"PRO FISH" Test Drive with Darshan Gooch
- Name: Darshan Gooch
- Height/weight: 6’4” / 185lbs.
Model: Pro Fish- 5’10” x 20.25” x 2.4”- Vol: 32.7 liters
Fins: Twin (Ryan Burch Hybrid template)
- Location/conditions: Decent to good waves in mind. More recently ridden in the general point surf and reef breaks of the Pleasure Point area. Not limited to a variety of beachbreaks and wedges in the surrounding areas as well.
- Rider background: (general skill level, current board(s), misc. other factors): Jack of all trades and an ace of none. Working class, lifelong surf enthusiast.
- Initial thoughts/expectations: (was this really what you thought you were getting?): Being that this was the third version of this particular board over a time span of some years, this is exactly what we were working towards with extra performance qualities coming from the DFT (dampening flex technology) construction.
- Ride experience: This board has honestly blown my mind a bit. Not that the other ones weren't good, but this one has an extra spark! This particular iteration of the” PRO” Fish has certainly rekindled some interest from previously enjoyed experiences in this genre of equipment.
- Strengths: Easy speed characteristics of a twin fin, extra paddle capabilities, and adaptability in a variety of conditions. We wanted to stretch this board to 5’10” from 5’8”, with the intention of a little better waves in mind. Furthermore, it was the DFT construction that really brought some unanticipated performance qualities and electricity! Watch the “Pro Fish” board talk edit for more on DFT construction properties.
- Weaknesses: There were times when the board was pushed beyond its intended range, of use, or where a “performance” type board may have been better suited. Also, with the large hybrid twin fin template and stringerless DFT construction, there were times when the board was starting to flex beyond optimal range. Perhaps a typical CFT glassing schedule and stringer would have easily remedied this.
