Torq x Channel Islands Pod Mod 6'6

A short, wide shortboard for small to medium waves, designed by Channel Islands (Al Merrick's California label) and built by Torq. It grew out of the Pod from 2000, the board that got surfers riding six inches shorter than their usual shortboard.

Compared with the original Pod it carries more foam under the chest, a wider tail for glide in small surf and a flat entry into a concave V for quick rail-to-rail turns. Five fin boxes, so it goes as a thruster or a quad.

This one is the 6'6 at 47.6 litres, in glacier blue. As a rough guide it floats an intermediate surfer up to about 80 kg, or an advanced surfer up to about 115 kg.

• Size: 6'6 x 21 7/8" x 2 7/8", 47.6 litres
• Build: X-Lite: Torq's moulded EPS and epoxy, with impact mesh against dents and carbon strips under the board
• Fins: 5 Futures boxes: thruster or quad (fins not included)
• Bottom: flat entry into concave V
• Tail: swallow
• Level: Intermediate and advanced
• Waves: Knee to head high

Experienced surfers pick it 10 to 15 cm shorter than their own height.