At a glance
Quick facts
Fit check
Is a fish right for you?
Honest prompts — not a scored quiz. If several apply, this shape is worth researching.
- Love retro surf style?Classic feel and flow
- Want speed in small waves?Fast down the line
- Enjoy playful boards?Loose and skatey
- Looking for something different?Alternative to shortboards
Still unsure? Take the skill assessment or run Match Me.
Shape overview
About fish boards
A technical guide to the fish surfboard for shapers and surfers. Explore how low-entry rocker, wide-point forward outlines, and deep swallow tails produce exceptional planing speed and a distinct, skatey feel. This breakdown covers fin setups (twin vs. quad) and their influence on drive, hold, and pivot.
Fish surfboards blend vintage design with modern performance, offering speed and flow in smaller conditions with a unique riding experience.
Works well when
- Great for small waves
- Fun and loose feel
- Speed down the line
- Classic surf feel
Trade-offs
- Less drive in big surf
- Can feel skatey in steep waves
Local marketplace
Custom boards from local shapers
Listings on Sticks today — browse shapers in your region, then contact them directly. Strongest coverage in NZ and Australia.
Custom boards from local shapers
Hand-shaped boards from experienced shapers in your region. Open worldwide — deepest listings in NZ and Australia; growing in Brazil, Spain, and South America.
3 custom boards from local shapers
Catalog
Fish boards on Sticks
Search and compare retail models in the catalog — or scroll to custom shapers above.
Flame Fish
JS Industries
The Flame Fish is designed for surfers who want to get the most out of even the weakest conditions. ...
$600-900
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Sampler
Channel Islands
Take your good wave game to conditions that are not. The Sampler was developed with Dane Reynolds to...
$600-900
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Rocket Wide
Channel Islands
The Rocket Wide has been one of our most versatile and popular boards and this new version brings a ...
$600-900
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FishBeard
Channel Islands
The FishBeard is pure business in the front and all party in the back. Get forward on this user-frie...
$600-900
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Feb's Fish
Channel Islands
Our Feb's Fish is the latest result of Michael February's never-ending curiosity for exploring new l...
$600-900
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SEASIDE & BEYOND
Firewire
Rob Machado on the Seaside & Beyond, "I’ve really been wanting to play around with some lo...
$600-900
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Learn about fish boards
Background
Design history
The fish originated in the 1970s as a playful alternative to shortboards; modern fishes blend speed with maneuverability.
Answers
Common questions
What is a fish surfboard?
Fish surfboards blend vintage design with modern performance, offering speed and flow in smaller conditions with a unique riding experience.
Who should ride a fish?
Experience the classic fish feel - fast, loose, and playful boards perfect for small to medium waves with retro style.
What waves suit a fish best?
Typical length: 5'0" - 6'0" | Volume: 26-36L | Best for: Small to medium waves
Keep exploring
Related guides
Ready to pick a fish?
Search catalog boards, compare your shortlist, or contact a local shaper about your home break.