Fish Surf: Fast and Versatile Boards for Small Waves

Q: What is a fish surfboard?

A fish is a surfboard that is generally short and wide , often recognizable by its swallowtail shape at the back. Traditional shapes prioritize speed and smooth curves, while modern fish can offer a more versatile performance. The width, rocker, rails, and fins influence both the sensations and the term "fish."

Q: What size and volume should you choose for a fish?

Choose based on your weight, skill level, how often you surf and the waves you ride . Compare length, width, thickness and volume, then check the model’s recommendations. A traditional fish is often ridden in a compact size, but this rule doesn’t apply to every shape. Avoid automatically choosing a board shorter than your current one without comparing their specs. Before going shorter, take the time to compare length, width and volume to keep paddling comfortable for the way you surf.

Q: Are all fish equipped with two fins?

No. The term fish refers to a family of shapes, not a mandatory number of fins. Depending on the model, the board can be designed for a twin fin, thruster, quad, or multiple configurations. Check the product sheet: the presence of five boxes does not necessarily mean that the board must be surfed with five fins simultaneously.

Q: What is the difference between a fish twin fin, thruster, and quad?

A twin fin , with two fins, generally offers a free feeling and smooth curves. A thruster , with three fins, provides a behavior that is often more controlled in direction changes. A quad , with four fins, can combine speed and grip. The result also depends on the placement of the boxes, the fins, and the shape: use only the configurations intended for your board.

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The fish surf: the board that brings life back to small waves

When the conditions become less powerful, many surfers naturally pull out their fish from the quiver. Designed to maintain speed and fluidity where other boards struggle to accelerate, the Fish Surf allows you to fully enjoy summer sessions and shallow waves. Its generous volume, significant width, and characteristic swallow tail make it one of the most enjoyable shapes to ride when you're primarily looking for fun and glide time.

Unlike more radical boards, the fish doesn't require perfect conditions to shine. It offers excellent paddling capability, takes off quickly, and maintains a natural speed that often transforms an average session into a great time spent in the water.

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A different approach to surfing

The fish appeals to surfers who seek more fluidity than radicality. While some boards prioritize explosive maneuvers, the fish invites you to draw longer curves, exploit the wave's speed, and surf with more relaxation.

It's a board that particularly suits intermediate surfers looking to progress while maintaining comfort. Riders seeking more ease can also discover the Funboards or Softboards, while performance-oriented practitioners will naturally gravitate towards the Shortboards.

The twin fin: the soul of the fish

A large part of a fish's character comes from its fin configuration. Historically associated with the twin fin, this type of setup provides a unique sense of freedom with plenty of speed in soft sections and particularly smooth gliding in turns.

The choice of Surf Fins allows for significant refinement of the board's behavior. Depending on the chosen setup, it is possible to prioritize drive, grip, or speed to adapt the fish to your riding style.

A board that lasts a long time

At HawaiiSurf, we often find that a fish is one of the few boards that surfers keep for many years. Even as skill levels progress, it retains its place in the quiver thanks to its ability to make small waves fun and accessible.

Paired with good Surf Pads, a suitable Surf Wax, and reliable Surf Leashes, it often becomes the board you take out most frequently throughout the year.

The HawaiiSurf expertise since 1976

For fifty years, HawaiiSurf has been supporting sliding enthusiasts in choosing their gear. Our selection of fish surf boards is based on field experience gained from the waves of the Atlantic coast, where conditions constantly vary with the seasons.

We prioritize shapes that can offer maximum fun in the conditions actually encountered by the majority of surfers. Because a good fish is not just a board for small waves: it's often the one that allows you to multiply sessions and enjoy each day spent in the water even more.

Pourquoi choisir un Fish Surf ?

Les Fish Surf sont conçus pour offrir un maximum de vitesse, de relance et de fluidité dans les petites vagues. Plus larges et plus volumineuses que certaines Planches de Surf performance, ces boards permettent de surfer facilement dans des conditions estivales et peu puissantes.

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Des boards parfaites pour les petites vagues

Grâce à leur outline généreux et leur excellente capacité de rame, les modèles issus de notre collection Fish Surf permettent de générer facilement de la vitesse dans les vagues molles. Les riders recherchant davantage de polyvalence pourront également découvrir nos collections Funboards et Softboards.

Les surfeurs qui souhaitent un surf plus radical et plus nerveux pourront ensuite s’orienter vers des modèles inspirés des collections Shortboards ou Longboards selon leur style de glisse.

Le setup idéal pour votre fish

Complétez votre équipement avec notre sélection de Dérives Surf, de Leashs Surf et de Housses de Surf afin d’optimiser les performances de votre board et protéger votre matériel après chaque session.

FAQ – How to Choose Your Fish Surfboard

What is a fish surfboard?

A fish is a surfboard that is generally short and wide, often recognizable by its swallowtail shape at the back. Traditional shapes prioritize speed and smooth curves, while modern fish can offer a more versatile performance. The width, rocker, rails, and fins influence both the sensations and the term "fish."

Why choose a fish for small waves?

A generously shaped fish can help you build speed and keep gliding through weaker sections. It’s a popular choice for surfers who want to enjoy small waves on a compact board. Its performance still depends on the model and your technique: some fish excel in soft waves, while others need a more defined wave to come into their own. If you’re torn between a fish and a longer board, our guide helps you choose between a fish, funboard and longboard for small waves based on your skill level and the conditions.

Is a fish surfboard suitable for beginners?

A short fish generally isn’t the first choice for learning to surf. Its width and volume aren’t enough to give it the stability of a larger beginner board. For your first sessions, go for a beginner-friendly foam board. Some longer, higher-volume fish boards can then help you progress, once you’ve mastered take-offs and riding your first lines. To understand which features make catching your first waves easier, discover which board to choose to learn to surf.

What size and volume should you choose for a fish?

Choose based on your weight, skill level, how often you surf and the waves you ride. Compare length, width, thickness and volume, then check the model’s recommendations. A traditional fish is often ridden in a compact size, but this rule doesn’t apply to every shape. Avoid automatically choosing a board shorter than your current one without comparing their specs. Before going shorter, take the time to compare length, width and volume to keep paddling comfortable for the way you surf.

What is the difference between a traditional fish and a hybrid fish?

A traditional fish typically has a wide outline, a subtle rocker, and a pronounced swallow tail, often paired with a twin fin setup. A hybrid fish combines some of these elements with features inspired by shortboards to enhance maneuverability or broaden the conditions of use. These terms remain flexible: the description of the shape and the recommended waves are the best guidelines for selection.

Are all fish equipped with two fins?

No. The term fish refers to a family of shapes, not a mandatory number of fins. Depending on the model, the board can be designed for a twin fin, thruster, quad, or multiple configurations. Check the product sheet: the presence of five boxes does not necessarily mean that the board must be surfed with five fins simultaneously.

What is the difference between a fish twin fin, thruster, and quad?

A twin fin, with two fins, generally offers a free feeling and smooth curves. A thruster, with three fins, provides a behavior that is often more controlled in direction changes. A quad, with four fins, can combine speed and grip. The result also depends on the placement of the boxes, the fins, and the shape: use only the configurations intended for your board.

Fish or shortboard: which board to choose?

Choose a fish if you're looking for smooth gliding and speed, especially in weaker waves with a suitable model. A performance-oriented shortboard generally favors quick direction changes and maneuvers in more formed waves. However, some modern fish and shortboards for small waves are quite similar in their uses: compare the models rather than just the categories.

Can you surf hollow waves with a fish?

Some fish can work in fast and hollow waves in the hands of an experienced surfer. Others are more suited for mellow waves. The rocker, rails, tail, and fin setup determine the limits of the model. For use primarily in hollow waves, refer to the recommended conditions rather than choosing solely based on volume.

What is the difference between a rigid fish and a soft-coated fish?

The difference mainly concerns the outer coating and construction. A soft-top fish can provide a more comfortable contact, but it is not automatically designed for learning to surf. As with a rigid version, check the recommended level, dimensions, and the board's program. The shape remains crucial for paddling ease, stability, and maneuverability.

What fins to choose for your fish surfboard?

Check first the mounting system and recommended setup, then choose a size suitable for your weight. For a thin twin, keels and more vertical fins offer different sensations: the former generally favor grip in turns, while the latter allow for shorter direction changes. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and check if the fins are already included with the board.

Can we get a discount on a fish and fins?

The HawaiiSurf surf pack offer allows you to benefit from a 5% immediate discount on the purchase of a board and a set of fins, excluding already discounted products. Choose fins compatible with your fish and check the discount displayed in your cart before finalizing your order.