oldfishheads

OK, OK…This sight has convinced me to go for it and get a traditional keel finned fish (I’ve tried one twice…fun!)…what are the advantages and drawbacks both frontside and backside?..at what size surf do you put it away in exchange for your more ‘conventional’ craft? At 6’3", 190 lbs and never having ridden anything under 6"2" (YEARS AGO), how would you direct me with length, specs? thanks…

Joe, If you are confident with your backhand, the fish is no different than any other board. Several things to consider: To get the most from the fish, you must skate it up and down the wave, this is how you get termendous speed. Second, the longer the wave (Rincon, San O), the better suited it is for the fish. You could easily ride it up to a couple of feet overhead. I have found that the fish has been my most versatile board for the many different conditions I ride here in Santa Monica. At 200lbs, I ride a 6’x21x3 but I have been working down to that size over the years, and must keep in shape. Hope that helps. SteveA http://www.surfenginez.com/

I have a 6.3 Brom fish and another one (6 foot) is almost done right now. I ride this board in almost every thing all the time. There very fast, great for round house cutbacks at full speed, paddling great because of the floatation, not restricted to small surf. The down side that might be: you have to get used to only two fins in the beginning and making the drop in fast hollow waves is a bit harder. (once your riding a hollow wave is no problem at all). Personally much more up and almost no downers, got a smile on my face when I’m driving home. Peter Rijk.