After starting out surfing with classic beginner softboards, I decided to upgrade to my first hardboard. In this article, I'll share my impressions of the surf board Torq Mod Fish 7.2.

 

Torq Mod Fish 7.2 Surfboard: Impressions

 

I surf occasionally (about ten times a year—less than I'd like) and still consider myself a beginner. Therefore, my opinion cannot be considered that of an expert. However, I believe these lines may be useful for beginner surfers like me who are making the transition from a softboard to their first hardboard, given their improved performance. I've taken advice from more experienced surfers, and I can say that perhaps I didn't follow the best advice.

In fact, I'll say right away that, in my experience, if you're not very young and don't surf every week, it's best not to rush into downgrading your board's volume and size. This will allow you more tolerance for the inevitable mistakes you'll make and will allow you to have more fun.

Let's get down to business: let's analyze the features of the hardboard model I purchased, once I've moved from my previous softboard.

The board I bought is a Torq Modfish 7.2. Torq is a company based in Cascais, Portugal, founded in 2012 by Sebastian Wenzel, a former professional windsurfer, shaper for Fanatic and other brands, and distributor and manager of NSP. This brand produces a wide range of models.

 

 

 

Fish boards are wider than shortboards (boards for advanced surfers) and have a wider outline from tail to nose. These boards are ideal for intermediate surfers who want to transition to a shortboard, or for experienced surfers who want a board to have fun with on days with small, rough waves. Their stability makes them easy to paddle and surf. Fish boards help intermediate surfers improve, and expert surfers ride small, less powerful waves. You can easily identify a fish board by its swallowtail tail, which is shaped like a fish, hence the name. That is, it has a double-pointed tail.

 

Torq Modfish 7.2 Technical Data

 

Dimensions: 7'2 x 22 1/2" x 3"

Volume: 52.7 lbs

Ideal Rider Weight: 60-100 kg / 132-220 lbs

Brand claims:

 

The ModFish perfectly bridges the gap between a midlength and shortboard. The overall stability and feel is reassuring. Fishes are wide with a full nose, creating fast paddling and stability – great for catching waves and generating speed on the wave.

When ridden shorter than a midlength they offer much better manouverability. The tail plan shape and double concave allow tighter turning for vertical surfing and cutbacks into the pocket.

The ModFish is a great in most types of waves and conditions, from knee high to overhead and clean to messy.

Built in TET construction, these are extremely strong and durable, designed to withstand impacts in and out of the water, while still being light and easily handled.

https://www.torq-surfboards.com/fish/mod-fish.html

 

 

Impressions of use

 

The first thing that definitely struck me and that I appreciated about this, my first hardboard, was the speed it delivers once I catch a wave. The hardboard, unlike softboards, doesn't absorb the energy of impact with the water, so the board glides across the water like a missile. At first, it takes a bit of getting used to, and it catches you almost unprepared. The greater speed certainly makes it easier to catch waves. The relative length of the 7.2m means you have to pay a little attention to your body position on the board, depending on the size of the wave and how steep it is: on small waves (<1m), you can position your chest a little further forward than the logo on the deck, also to help the stern emerge from the water and facilitate the take-off; on waves larger than a meter, the position of the chest should be roughly back from the logo on the deck, to avoid dipping the bow after the take-off, especially if the waves are steep.

 

 

That said, the board is described as stable, and it certainly is for riders with a fair amount of experience. For me, from this perspective, it's not an easy board to pop up—that is, the movement that takes you from lying down to standing on the board—or to steer once you're standing up. Frankly, even given my level of fitness, I'd prefer a more stable and comfortable board, with a few more liters and even more width at the bow and stern.

The advantage of a board like the Torq Mod Fish is that it allows you to approach the first changes in direction on a wave, something that boards with more uniform widths (e.g., the Mini Malibu) can make less easy. But first and foremost, you need to be able to catch waves, you need to know how to stand up well, and you need to be able to paddle without getting too tired to reach the lineup. And the buoyancy of my 53-liter Mod Fish isn't what makes these stages too easy and effortless for a beginner.

Bottom line: I'll give my Mod Fish 7.2 a few more chances, and then I'll consider selling it and switching to a mid-length to make my life easier. Mini-Malibu surfboards, for example, are ideal for learning to surf for heavier or less fit surfers. They have a consistent width from tail to nose, similar to progressive boards. They offer excellent stability, make paddling easier, and are perfect for beginners. For example, the V+, also from Torq, could be a possible solution.

If you like, share your thoughts in the comments below.

Enjoy your surfing. Fabio