I’m interested to hear people’s experiences with fish type boards for both kneeboarding and stand up surfing. What waves do they work in, how fast and loose etc? I’d like to add a fish to my quiver because I’ve heard there are real fast in mushy waves. Any suggestions on one that could be used as both a kneeboard and stand up surf board? I’d like to hear people’s comments on the feasibility of this. Cheers
James, There are tons of info on fish in the archives. Check it out. Fish are down the line speed machines in this man’s opinion. A mushy wave is a mushy wave on any board. Mike
I dont have a ‘real’ fish but I have been riding a 6’ 21.5 inch wide swallow tail stinger in surf under head high. I was looking for a way to solve the same problem you describe - what to do when its small or mushy, and not really wanting to resort to a longboard. Unlike my potato chip thrusters, the stinger does indees catch and ride little soft waves easily, glides over flat sections well, and makes fun out of nothing. Mine is also really thick (3.25) and floats like a little cork, so Im not stuck on the inside waiting for leftovers that longboarders let by. Its great for those waist to chest high high tide sessions when the waves are going in slow motion. In my opinion it is a necessity in the quiver.
James, I ride mine in fast, hollow beach break from knee to a couple feet over-head. They are not limited to small, soft, mushy, waves. They do catch waves easier than the standard “potatoe chip” thruster, however. Get one or build one. Mike.
Are there “retro” fish designs that work as both a kneeboard and stand up board. What length should I go for. Also what fin placement and system would you guys recommend? Cheers!
depending on your size.the fins further forward for standup and make the board no bigger than 6ft and a little thicker. It will be a compromise on both ends.
not wanting to ride a longboard??? man get a life … the longboard should be part of every surfers quiver just like a shortboard should part of a longboarders quiver . a longboard will enhance your shortboarding. and a shortboard will help your longboarding. you got no idea how practical a longboard is somedays . i consider myself a surfer regardless of what i may be riding on the day. your probably the guy bitching 30-40 something im never gonna ride a longboard they for kooks ,while im in the line up on a tiny day racking up wave after wave ,while you sit there frustrated coz you cant get a wave or get going for lack of power ,and bitch about mal riders … when in reality your riding the wrong equipment on the wrong day… sorry if thats sounds a little heavy but ive been there and a longboard will solve your problem,simple as that regards BERT
Bert- I do ride a longboard!!! Don’t rag on me. One of my fave boards is my 9’2. This is my board of choice when its small and clean. I’d like the fish to surf when its mushy and endless duckdiving. I like to surf all boards in all conditions- including when its so junky that not many people would consider surfing. For me its about getting out there and having FUN, whether you’re on a longboard, shortboard, fish, kneeboard, bodyboard or no board!
Bert preach the longboard brother. Your the man. I’ll straight out tell you. I’m a skimboarder. 54" x 20 7/8" x 11/16" the nose thinned to 1/2" tail thinned to 5/8 with a 1/8" of tail rocker, 2 1/2" of nose rocker with the sweetest Greek rails shaped by Brad Evers. When I’m not skimming I reach for my longboard. Although my August WII isn’t the best board for where I live and all my skimmer friends laugh me. Couldn’t care less. My longboard has made me a much better skimmer. O-yeah, Bert I totaly agree and your idea that a longboarder should shortboard also. I have a Hobie Slug Fish. God what a twichy board. Having some troules switching from a long board or even a skimmer to this thing. It just turns so damn sharp. But, lessions learned will pay off. Guess I’m just bored. Also before you chuckle about skimming just try to ride 4-6 foot shorepound with no fins. Will teach you how to use your rail.
no problems james,guess i jumped the gun a bit quick there,sorry dude… odave i started a skim board about 3 months ago but it turned into one of those unfinished projects,suppose i should finish it and have some fun… james ,about your small wave board ,plenty of width,widest point back,hard edges,tucked under edge into nose ,dont go to flat in the rocker ,that will kill it in tight little pockets ,no concave or v or any bottom contours keep it flat ,and you dont need rail thickness ,that will just make it unresponsive… regards BERT