Board of the Week: The Modern Fish by Tim Bessell

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Board of the Week: The Modern Fish by Tim Bessell

Throwback to San Diego with Tim Bessell of Bessell Surfboards

Hey surf fans! This week, we’re throwing it back to our awesome visit with the legendary Tim Bessell in sunny San Diego, California. Tim’s been shaping boards for over 50 years, and he showed us one of his killer models: The Modern Fish.

The Modern Fish

Tim’s Modern Fish is a true gem, showing off the evolution of surfboard design. He started shaping kneeboards at Sunset Surfboards, and those designs have morphed into this sleek Modern Fish. Here’s what makes it rad:

More Entry Rocker: Makes paddling and riding waves smoother.
Modern Rail Design: Better control and stability.
Flat Bottom with Nose-to-Tail Concave: Adds speed and smooth turns.

Plus, it’s got Tim's unique Barracuda fins, which give you loads of drive and more release than old-school fins, making for tighter, more awesome turns.

If you’re not sure how to measure a surfboard, no worries—Tim’s got it down to a science. Check out our video on the Boards Board Blog at Surf Neutral to learn all the ins and outs.

Tim Bessell: A Surfboard Shaping Legend

Tim’s been shaping since he was 13, starting with a 6ft rounded pin single fin he made from a blank his brother gave him. At 18, he moved to Hawaii to work for the best surfboard company in the world. Tim’s all about loving what you do and believes every surfboard has a soul, imperfections and all.

Tim’s got some epic stories too, like living near his idol, Andy Warhol, and being mentored by Carl Ekstrom, the genius behind the asymmetrical tail. Carl sold two boards to Warhol for a movie, which Warhol called art. Tim even met Warhol at a Playboy party in New York, leading to a unique collaboration.

Share Your Surfboard Story

Got a surfboard story? Want to show off your board? Use our QR code feature on Surf Neutral to make your surfboard digital! Upload your board today and let us share your story with the world.

Stay tuned for more surfboard insights and stories. Whether you’re a surfer, shaper or have a surfshop there’s always something new to discover with Surf Neutral.

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