I have been running the first board I shaped for over two weeks and loving it. Now I want a fish shape.
Me:
6’0 165lbs 47yrs intermediate
Currently running a board based on the Lost Quiver Killer stretched out to 6’8 x 21 x 2 3/4 around 40L.
Goals for Fish:
SPEED
Easy Paddling
Flow
Hopefully work in multiple wave types
I have read that with Retro fish shapes that the backhand side can be difficult to turn on but with more modern fish shapes like the CI Feb Fish with more tail rocker it can be easier to maneuver. I want a board that will generate its own speed and paddle into smaller waves while being able to handle up to head high or so. I am intermediate and surf mainly waist to head high with a mix of points and some beach breaks thrown in. Definitely want something that will work in beach breaks and I travel so something that will work in multiple scenarios.
I mocked up the following
CI Feb Fish 6’1 x 21 1/2 x 3 (43.8L)- nose rocker 4.89” tail 1.95”
Lost RNF 96 5’11 x 21.5 x 3 (43.7L) nose 4.56 tail 2.78 (this seems like alot of flip in the tail)
Album Vesper 6’2
I have a 6’2 SBF Epoxy blank on hand with 2 1/4 tail rocker and 4 1/2 nose rocker albeit with a 3.5” thickness at the waist. Nose and tail are 2” plus thickness.
I was thinking to go Retro at first until I read about issues with turning backside which I have issues with already. I know the board will not magically turn me into Mikey Febs. I also mocked up a Christenson but he said it has issues backhand although it is fast. I am currently surfing in the land of lefts in the southern hemisphere but have been to Costa Rica and hope to travel more in Central America and the Pacific coast and hopefully visit a friend that moved to Oahu this year. Suggestions are very welcome!!!
I would look at what the various surfboard manufacturer’s recommended length is for your size.
From Harbour Surfboards;
“A Fish shape is not for beginners, as some skill is needed to make it work. Surfing a Fish is almost like riding a skateboard on water. They have very little rocker, and a width that is almost as wide as a contemporary board that is 3 feet longer. There is lots of curve in the front half of the outline with the tail area becoming much straighter. And it has a wide swallow. Hey, this is not your normal approach to making surfboards. These boards float well for their size, but to remain true to their design concept it is recommended to stay within the 5-6 and 6-6 size range. These boards are for waves in the waist to head high range, although this does not restrict someone from pushing these numbers.”
In the past, tail Vee was added to the Retro Fish. Basically, this just gave fins cant. These days, adding cant to fins alone (no tail Vee) accomplishes the same objective. Fin cant for Retro Fish runs from 3-5 degrees.
As Dr. Hendricks points out on page 2, paragraph 2 of his Surfer Magazine article, “Part II: Pressure” (link below), Vee in the tail reduces tail lift.
