History of Fish Surfboard: Design and Evolution of a Classic
Discover the history, design, and evolution of the fish surfboard, a classic and versatile model for both small waves and fast, hollow surf. created in 1967 by San Diego kneeboarder Steve Lis, is one of the most influential and enduring surfboard designs in history.
What is a Fish Surfboard?
Originally designed for kneeboarding in hollow and fast reef breaks, the fish is recognized for being short, wide, thick, with a flat rocker, swallow tail, and twin keel fins.
Over time, this design became popular among stand-up surfers, first in small and weak waves, and later in more powerful conditions thanks to shapers and surfers who saw its potential. Today, the term fish surfboard refers to almost any shortboard with high volume, a wide nose, and a swallow tail — remaining one of the most versatile and fun boards to ride.
History of the Fish Surfboard
The late 1960s were a golden era of surfboard experimentation. Surfers were building their own boards, sparking innovation and radical new designs. In this context, Steve Lis introduced the first fish surfboard, aiming to solve personal performance issues with his kneeboards.
First recognition (1972)
The fish gained global attention when Jim Blears and David Nuuhiwa placed 1st and 2nd at the 1972 World Surfing Championships in San Diego using Lis-inspired boards. Their success in small waves made the fish surfboard an overnight sensation, though it also earned a reputation as a small-wave board.
The Mark Richards revolution (1976–1982)
In 1976, Hawaiian Reno Abellira introduced his fish to Mark Richards. Richards modified it by making it longer, narrowing the tail, and replacing the keel fins with more upright twin fins. His version, the MR Twin Fin, dominated professional surfing, leading him to win four consecutive world titles (1979–1982).
The 1990s revival
In the 1990s, Matt Biolos of Lost Surfboards revived the concept with his 5’5” x 19 ¼” Round Nose Fish. This modern interpretation sparked a new trend of short, wide, high-volume boards. It also opened the door to further innovations like quad fin setups and narrower tails, adapting the fish design to more radical, high-performance surfing.
Fish Surfboard Design and Features
The fish surfboard design was intended to balance speed, flotation, and maneuverability. Key features include:
Short and wide dimensions → allow tighter turns and more buoyancy.
Deep swallow tail → combines the lift of a square tail with the hold of dual pin tails.
Twin keel fins set apart → increase speed, glide, and rail engagement.
Extra volume → easier paddling despite the shorter length.
Why Was This Design Necessary?
Steve Lis wasn’t trying to create a commercial surfboard. His goal was purely personal: as a kneeboarder, the swim fins he wore created drag on traditional pintail kneeboards. By tracing the outline of his Churchill swim fins, Lis designed a swallow tail wide enough to accommodate them, while still maintaining speed and control. This innovation gave him the ability to take off late, generate speed down the line, carve sharp turns, and position himself deep in the curl — years ahead of what modern shortboards would eventually achieve.
Fish Surfboard Dimensions and Specs
Length: 4’6” – 5’5”
Nose width: 10” – 12”
Midpoint width: 20” – 22”
Tail width: 11” – 13”
Thickness: 2 ½”
Volume: 26–30 liters
Conclusion
The fish surfboard is more than just a retro design — it’s a cornerstone in the evolution of modern surfboards. Its influence lives on today in retro fish models, hybrids, and performance shortboards. Whether in small, playful waves or in fast, hollow surf, the fish delivers speed, flow, and versatility like few other boards in surfing history.
