The Channel Islands x Al Merrick 'Pod Mod' is a classic performance fish surfboard that helped revolutionize the shorter, wider surfboard shape towards what exists today.
The original 'Pod' first came out in 2000 (23 years ago!) and has since
been seen in all lineups. The Pod was later frankensteined into the Pod
Mod in the Summer 2015 by the team at Al Merrick, and the epic fish
shape with swallow tail turned up the performance a notch.
Now the board was shorter, wider, and thicker.
I've had a Pod or Pod Mod in my quiver for as long as I can remember,
with numerous lengths of the board (5'6, 5'10, 6'2). The Torq Surfboards X-Lite version was also brought to market in recent years.
In this surfboard review, I showcase a recent session with the 6'2 Torq
version of the Pod Mod.
Dimensions
Length: 6'2"
Width: 21 3/8"
Thickness: 2 3/4"
Volume: 40.5
We see how this beefier version rides - comparing the epoxy material to
the PU. We also explain the pros and cons of the shape itself, and why
it's become a fan favorite. I'm riding the Channel Islands Torq Pod Mod
X-Lite as a twin, with Deflow Arin Fins and a rear Naked Vilking Surf (NVS) stabilizer.
The Pod Mod has been with me everywhere, from Australia, to Indonesia, to Panama (shoutout Red Frog Bungalows)
Thanks Surfline for the footage, plus Kevo & Rota for providing their shred skills during second half of the video.
Thanks for watching this Hero's Journey Episode 127
About the Channel Islands Pod Mod:
In 2000 the original Pod rapidly became a global favorite, allowing
surfers to drop six inches off their shortboards and revolutionize
punting. The Pod Mod design is a heavily modified Pod, designed to be
ridden even shorter and wider than the original, catering to the surfer
that wants a little more volume forward to catch waves but doesn’t want
to sacrifice performance.
The tail has been widened for small wave glide, and the original single
to double concave has been replaced with a flat entry to concave vee for
quick rail to rail transitions. Experienced surfers ride this board 3”-
6” shorter than you are tall.
About Torq X-Lite Surfboards:
X-Lite is a Torq Epoxy technology developed specifically for performance
boards. This is lighter, stronger and more Eco than a traditional
PU/Polyester board, now with a 50% thinner Shield Skin for weight
reduction.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro to the Review of the Channel Islands Pod Mod Surfboard
Shaped by Al Merrick - 6'2 Torq X-Lite Epoxy Model - Plus My History
Riding This Performance Fish Surfboard
1:25 - Surf Footage Begins! Shred Session via the Surfline Cams on the
Torq Pod Mod X-Lite Surfboard
2:20 - How Does the Channel Islands Pod Mod Ride in Good Surf?
3:00 - What is this Torq Material?
3:25 - Ideal Fin Setup(s) and Talking About the Swallow Tail
4:20 - Why I Don't Surf with a Traction Pad on my Surfboards
4:50 - Showcasing Surfing the Pod Mod and How It Rides Frontside and
Backside
5:57 - Introducing the Special Surf Guests - Kevo & Rota
6:20 - History of the Channel Islands Pod Mod Shape
7:10 - Special Guests Shred Fest
8:02 - The Density of Epoxy and the Torq Material
8:19 - More Surfing from Rota & Kevo
8:43 - Torq (Epoxy) vs PU (Polyurethane) in Surfboards
9:35 - Firewire Seaside & Beyond vs Channel Islands Pod Mod
9:51 - The Twin Fin Takeover in the Surfing World
10:04 - Cons of the Channel Islands Pod Mod Surfboard
10:34 - Surfing the Pod Mod in Bocas Del Toro, Panama (Shoutout Red Frog
Bungalows!)
11:00 - Going from Riding Shorter Surfboards to Bigger Surfboards
11:25 - Torq X-Lite Surfboard Performance and How Indestructible It Is
11:50 - Outro - Thanks for Watching Another Hero's Journey Episode 127 -
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