Fish surfboards are quite common in the lineup, especially on small wave days. The term "fish" is applied to many types of surfboards however. So just what is a fish surfboard? There are two main types: Traditional Fish - Also called the retro-fish. Very wide surfboards (around 22 inches) at around 6ft in length. They are also quite thick, usually 2.75 to 3 inches. Sometimes these have twin deep keel fins, much like 1970's fish but more common today is to have a twinzer or quad fin setup (both 4 fin setups). Very good flotation for the length. Postmodern Fish - Closer in shape to a shortboard with some characteristics of the traditional fish. Wider than the standard thruster shortboard and ridden about 6 inches shorter. They are also slightly thicker than standard shortboards. Most still have the thruster tri-fin setup. Very good small wave performance boards but without the floation and wave catching ability of the wider traditional fish. Most shortboard riders would prefer a postmodern fish as a small wave surfboard. They will ride similar but give a little extra floation those smaller waves. Traditional fish are preferred for those looking for even more floation and a skatier feel. Tradional fish setup as quads can handle a wider variety of waves and can easily handle overhead surf. Neither type of fish are usually used for barreling waves. The epoxy version of these surfboards has become quite common today. They have even more flotation than their polyester (traditional material) counterpart, as well as having added strength, but sometimes don't have the same performance feel to them and tend to have less drive of the bottom turn. All fish are designed to be ridden short and anything over 6.5ft tends to get into "funboard" territory which has a different feel all together.About the Author:
Chris also runs Surfing Gear, an online surf guide and surf shop.