What Is a Fish Surfboard?
A fish surfboard is a short, wide, thick, and flat surfboard characterised by its distinctive swallow (or "fish") tail - a deep V-notch cut into the tail of the board that gives the design its name. Compared to a standard shortboard, a fish is noticeably wider through the nose and tail, carries significantly more volume, and sits flatter through the rocker (the curve from nose to tail).
The result is a board that paddles easily, generates speed quickly in slower surf, and feels loose and lively underfoot - a combination that has made the fish one of the most enjoyable boards to ride in a wide range of conditions.
A Brief History of the Fish
The fish shape was first developed in the late 1960s by San Diego kneeboarder Steve Lis, who was looking for a design that would perform in the powerful, hollow beach breaks of La Jolla Cove. His twin-fin "fish" - short, wide, with a swallow tail - became a local favourite.
The design gained broader recognition in the early 1970s when shortboard pioneer Skip Frye began shaping and riding fish-style boards on his feet, helping introduce the shape to stand-up surfing. Through the 1970s the fish became synonymous with California's laid-back, free-flowing surf culture.
By the 1980s, the thruster (three-fin shortboard) took over competitive surfing and the fish faded from the mainstream. But it never disappeared - and by the 2000s a massive retro revival brought the fish roaring back. Today it sits alongside the shortboard and longboard as one of surfing's three core shapes.
Anatomy of a Fish Surfboard
Understanding what makes a fish different from other boards comes down to five key design elements:
The split "V" tail increases drive and speed while allowing quick rail-to-rail transitions. It effectively creates two tail points, each acting like a pivot.
A flatter rocker (less curvature nose to tail) means more surface area in contact with the water, translating to faster paddling and earlier wave entry.
A fish is noticeably wider than a shortboard - particularly through the nose and tail - giving it extra volume and stability without adding length.
Despite being short, a fish carries more foam than a comparable shortboard. This extra float makes it easier to paddle and catch smaller, mushier waves.
Most fish are ridden as twin fins (two side fins, no centre fin) - the classic setup. Quad fins (four fins) are a popular modern variation that adds drive and hold.
A fish is typically ridden 2–6 inches shorter than a surfer's usual shortboard, compensating for the extra width and volume to maintain manoeuvrability.
Fish vs Shortboard: What's the Difference?
The fish and the shortboard are both performance surfboards, but they're designed for very different conditions and styles of surfing. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Fish Surfboard | Shortboard |
|---|---|---|
| Best wave size | 1–4 ft (small to medium) Great | 3–8 ft (medium to large) Great |
| Paddling ease | Easy - extra volume helps a lot | Harder - low volume, less float |
| Wave catching | Earlier entry in weak surf | Later entry, needs steeper waves |
| Speed generation | Excellent in small/mushy surf | Better in powerful/steep waves |
| Turning | Loose, flowing, wide arcs | Tight, snappy, vertical moves |
| Big wave performance | Limited - flat rocker = hard to control | Better suited to powerful surf |
| Skill level | Intermediate–Advanced | Intermediate–Advanced |
What Waves Is a Fish Best For?
The fish was built for small, weak surf - and it absolutely excels there. Its flat rocker and high volume allow it to generate speed and glide through sections that would bog down a shortboard. But it's not a one-trick pony.
(1–3 ft)
The fish's natural home. Generates speed where shortboards struggle.
(2–4 ft)
Fast down-the-line surfing, wide snappy turns - pure fun.
(2–5 ft)
Works well on longer, slower walls. Less suited to steep sections.
(2–4 ft)
Extra volume helps power through chop that kills a shortboard's momentum.
(5 ft+)
Flat rocker and loose tail can become unpredictable in powerful waves.
Better to reach for a shortboard or step-up in serious conditions.
Who Should Ride a Fish Surfboard?
The fish is most commonly recommended for intermediate surfers - those who can already read waves, paddle efficiently, and perform basic turns. That said, it suits a wide range of surfers for different reasons:
- You surf small, weak waves often - the fish will make those sessions dramatically more fun.
- You're an intermediate surfer wanting more speed and flow without jumping to a longboard.
- You want a second board - the fish is the perfect complement to a shortboard quiver.
- You're an experienced surfer looking for variety - the twin-fin feel is a completely different (and addictive) surfing experience.
- You're a heavier surfer who struggles to paddle a shortboard - the extra volume of a fish makes a noticeable difference.
The fish is generally not recommended as a first surfboard for complete beginners. While it's easier to paddle than a shortboard, it's still a performance shape that requires some basic surfing skill to ride well. New surfers are better served starting on a softboard or mini mal before transitioning to a fish.
Twin Fin vs Quad Fin Fish - Which to Choose?
The fin setup dramatically changes how a fish feels and performs:
Twin Fin
The original and most classic fish setup. Two fins (no centre fin) creates a very loose, free, skatey feel. The board pivots easily, surfs with a flowing, drawn-out style, and generates a unique speed that's hard to replicate. The trade-off is slightly less hold on steeper waves - twin fins can feel "slidey" in powerful conditions.
Quad Fin
Four fins (two larger fins on the rails, two smaller trailers) give the fish significantly more drive and hold while retaining much of the speed. Quads track better down the line and feel more predictable in hollow or faster surf. Many surfers run their fish as a quad when the waves have a bit more punch to them.
If you're buying a fish for the first time, look for a board with a fin box system (FCS or Futures) that allows you to switch between twin and quad setups. This gives you one board that works across a wider range of conditions without needing two separate boards.
How to Choose the Right Size Fish
Fish surfboards are typically sized 2–6 inches shorter than a surfer's standard shortboard, but because they're wider and thicker, the overall volume stays similar or higher. The right size depends on your weight, skill level, and the wave conditions you surf most often.
| Surfer Weight | Beginner / Progressing | Intermediate / Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| 50–65 kg | 5'8″ – 6'0″ | 5'4″ – 5'8″ |
| 65–80 kg | 6'0″ – 6'4″ | 5'8″ – 6'0″ |
| 80–95 kg | 6'4″ – 6'10″ | 6'0″ – 6'6″ |
| 95 kg+ | 6'10″ – 7'6″ | 6'6″ – 7'0″ |
When in doubt, err on the side of slightly more volume - especially if you mostly surf smaller, weaker waves. You can always size down as your confidence with the shape grows.
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