Turbo Channel Quick Facts
Mark Richards Turbo Channel quick facts
| Brand / shaper | Mark Richards Surfboards, designed by four-time world champion Mark Richards; built in the USA by …Lost Surfboards |
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| Board type | Fun all-rounder twin fin + 1 by Mark Richards: a small-wave hybrid with throwback 80’s angled channels |
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| Best waves | Small, punchy waves in the 2 ft to 6 ft range |
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| Skill level | Beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers |
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| Tail | Winged swallow, based on the classic MR wing/swallow of the 1980 Retro Twin Fin and redesigned with a bigger angled wing and a wider swallow |
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| Design | Four angled channels cut into a single-to-double concave bottom (a feature MR shaped on many of his retro twin fins in the mid 1980s) push water through the fins and generate speed quickly; the wide point sits ahead of center with plenty of forward thickness for paddle power, and there is lots of area in the back third for get-up-and-go speed in small waves |
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| Fins | 2+1: twin fins with a small stabiliser, or ride it as a pure twin (FCS II or Futures boxes). Best template: Mark Richards’ own twin + trailer set. Try the FCS II MR Twin + 1 or the Futures Mark Richards Twin+1. |
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| Stock sizes | 5’4 to 6’4 (25.20 L to 39.10 L) |
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| Sizing | Your regular shortboard volume to 1 or 2 L more; about 3" to 4" shorter than a standard performance shortboard at the same volume |
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| Constructions we stock | PU (poly), built by …Lost Surfboards |
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| Custom orders | Yes, through our Mark Richards 3D board builder |
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Turbo Channel Q&A
What size Turbo Channel should I get?
The Turbo Channel is a small-wave twin-fin hybrid, so ride it at your regular shortboard volume or 1 to 2 L more, noticeably shorter and wider than your shortboard. Comparing stock dims, it runs about 3" to 4" shorter than a standard performance shortboard of the same volume. For example, if you ride a 5’11 shortboard at about 28.5 L, look at the 5’9 (19 7/8" x 2 3/8", 29.30 L), or the 5’10 (20" x 2 1/2", 31.50 L) if you want more float. Stock sizes run from 5’4 (19 1/2" x 2 1/4", 25.20 L) to 6’4 (20 3/4" x 2 3/4", 39.10 L), and the 6’1, 6’2 and 6’4 each come in two thicknesses. Our shop staff can help you pick a size.
What fins does the Turbo Channel use?
The Turbo Channel runs Mark Richards’ 2+1 layout: two twin-fin boxes up front with a small stabiliser box behind (FCS II or Futures, or glassed-on fins by custom order). Mark Richards says you can ride it as a pure twin fin or as a twin with a small stabiliser fin in the tail, and both options work really well with the shape. The natural choice is MR’s own signature set: on FCS II the MR Twin + 1 (Medium-Large), Mark Richards’ twin + stabiliser template built for drive and speed with a small centre fin that adds control; on Futures, the Mark Richards Twin+1 is the same set. FCS sizes these fins by weight: Small 120–155 lbs, Medium 145–175 lbs, Large 165–200 lbs. Futures sizes its fins as Small 95–135 lbs, Medium 125–175 lbs and Large 165 lbs and up.
What are the channels on the Turbo Channel for?
Four angled channels are cut and shaped into the single-to-double concave bottom. They are a throwback to the angled channels Mark Richards shaped on many of his retro twin fins in the mid 1980s, and they help push water through the fins so the board generates speed quickly, which is the standout feature of the model.
What waves is the Turbo Channel for?
Small, punchy waves from about 2 ft to 6 ft. The wide point ahead of center and forward thickness give it incredible paddle power, and the wide winged swallow leaves plenty of area in the back third of the board for get-up-and-go speed in small surf.
Who is the Turbo Channel for?
Beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers alike. It is a classic all-rounder: easy to paddle and fast in small waves, with the loose twin-fin feel MR is famous for and the option of a stabiliser for extra control.
What construction does the Turbo Channel come in?
We stock the Turbo Channel in PU (poly), built in the USA by …Lost Surfboards, which produces Mark Richards’ models. Each in-stock board on this page lists its construction and fin boxes (FCS II, Futures or glassed-on fins).
Can I custom order a Turbo Channel?
Yes. Use the Custom Order Turbo Channel button on this page, or open the Mark Richards 3D board builder directly, to design one: you choose the dims, fin set-up, colors and art.
