What’s a fish surfboard anyway and 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 surfboards to retro fish surfboards 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 surfboard in today’s terms could have 2, 3, or 4 fins.

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 longer surfboard 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.

To get more information on fish surfboards and other types of surfboard shapes and designs fill out the form below for a special guide, “Surfboard Buyers Guide.”

In this guide you will learn exactly what type of surfboard is perfect for you. We will help you pick the length, width, thickness, shape, fin setup… I think you get the point. If all the differences of surfboard shapes and how they apply to you and your style seem confusing then don’t hesitate use the form below and request you guide now.