What is a Fish Surfboard?

Unless you're in the surfing world, you probably don't know what a fish surfboard is or what the history is behind them. Fish surfboards have been around since the 1960's, and haven't become bygone boards by any means. Some of the basic styling for these boards has changed over the past 40 years, but the fish is still used for the same kind of rides, and is a notoriously fun board for the intermediate or expert surfer.

The retro fish board you may see out there on the water is a throwback to the board that came out in the early 1960's and 1970's. This popular style is still around for good reason! The fish boards of the 60's were originally designed to be kneeboards as well as surfboards. It gained reknown quickly, and as the use of the fish surfboard spread by word of mouth, it became the surfboard of the 70's. The fish boards have retained their popularity to this day, because they are light to carry around, they zip through small to medium waves quickly, and are all around fun boards.

One aspect of the fish board which has not changed much since they were created is the fish-like shape, with a sharp nose and swallow tail. These boards are usually a little shorter and wider than fiberglass or epoxy shortboards, and like any shortboard they are really made for surfers with an intermediate to advanced skill level and beginners should not try to learn how to surf with a fish board. With their shortened design, these boards have a tendency to ride flat on the wave and don't make it easy to surf vertically. That makes the fish surfboard a board for more advanced surfers who have the basics of surfing mastered.

Fish surfboards are about 5 1/2 feet in length, and 18.5 inches wide with slight variations in size, depending on the maker and how you want to use the board. The retro fish boards of the 60's had two keel fins (skegs), while contemporary fish boards have three skegs. The simple design of the fish board provides awesome drive and lift, which generates large amounts of speed in a short time. So you can zip around those small or even medium-sized waves with fast response and maneuverability on a fish board. Their short length and width is what gives them their maneuverability, so if you have the skills, a fish surfboard is a great board to have in your quiver.

If you are an intermediate to advanced surfer looking for a new boarding challenge, then getting a fish board to take out on the waves may be just for you. These boards have been popular since the 60's because their unique, short fish-like design gives you great speed and maneuverability on those smaller and medium-sized waves. Though not designed for beginners, the fish board is a great board for a surfing newbie to work up to, because they are so much fun. Of all of the surfboards out there to choose from, the fish surfboard is a classic choice for fun in the sun!