I think step-up shortboards are the hardest boards to shape because the performance is more critical. This would be especially true if the guy has all kinds of ideas about what he wants.
Where in California does he surf mostly? How big is he? How experienced? What's his surfing style? How big a wave is it supposed to handle? Etc.
I have a great rounded-pin thruster that's 6'9'' that handles pretty much anything I'm comfortable paddling into. It's thick, like you say, and about 19 3/4 inches wide, with the wide point slightly forward. The foam carries out in to the rails. It's got a single-to-double concave and some serious nose rocker that has saved me on more than one occassion from a steep drop. Oh, and the fins are really deep. I'll try to post some photos later.
Keith just finished off several boards in that range and I think one was a round pin or you could re-template the tail. They all looked REALLY good. Give him a shout.
