Torq X-Channel Islands M23 - Torq X-Lite - Futures - 3 Fin M23

The M23 comes from the legendary M13 series, a favorite hybrid board that Al Merrick made for himself, surfing variants for decades from fun Rincon to maxing Sunset. A true high-performance hybrid suited to the widest possible type and size of surfer—and to the widest range of wave conditions.

Not to be confused with the CI Mid: the M23 has more foam, a fuller rail, and a narrower nose outline. It paddles with ease, but still rides more like a shortboard.

Construction - X-Lite Technology

X-Lite is our TET molding process with a performance tweak for our Channel Islands Colab models.

X-Lite starts with a model-blown blank – EPS blown to finished size and shape for perfect shape reproduction, with no shaping, waste, or inaccuracy. The fin box cut-outs are already incorporated into its process.

The blank is wrapped with bi-axial fiberglass cloth, Impact Mesh for ding resistance, Carbon strips on the base for responsiveness, and a Shield Skin for scratch resistance.

A second press mold – accurately CNC cut from a single block of aluminum – is used to cure the resin, heated for perfect resin distribution.

What are the benefits?

Accuracy – there's no shaping, sanding, and guesswork. The entire process is controlled; foam density, resin content, fin inserts.

Low waste – no shaping means no shaping waste. The cloth is laid dry so scraps can be recycled. Resin is measured by weight and applied with no waste dripping on the floor.

Durability – Bi-axial cloth is stronger than plain weave, and we can use a lot due to the efficient lay-up. Our blanks use high-density EPS, and epoxy resin is stronger than polyester.

Sustainable – A low-waste process and long-lasting product = less impact. Production is solar-powered. All materials are locally sourced. Shipping is in slim-fit, bleach-free boxes with plastic-free packing. We make the fin boxes from GRS and UL-certified recycled plastic.

How do the boards surf?

Surf fast and built to last.

The feel is similar to PU, with less lightweight directness than a vacuum EPS/Epoxy. They have good dampening but don’t feel flat – the carbon retains stiffness for response.

Overall, they are fast and take very little time to get used to if you are transitioning from another type of surfboard.