Buying guide
Best fish surfboards for small waves (2026)
Five fish surfboards that turn weak, mushy days into fun sessions, plus how to size one.
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Quick answer
A fish is the best board for small, weak waves once you can ride along the face. Ride it 2–6 inches shorter than your normal shortboard, with a little more volume. Our top pick is the Firewire Seaside for its speed and easy paddling.
Not sure about size? Use the board finder →Our picks at a glance
| Category | Board | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Firewire Seaside | Intermediate surfers in knee-to-chest-high waves |
| Most playful | Lost RNF ’96 | Surfers who want a loose, skatey board for small days |
| Best twin-fin fish | Channel Islands Fishbeard | Surfers who love the twin-fin feel |
| Best for weak waves | Firewire Too Fish | Very small, soft waves and heavier riders |
| Best for progressing surfers | Lost Puddle Fish | Surfers moving down from a mid-length |
What is a fish surfboard?
A fish is a short, wide and fairly flat board, usually with a swallow tail (a “V” cut into the tail) and twin or quad fins. It was created in the 1960s and 70s for small waves, and it is still one of the most fun boards you can ride when the surf is weak.
- Speed: the flat bottom and wide outline let the board plane and keep moving where a shortboard would bog down.
- Easy paddling: extra width and volume make it easier to catch small waves.
- Loose, playful feel: twin and quad fins make the board feel skatey and fun.
A fish is not a first board. It works best once you can stand up easily and ride along the face of a wave.
The best fish surfboards
Firewire Seaside
The Seaside is one of the most popular small-wave boards around. It is fast, easy to paddle and works with quad or twin fins, so it adapts to a wide range of small-wave conditions.
- Very fast in small waves
- Easy to paddle and catch waves
- Quad setup holds well
- Can feel loose in bigger surf
- Short sizes need careful volume choice
Best for: Intermediate surfers in knee-to-chest-high waves
Lost RNF ’96
The RNF (round nose fish) is a modern classic. Its rounded nose and compact outline make it quick to turn, which keeps it fun even when the waves have almost no push.
- Quick, tight turns
- Compact and easy to swing around
- Fun in weak waves
- Less glide than longer fish
- Rewards some experience
Best for: Surfers who want a loose, skatey board for small days
Channel Islands Fishbeard
The Fishbeard pairs a classic twin-fin fish feel with modern refinements. It draws long, fast lines and feels smooth through turns.
- Classic twin-fin speed
- Smooth through turns
- Good on clean, peeling waves
- Twin fins take time to get used to
- Less hold in steep waves
Best for: Surfers who love the twin-fin feel
Firewire Too Fish
The Too Fish is short and wide, with a lot of volume for its length. That makes it a strong choice for the weakest, fattest waves of the year.
- Lots of volume for its size
- Easy wave catching
- Lively and fun
- Very short, so size by volume
- Not meant for powerful surf
Best for: Very small, soft waves and heavier riders
Lost Puddle Fish
The Puddle Fish brings the forgiving feel of Lost’s small-wave boards to a fish outline. It is a friendly option for surfers moving down from a mid-length or funboard.
- Forgiving and stable
- Easy to paddle
- Good step down from a mid-length
- Less performance than a pure fish
- Pick a size with enough volume
Best for: Surfers moving down from a mid-length
Twin fin vs. quad fin fish
- Twin fin: the classic fish setup. It feels fast, loose and skatey, and it is great in small, clean waves. It can slide out in steep or bigger surf.
- Quad fin: four fins give more hold and drive down the line. It feels fast but more controlled, and it handles a wider range of waves.
Many fish come with fin boxes that let you switch setups, so you can try both.
How to choose a fish
Length
Ride a fish 2–6 inches shorter than your normal shortboard. If you usually ride a 6’0″, a 5’6″–5’10” fish is a good starting point.
Volume
Fish carry more volume than a shortboard of the same length. Intermediate surfers should look for about 0.45–0.5 liters per kilogram of body weight. Advanced surfers can go a little lower. See our surfboard size guide for the full method.
Tail shape
A deep swallow tail feels loose and pivots easily. A shallower swallow or a “fish tail” with less cut holds a bit better at speed.
Rocker
Flat rocker is fast and great in weak waves. A little more rocker in the nose helps when the waves get steeper.
Fish size chart
| Your weight | IntermediateTurning on the face | AdvancedLinking turns |
|---|---|---|
| 100–130 lb | 5’0″–5’4″24–26 L | 5’0″–5’2″21–23 L |
| 130–160 lb | 5’2″–5’6″30–33 L | 5’2″–5’4″26–29 L |
| 160–190 lb | 5’4″–5’8″36–40 L | 5’4″–5’6″31–35 L |
| 190–220 lb | 5’6″–5’10”42–47 L | 5’6″–5’8″37–41 L |
| 220–250 lb | 5’8″–6’0″49–54 L | 5’8″–5’10”43–47 L |
Fish shapes vary a lot. Always compare the liters, not only the length.
Fish vs. hybrid: which is better for you?
Both are built for small waves, but they feel different. A fish is flatter and looser, with twin or quad fins and a swallow tail. A hybrid (or groveler) feels more like a shortboard with extra width, and usually turns tighter in the pocket.
Choose a fish if you love speed and long, flowing lines. Choose a hybrid if you want shortboard-style turns on small days. If you are still building your skills, a mid-length may be a better next step.
Frequently asked questions
Are fish surfboards good for beginners?
A fish is not a good first board. It works best once you can stand up easily and ride along the face. Beginners progress faster on a soft top or mid-length.
How short should my fish be?
Ride a fish 2–6 inches shorter than your normal shortboard, with a bit more volume. Fish carry their volume in width, so they float well even when short.
Can you surf a fish in big waves?
Fish are designed for small to medium waves. In steep or overhead surf, a twin-fin fish can slide out. A quad fish holds better, but a shortboard or step-up is usually the better choice.
Twin or quad fins on a fish?
Twin fins feel loose and fast in small, clean waves. Quad fins add hold and drive, so they work in a wider range of conditions.
What volume should a fish surfboard have?
Intermediate surfers should look for about 0.45–0.5 liters per kilogram of body weight. A 175 lb (79 kg) intermediate surfer would look for about 36–40 liters.
Is a fish the right board for you?
Answer four quick questions and our board finder will size your board in liters and match it to the waves you surf.
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