Surfing Waves

Hello everyone

I'm 20, in pretty good shape, 5'7ft tall and surfed 2 weeks every summer for 8 years.

I'm looking for my own boards since I only rented for 8 years. I rented a lot of torq boards and really like them. I love the mod fish for the way it catches waves and is easy to control. But I don't remember the différent sizes I tried.

Here's my question : for small waves (1ft-3ft) and to learn how to duck dive and go catch bigger waves which one is the best : torq mod fish 6'6 or 6'10 or maybe NSP element fish 6'8 but I never tried NSP

Thanks a lot if you read and answer me

I would suggest staying on the Torq boards at 6’10” since you like them….. the length at at this stage is suitable for learning in the small waves but you can jump up some wave sizes too!

jaffa1949 wrote:I would suggest staying on the Torq boards at 6’10” since you like them….. the length at at this stage is suitable for learning in the small waves but you can jump up some wave sizes too!

And do you think it is possible to duck dive with the 6'10 ?

Yes it is a learned skill, but there is always turtle roll and thinking your way out using rips and currents

I am 5'3" 125lbs. / 57 kg. and can duck dive my NSP Elements 6'4" Fish. Although mine has the older FCS fin set up, the newer ones have Futures. So for that I would run the Futures thermotech T-1 with trailer center fin.

waikikikichan wrote:I am 5'3" 125lbs. / 57 kg. and can duck dive my NSP Elements 6'4" Fish. Although mine has the older FCS fin set up, the newer ones have Futures. So for that I would run the Futures thermotech T-1 with trailer center fin.

Thank you for your answer ! I think I'll be able to duck dive the 6'10 with a bit of training then.
Are you happy about your NSP element fish ? How does it catch waves ? I read a lot people complaining about the poor durability, is it true ?

Mistervic wrote:Thank you for your answer ! I think I'll be able to duck dive the 6'10 with a bit of training then.
Are you happy about your NSP element fish ? How does it catch waves ? I read a lot people complaining about the poor durability, is it true ?

1) What size board can you currently duck dive now ?
2) Yes, I love my 6'4" NSP Fish. I usually long board, but because of the beach break conditions and limited space in the car and restrictions on the train, I got the 6'4".
3) How does it catch waves ? Compared to a performance short board = easier. Compared to a longboard = harder.
4) Poor Durability ? Could you please post the exact article or review that states NSP Element boards have poor durability ? ( or were you talking about Torqs )

waikikikichan wrote:

Mistervic wrote:Thank you for your answer ! I think I'll be able to duck dive the 6'10 with a bit of training then.
Are you happy about your NSP element fish ? How does it catch waves ? I read a lot people complaining about the poor durability, is it true ?

1) What size board can you currently duck dive now ?
2) Yes, I love my 6'4" NSP Fish. I usually long board, but because of the beach break conditions and limited space in the car and restrictions on the train, I got the 6'4".
3) How does it catch waves ? Compared to a performance short board = easier. Compared to a longboard = harder.
4) Poor Durability ? Could you please post the exact article or review that states NSP Element boards have poor durability ? ( or were you talking about Torqs )

I have my final answer for my board. I'm gonna extend my budget and pay a shaper to build me one exactly like I want it.

I don't remember where I read that NSP was poor quality, I think it was an other forum

I would not go “custom shaped “ until you own your first board, and learn the bumps bruises and general care. Torqs and NSP being molded epoxy and much more durable compared to standard Poly/PU hard board construction.

If you’re just trying to learn to duck dive, you’re probably going to damage the deck on a “regular” board. Especially if you use your knee and not the softer part of the ball of your foot.

Btw, how do you know “ exactly what you want “ ?
You weren’t sure between 6’8 and 6’10. Molded epoxy’s have more float than standard lay up of a board the exact same dimensions. Make sure you account for that.

waikikikichan wrote:I would not go “custom shaped “ until you own your first board, and learn the bumps bruises and general care. Torqs and NSP being molded epoxy and much more durable compared to standard Poly/PU hard board construction.

If you’re just trying to learn to duck dive, you’re probably going to damage the deck on a “regular” board. Especially if you use your knee and not the softer part of the ball of your foot.

Btw, how do you know “ exactly what you want “ ?
You weren’t sure between 6’8 and 6’10. Molded epoxy’s have more float than standard lay up of a board the exact same dimensions. Make sure you account for that.

I think I'll be able to take care of my board if I pay attention.

I know which waves I want to ride, what type of board I like because I rented a lot so the shaper has been able to adapt an existing board to bigger dimensions and other details.
It'll be a 7'' so I don't think I' ll be able to duck dive anyway.

waikikikichan wrote:I would not go “custom shaped “ until you own your first board, and learn the bumps bruises and general care. Torqs and NSP being molded epoxy and much more durable compared to standard Poly/PU hard board construction.

If you’re just trying to learn to duck dive, you’re probably going to damage the deck on a “regular” board. Especially if you use your knee and not the softer part of the ball of your foot.

Btw, how do you know “ exactly what you want “ ?
You weren’t sure between 6’8 and 6’10. Molded epoxy’s have more float than standard lay up of a board the exact same dimensions. Make sure you account for that.

But I have to say that the extra float for the epoxy does make me wonder... Is there a really big difference of float between the two or is it marginal ?

The float is different, quite a bit, I agree with Waikikichan , get something ready made, until you are surfing well and have continuing progression telllng a shaper has some risks possibly because you may not know how shape dimensions interact!

If you really liked the torq then stick with that right? Strong and durable, good for learning and it’s something that you tried and like. Win, win and win!