What are fish surfboards good for?
Sarah Smith
Published Jan 11, 2026
Fish surfboards are ideal for slower, smaller waves, or mushy conditions. These boards are really versatile and can be used in all kinds of small to medium-sized waves. They are stable and have more volume than a regular shortboard. Some skilled surfers even ride their fish boards in hollow, overhead conditions.
What are fish surfboards for?
The fish is a great transition board from a foamie and is a team favorite. The fish is great for beginners and also super fun for intermediate and advanced surfers for both smaller days and slightly larger swells, thus being coined a “fun” board. It keeps you floating on top of the water for an overall fun experience.
What is the benefit of a fish tail surfboard?
The fish surfboard is also highly capable at catching waves in small wave situations because of the wide template at the tail. There's more planing surface to keep you afloat. A wide tail also provides great drive down line, which is very important when the waves are small.
Is a fish Board easy to surf?
Easy to Use.
Due to the thickness of the fish surfboard, paddling through the water is easier. The all important concept of getting on a wave is made much easier by this design. The other great thing about a fish surfboard is that they perform really well in smaller waves.
What is a fish style surfboard?
The Fish Surfboard
When most people think of or refer to a fish surfboard, they are likely referring to a short, wide, flat, and thicker-than-normal surfboard with a bit of volume and a fish-like swallow tail. These are some of the most common defining characteristics of a fish.
18 related questions foundWhen should I buy a fish surfboard?
Fish surfboards are ideal for slower, smaller waves, or mushy conditions. These boards are really versatile and can be used in all kinds of small to medium-sized waves. They are stable and have more volume than a regular shortboard. Some skilled surfers even ride their fish boards in hollow, overhead conditions.
Is a fish a good intermediate board?
The best shortboard designs for intermediate riders are called fish surfboards and grovelers. Both of these shortboard designs are great because they have ample volume and width. Shortboards with more volume will be easier for catching waves and offer you a more stable platform to stand on in the water.
Can you surf a fish in big waves?
It is possible to surf your normal board in fat waves. BUT it's a lot of work! This wave would be so much fun on a Fish. To get more planning area, you can surf a bigger board, a Mini-Mal or Longboard for example.
How tall should my fish surfboard be?
For beginners, it's recommended to surf a board up to 6 and 12 inches taller compared to the surfer's height. For intermediate and advanced surfers, we recommend surfing these boards 3 to 5 inches smaller than your height and adding 2-5 liters more than your normal shortboard.
How much volume should you have in a fish surfboard?
As a general rule, a beginner should be riding the equivalent of 100% of their body weight in volume. I.e. A beginner weighing 80kg should be riding a surfboard around 80 litres in volume. Alternatively, an experienced surfer can ride a surfboard that's 35% - 40% of their body weight in volume.
How short should I ride a fish surfboard?
Turning ordinary surf conditions into ripping fun with a fish surfboard. So if you're looking to get a fish surfboard the best rule of thumb is 2-6 inches shorter than your shortboard. Now if you're getting a fish as your first "shorter" board than go a little meatier.
What is the difference between a fish surfboard and a shortboard?
The fish is very similar to a shortboard but is smaller in length. The lack of length is made up for with an increase in the width of the board, giving it a slightly more rounded shape. Fish are generally between 4'8'' and 6'0''.
Is a fish a shortboard?
In essence a fish is short, thick, flat with two large fins facing almost dead ahead. A shortboard is a much more refined thruster design (it's had another 25 plus years of evolution).
Can you duck dive a fish surfboard?
The duck dive is usually done with shortboards, hybrid boards or small “fish” type surfboards. It's usually better to turtle roll when trying to pass the break with a bigger surfboard.
What is a hybrid fish surfboard?
The term hybrid surfboard is likened to a style of board that is becoming more popular, especially as more people open their minds and try them out. Two Boards Make One. The general hybrid as we know it now is the blending of the fish surfboard and a high performance shortboard.
How long should my foam surfboard be?
Foam surfboards can be found in 6 and 7ft (for kids and folks that are lighter) including 8 and 8ft versions. The smallest length for a regular adult to lean on is 8ft.
What are twin fins good for?
Blake Peters: Twin fins have great speed and flow and its a different style of surfing in general; a little more graceful and less aggressive. Twins are great if you are surfing somewhere that has a point break or a wave that lets you run and gives you some open face.
Who invented the fish surfboard?
The Fish, designed by San Diego kneeboarder Steve Lis in 1967, is one of the most versatile and enduring surfboard designs going.
Is a 6'6 surfboard good for beginners?
For kids under 12, something around the 7ft mark is ideal. If they're on the taller side, something around 6'6” or 6'2” in a fish surfboard. These are perfect for aiding progression in the early stages of learning.
Is a 7 6 surfboard good for beginners?
A good rule of thumb for beginner surfboards is to start with a longboard that is about 3 feet longer than your height. So if you're 5'6” to 6'0” tall, an 8'6” to 9'0” longboard would be pretty ideal. Is a 7ft surfboard good for beginners? Generally speaking, an 8 to 9-foot surfboard is good for beginners.
What are twin fin surfboards for?
Ideal Twin Fin Surfboard Conditions
Twin fins are perfect for big, hamburger waves that break slowly and weakly, but note that they will feel a little hard to control in steep, powerful waves. By lacking a middle fin, you face the chance of the surfboard slipping out in the most critical sections of the barrel/pocket.
What is a Malibu surfboard?
A Malibu is slightly shorter and narrower than its larger, longboard counterparts. Instead of 9' in length, a malibu will be somewhere from 7' to 8'6”. The width will be closer to 20″ across instead of 22-25″ wide longboards.
Should I get a shortboard or a fish?
Compared to fish boards, there isn't much of a difference in length, but there is a sizable difference in width and thickness. A shortboard tends to be much thinner and narrower. It's great for expert surfers who need to keep things light so they can glide over the waves, but it's not ideal for beginners.