimensions for you would be 9'0" x 22 x 2 7/8" Performance model with a squashtail. Epoxy construction is the way to go as well since the boards are typically slightly more buoyant and much stronger than standard board construction. Don't let the Performance label scare you, you don't have to be a pro to enjoy this board....it is the perfect next board for you. Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have. I know you would be stoked on a magic Proctor custom epoxy Performance Longboard. Looking forward to your reply, Aloha,
Thank you Todd for taking the time to talk with me. I understand what you have specified below but I am worried about losing ease of paddling and wave count. What would we be giving up if we went with more volume? Thicker maybe? I don't know. I don't want to take a good design and screw it up. You are the expert. I still want sensitivity and maneuverability. Don't forget, my east coast waves are chop and slop and mostly 2-4 feet. I must be able to surf vertical and get out of the way on hurrican tubes though. What do you think? Also can you put a Hawaiian type print design on the deck? Can you make rails and nose durable? About what budget are we discussing? We will discuss by phone at some point. I look foreward to your reply.
All are epoxy except the Walden Magic which was cumtom made.
I know there is no pefect board. I must have fun and be able to ride 1-3 foot waves as well as ride 5-10 foot waves. I have also been told that I don't need another board but I think something in the 9-0 range can help me develope skills. I need your opinion.
What is a modern longboard? What does that mean when people talk about specilizing in modern longboard design?
Alan, I am familiar with each of the different boards you currently have in your quiver. Looks to me like you've got three boards that are more classical kinds of shapes (models 1-3) and one that is a very specific performance design(model #4). Based off the dimensions of these other boards, some better dimensions for you to add more performance and responsivenss to your surfing without losing paddleability would be: Performance model 9'0" x 22 1/2" x 3"....nose: 18"....tail: 14". This design utilizes modern hull contours and a sleeker outline to give you a board that will provide you with much more speed and responsiveness through turns in the wide variety of waves running from small and mushy to overhead and powerful.....the most versatile performance oriented longboard design I make. I am not sure what other companies may mean by "specializing in modern longboard design"....to me that is a very broad, relative statement. To be more specific about my Performance Longboard model, I use a rocker, or bottom curve that has a flatter run through the middle. This gives the board incredible speed in the small stuff. There is a moderate entry rocker to make steeper take-offs smooth on the bigger days....the entry is not too steep however, so as to make it an unreal noserider when you want some tip time. The tail rocker is crisp and loose allowing the board to speed through turns on a dime. I use a single concave in the nose which splits to double concaves through the mid section, and then to a spiral vee/ concave vee through the tail. This combination of bottom contours creates incredible lift and drive due to the fact that air is able to get under the board as well as the water having a more direct route for water to be compressed down along the bottom of the board and out the tail. This concept is the key for giving the performance longboard that little extra pep, versatility in wave varieties, maneuverability and even added paddleability. That is the best way I know how to breakdown what I feel would be the perfect board for you. I know you would be stoked on a custom Proxy Performance Longboard dialed in to the perfect design and dimensions to maximize your surfing and you're your longboarding to the next level. Looking forward to your reply, Have a great day, Aloha,
Thank you so much for your time. You have been the most helpful person that I have talked to. I am the one that is not sure what to do. I want to have FUN AND IMPROVE MY SKILLS at the same time. We don't often have 3-4' walls with long clean lines. We have chop and slop most of the time. In winter the waves can get larger. A board like you describe may be perfect for me but I am at a loss. If we reduced the board to 8-8 or 8-10 and made it 3 3/4 " thick, how would that effect the performance? Is that a design that is a good option as well? I will be 53 in Aug. and don't have the quickness skills I use to. How can we talk about colors and deck design? I want Hawaiian print on the deck. Todd please answer at your convenience. I want to talk by phone at some point.
One last question: Looking back, what one thing did you do, board wise or training wise, in your career that really helped your surfing skills advance to another stage? I am at novice/intermediate and I want to advance to intermediate/expert.
Hi Alan, 9'0" is the perfect length for you at this point with your surfing. After reading carefully the boards you are coming off of, I described (in the previous e-mail) something very different than any of the boards you have. As a surfboard designer, I am confident a custom designed performance mdel Longboard is exactly what you are wanting from your surfing experience. If you drop the length down too much by going to 8'10" or smaller, you are going to sacrifice paddling....and by adding thickness to compensate for it by going to 3 3/4" the board will become very corky and you will lose performance....so that is not what I would recommend. If you are very worried about paddling, we could bump it up to 3 1/4" inches thick, but that is as thick as I feel comfortable going; otherwise you will be defeating your purpose of getting more performance from your board and from getting your surfing to that next tier. Just to give you an example of what is typical dimensions for someone your height, weight and age....low intermediate - 9'0" x 22 1/2" x 2 3/4"....so we are adding plenty of extra foam to this board to make sure that you get into the waves with ease even in small, horrible wind chop waves. Most of what you are needing out of your board to help you get to that next level comes down to the rocker, or bottom curve of the board. In my last e-mail I broke down a very specific type of three stage rocker and how it works for the variety of wave types in your area, but most specifically for the small wind chop/ slop that is the majority of what you will be surfing. Make sure to re-read the description of the custom hull contours from the last e-mail as well since those contours work in conjunction with the rocker to accomplish exactly what you are wanting....a board that will catch waves easily, provide more responsiveness in small, mostly wind chop waves, yet will also remain versatile for when there are good waves.
Colors and graphics are wide open. Whatever you can imagine, we can do. That is another part of the beauty of what we do here...Everything in-house with a crew of craftsmen including several artists. Hawaiian print cloth inlays are no problem....we do them all the time. When you are ready, the best thing to do would be to set up a phone appointment with the office at (805) 658-7659. Just let them know you would like to talk to Todd and that it is regarding a custom Longboard order, and that we have corresponded via e-mail. I know you would be stoked on a magic custom performance Longboard to take you to the place of your dreams. Aloha,
Todd
P.S. I just noticed your last question to me.... I started surfing when I was twelve years old and the best thing I ever did to advance my surfing was to get the right type of board by discussing with a knowledgeable shaper who instructed me on what would be best for me. He determined the proper design by my height, weight, age, surfing experience, the type of waves I surfed and the direction I wanted to go with my surfing. He incorporated all those things into what he knew as a designer would be the best board for me........I took his advice, got the board he recommended, and surfed every opportunity I got.
Graphics: Brown Opaque Bottom wrapping rails& Golden Opaque Deck with Lemon Yellow Pinline
Experience: Intermediate to Advanced
Optimum wave height: 1-2 ft. and mushy...and fun in the good waves too
Board will ship within 3-5 days of order. Please contact
us if you need a rush on this board.
Twin Fang
They're back 'cause they're fast. This is an updated version of the
original “Fish” design. I’ve incorporated a modernized single-to-double
concave-to-accelerated spiral vee bottom, and blended it with the
original retro outline, rocker, and thickness flow...why? for the
enjoyment of hair-raising speed runs. Check out the website to watch
streaming video of this twinny fanging its way through the lineup. Also
available with quad setup.
Twin Fang Testimonial
Todd & Charissa,
Hey just wanted to let you know how stoked I am on the boards or should I
say board. I have not gotten a good chance to ride the quad but the twinny
is insane. I take both boards but always seem to find a reason to pull the
fish out instead of the quad. It is everything that I wanted. My breach
break has transformed into a mush point break this summer and the fish just
excels in it. I think I finally pushed it to its limits today with a typhoon
swell and solid 8 foot faces. Felt like I was on a skateboard going up and
down the faces. I will let you know how the quad is working if I can ever
get off the fish.
