Surfing Waves

Im considering one of the Torq's longboards. Which do you think would be more suitable for a beginner surfer, 1.76m / 71 kg
From what I understand TET model is bulkier and more beginners board. But both should be easy to paddle (have enough vol) and should provide easy progression. TET was on special in my local shop but im still a bit hesitant as I think Horshoe is more a classic noserider and would be more fun in the long term. So Im more leaning towards to the Horseshoe 9 or 9'3. Ive been learning to surf on 7'6 softie for a year now but on smaller mushy waves im struggling to catch them which I believe is stopping me from popping up on green waves.

1. Torq TET 8’6 x 22 1/2” x 3 1/8” 67.2 ltr
https://www.torq-surfboards.com/tet-longboard.html

2. Torq Horshoe
9’0 x 22 7/8” x 3” - 71.4 ltr
9’3 x 23” x 3 1/8” - 76.9 ltr

Thank you for any suggestions.

Can you please tell us what is your favorite riding style? Do you like to cruise, carve, or commute? It will help us give you the best suggestion.

Meehan wrote:Can you please tell us what is your favorite riding style? Do you like to cruise, carve, or commute?

Who, if any surfer, commutes anywhere on his/her surfboard ?

Meehan has no idea about surfing just advertising a skate board selling site.

If you haven't popped up on a green wave yet, I would recommend targeting smaller (2-3 feet) and long period (10+ secs) waves with the 9'6" board. The 89 liters will help you catch more rides and practice basic skills.

@BoMan this is helpful tip but would probably lean towards 9'3 shouldnt be noticeable difference but heaps more vols over 7'6

Call me crazy but any longboard in decent nick will do. Buy a used one off Craigslist and don’t worry too much about all the consumer data. I personally favor the sandwich construction epoxy boards for learning like torq, tuflitee boards (several brands) or NSP cause you can do things like drop them accidentally in the parking lot and wind up with only superficial scratches rather than dings.

waikikikichan wrote:

Meehan wrote:
Who, if any surfer, commutes anywhere on his/her surfboard ?

The surfer that commutes seems an absolute winner, no matter the board.

Just recently rode 2 Torqs on hollidays. A nice 9 feet hardtop traditional off the shelve and an 8 feet performance board with a softdeck.

I lack skills. But immediately noticed the 9 feet was pretty forgiving considering pop up and surfing and I was riding small, clean powerless 1-2 feet waves easily and even was able to surf a 'higher' line and develop some speed. First hard top experience for me, but a good one. The way it cut in the wave was very nice compared to all the softtops I ride.

Getting it up to speed a bit was quite labouresq after a week of 5 hours daily surf. Overall great machine, 66 liters.

The surf got bigger and I got exhausted too and was still not consisten enough to angle the take off. So was nosediving a lot in the mushy, windy 5-6 feet surf. But I wanted to train in those circumstances so changed it for an 8 feet soft top. The bouyancy helpt, the boarddesign not. Learnt another lesson here. Changed it after 4 days for an 8 feet Torq.

The 8 feet Torq was very different, 62 liters. Bit lighter then the 9 feet but not as an easy glide as the 9 feet. Big difference in my opinion next to being very inexperienced about surfing hard tops.

After all: learning curves were steep. Should have stuck with the 9 feet and should have focused on the sweetspot of the board and how to perform the angled take off with this board.

At home I recently choose to consistently surf an 8'4 BIc/Tahe magnum, 72 liters. Great board even after the Torqs. Very stable and forgiving . Absolutely love it and after the Torqs not thinking about selling it for an upgrade. I think the way I'm used to it does add up heavy. But I need to perform better in all kinds of surf and need to learn it by heart to really progress. Maybe when I notice it staying slow and not able to get it up to speed when executing the right technique.

Buxtert

I lived in a valley on Kauai that had a stream next to it. It was a 10 minute paddle to the beach. Is that commuting? LOL I didn't have a car at the time so I would walk or paddle the stream. Walking took me twice as long but paddling back when the stream was flowing strong was a chore. Hey I was in tip top shape back then.

I'm 172cm and shrinking. 64kg. I use 9'0 Torq. Can't imagine going any longer as it is already a struggle fitting under my arm. Feels like it is going to pop my shoulder one day.

Also had a 8'6 NSP element longboard. It was not as fun as the Torq. Dunno why but I just love my torq better. I now have around 10+ torq boards of sizes.

BaNZ wrote:Also had a 8'6 NSP element longboard. It was not as fun as the Torq. Dunno why but I just love my torq better. I now have around 10+ torq boards of sizes.

Is it because you have Taiwanese ancestry and Torqs are made in Taiwan, so you're biased towards them ?

waikikikichan wrote:

BaNZ wrote:Also had a 8'6 NSP element longboard. It was not as fun as the Torq. Dunno why but I just love my torq better. I now have around 10+ torq boards of sizes.

Is it because you have Taiwanese ancestry and Torqs are made in Taiwan, so you're biased towards them ?

I'm secretly getting paid by Torq for propaganda and defaming NSP.

Really want to know which factory is Torq being made. Want to see if I can buy it even cheaper without the logo.

I also like torq better than NSP. Although almost pure Russian:)