Jim McLoud started shaping surfboards in 1994. His goal was to find a consistent mix of quality and performance that worked well at his local surf breaks. He grew up surfing in Southern California, located between Northern Los Angeles and Ventura County at various beach breaks and points. He continued to refine his craft with local surfers to elevate surfing at their local surf breaks. "I slowly started to gain a small following of surfers. Their feedback helped refine my shapes," states Jim. Then he met Chris Samaniego, a renowned shaper from Oxnard California. He worked with closely with Chris for many years. Chris taught him how to look at boards differently and taught Jim how to fine tune and produce "clean" shapes. His influence is important and Chris and Jim still work together collaborating on shapes and models. You will see Chris's influence on the 70's Single Fin Model.

Jim has had the good fortune of surfing around the world. Places like Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Hawaii have helped shape McLoud Surfboards' current lineup of boards. He was also included in SURFLINES "Shapers Alley 'Ventura County'" (September 2013) and "Northern Los Angeles" (April 2015).

Since 1996 McLoud Surfboards has been working closely with surfers around the globe to create the best surfboards possible. Jim McLoud uses an array of different cores and materials to enhance your surfing experience. He insists on using first quality blanks from Varial Foam, US Blanks, Artic Foam, and Marko Foam to deliver the best quality of polyurethane and EPS shapes. Carbon fiber, polyester and epoxy products are also used to enhance and benefit the characteristics of each surfboard. Jim takes pride in every board he shapes, and demands the highest quality. He builds all sorts of boards from custom "one offs" to his stock line up of shorties, alternative boards, and nose riders. Jim understands that his customer's voice is very important and the collaboration between himself and his customer ensures he delivers what they are asking for.

The voice of the customer is valued, and that is why when you order a custom board you can work one on one with Jim. He offers appointments either by phone or you can meet with him, show him the boards you are currently riding, and you will work together to define the board that will elevate your surfing. This ensures he will build a board that will meet your needs. Jim McLoud continues pushing the envelope to deliver the best surfboards.

"My goal is to exceed our customer's expectations with my knowledge and expertise by delivering exceptional surfboards every time." – Jim McLoud