I finally got my hands on a something fishy surfboard last week, and honestly, the hype is pretty real. If you've been hanging around any surf breaks lately, you've probably noticed that "mid-length" and "fish" shapes are absolutely everywhere. There's a good reason for it. We aren't all pro surfers competing on the world tour, and most of the time, the waves we're actually riding are kind of well, mediocre. That's where a board like this really shines.
I've spent most of my life struggling on thin, potato-chip shortboards because I thought that's what "real" surfing looked like. But after a few sessions on this thing, I'm starting to realize I've been making life way harder than it needs to be. There is something specifically fun about the way a fish handles—it's fast, it's loose, and it makes you look like you know what you're doing even when you're just cruising.
What Makes This Shape Different?
The first thing you notice when you pick up the something fishy surfboard is the volume. It's got that classic wide nose and a beautiful swallow tail that just screams "paddle power." Unlike a standard shortboard that sinks the moment you stop moving, this board has a lot of surface area.
What I love about it is the flat rocker. If you aren't a gear nerd, "rocker" just refers to how much the board curves from nose to tail. A flat rocker means the board wants to go fast in a straight line. It doesn't push water; it skims over it. This is a game-changer when the waves are a bit gutless or crumbly. Instead of bogging down in the flats, you just keep gliding.
The rails are also worth mentioning. They're usually a bit softer and fuller, which makes the board feel stable. You don't have to worry about catching an edge as easily as you would on a high-performance blade. It's forgiving, and let's be real, we could all use a little more forgiveness in our lives.
The Joy of the Glide
Surfing this board feels less like "attacking" the wave and more like "dancing" with it. I took it out to a local point break on a day that was maybe chest-high and a little soft. Usually, on my 6'0 shortboard, I'd be pumping like crazy just to stay in the pocket.
On the something fishy surfboard, I just stood there. I dropped in, did one bottom turn, and the board did the rest of the work. It generates so much natural speed because of that twin-fin or quad-fin setup. I personally prefer it as a quad because it gives me a bit more grip when I'm trying to push through a turn, but a lot of purists swear by the twin-fin for that classic "skatey" feel.
There's this sensation of weightlessness when you're on a well-shaped fish. You can feel the water moving under the board rather than fighting against it. It's addictive. I found myself staying out an extra hour just because I was having so much fun catching waves that I would have normally paddled past.
Paddling is Half the Battle
Let's talk about the part of surfing everyone hates: paddling. If you aren't in peak marathon-runner shape, paddling out through the surf can be a nightmare. Because this board has so much foam distributed under your chest, you move through the water like a boat.
I noticed I was getting into waves two or three strokes earlier than the guys on their narrow thrusters. Getting into a wave early is the biggest advantage you can have. It gives you time to set your line, look down the beach, and decide what you want to do before the section even starts to break. It takes a lot of the stress out of the takeoff.
Who is it Actually For?
You might be wondering if you're "ready" for a board like this, or if it's too advanced. Honestly, I think almost anyone can enjoy a something fishy surfboard.
- For Beginners: If you're transitioning off a longboard or a foamie, this is a great "first shortboard." It's stable enough that you won't fall off every time you try to stand up, but it's small enough to start learning how to turn.
- For Intermediate Surfers: This is the ultimate "fun" board. It'll help you refine your style and teach you how to use your rails rather than just relying on your fins.
- For Pros: Even the guys who rip use shapes like this on smaller days. It keeps things fresh and helps prevent burnout when the conditions aren't perfect.
It's really about a mindset shift. If you're obsessed with doing vertical snaps and 360 airs, this might not be your primary board. But if you want to maximize your wave count and have a smile on your face, it's hard to beat.
Setting Up Your Fins
I mentioned this briefly, but the fin setup on a something fishy surfboard really changes the personality of the ride. Most of these boards come with five fin boxes so you can experiment.
If you go with twins (two big fins), the board will feel very loose. It'll want to slide around a bit, which is fun for drawing long, soulful lines. It's that classic 70s vibe.
If you go with a quad setup (four fins), you get more "drive." The board feels more locked into the face of the wave. This is my go-to when the waves have a bit more size or if the conditions are a bit choppy. It gives you that extra bit of confidence when you're leaning into a hard turn. I wouldn't recommend a thruster (three fin) setup for this specific shape, as it kind of kills the "fishy" magic.
Final Thoughts on the Vibe
At the end of the day, surfing is supposed to be fun. Sometimes we get so caught up in the technical side of things or the "culture" of looking cool that we forget why we started doing it in the first place.
The something fishy surfboard reminds me of that original excitement. It looks cool on the rack, it looks even cooler on a wave, and it turns a mediocre day into a memorable one. It's not about being the best person out there; it's about catching the most waves and feeling that flow.
If you're looking for a new addition to your quiver, I'd highly suggest giving one of these a try. It's definitely changed the way I look at the forecast. Now, instead of sighing when I see 2-foot waves, I'm actually getting excited because I know I have the perfect tool for the job. Just be prepared—once you start riding a fish, it's really hard to go back to anything else. There's just something about that glide that gets under your skin in the best way possible.