What’s a Fish Surfboard Anyway & Why Would I Want One of Those Funny Shapes?

Fish surfboards or swallowtail surfboards refer to the tail setup of the surfboard. There are different types of fish surfboards from hybrid fish to retro fish and more. You could even have a fish tail on a longboard and you could still call it a fish surfboard.

Fish surfboards became popular back in the seventies as the world of surfing transitioned from 1 center fin to the world of more-than-one. The fish in today’s terms could have 2, 3, or 4 fins.

Fish Surfboard Tail

What makes a fish surfboard so fun and unique is that it combines a few elements. It combines the tail width and stability of a squash tail and the rail control of a pintail.

This makes the fish surfboard really easy to catch waves in small wave situations because of the wide template at the tail, but also provides great drive down line, which is very important when the waves are small. Because of this unique combination the fish surfboard makes an incredible transition surfboard for those wanting to transition from a longboard to a shorter surfboard.

Overall the fish surfboard is a blast in ankle to head high surf but lacks the hold-ability for overhead waves.

What is Surf Wax Used for and How do You Apply it?

Surfboard wax provides grip and traction for your feet on your surfboard. Surf wax also stops you from sliding off your board while paddling out to the waves. It is about essential to successful surfing as a surfboard and a decent wave. Of course, the other alternative to staying on your feet on your surfboard is surfboard traction pads but today we are talking about surf wax.

As the name would suggest surfboard wax is primarily made from bees wax and paraffin. Generally other substances are added to provide tropical fragrances (think coconut and the like). Read the rest of this entry »

Traction Pads. Do You Need Em?

Surfboards traction pads are designed to be stuck on the tail of your surfboard (back-end) to stop your back foot from sliding off. An alternative to a surfboard grip pad is surfboard wax. Basically you will need to use one or the other to keep yourself on the board. A surfboard without any kind of traction or grip is a bit like trying to walk on ice, you just ain’t going to stay on your feet. You will be sliding off the surfboard instead of sliding around on the wave. Read the rest of this entry »