You’re going to be the coolest surfer on the block with one of these best fish surfboards. That’s right!
A fish gave birth to the board, a swallow brought the milk (or something similar to this!), and then the board was shaped out of white oak.
It’s hard to imagine what the first fish surfboard actually looked like, but if you’re looking to surf like Pinocchio then the fish surfboard is probably the best shape for you. Also known as snake boards or crokboards, the fish design has had a profound impact on surfboard design.
The core of the fish surfboard, is long, allows light waves on one side, but maintains a high volume of water on the other. The length of the board makes it good for small, calmer waves. This glass fiber board is very lightweight, making it perfect for one- to two-foot waves. It’s made with high quality glass so it will last a long time without taking any wear and tear.
Fish boards were highly sought after, and it’s still a classic design to this day with a loyal fan base. Check out the best fish surfboard below and see what all the fuss is about.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Wave Bandit Ben Gravy Performer | Best Overall |  |
| Scott Burke 5'2" Fish Soft Surfboard | Budget Pick |  |
1. Wave Bandit Ben Gravy Performer
Pros:
- Cross directional bottom shape
- Hollow water swallow tail
- Square edged sides
- Single to double concave bottom shape
- Great for small day surf and small boardshorts
- Very forgiving and easy to control
- The rails are thinner than other boards, which increases the glide factor and makes it feel so much faster on the wave
", Lightweight, Shortboard.
This is a complete competition shortboard which is very fun to ride, and you will see results very quickly. The board offers fantastic launch and drive off the tail, and it has a controlled stable feel when you are riding smaller waves.
The bottom shape is a cross-directional bottom, giving it a very balanced feel. This board is best suited for smaller days at the beach, or if you are a beginner, then ideal for surf school.
2. Wave Bandit Ben Gravy Performer
Pros:
- High-quality polyurethane construction
- Long-board shape that’s easy to balance
- Perfect for beginners and experienced surfers alike
Coming in small, medium, large, and extra large, the Wave Bandit was one of our top picks for easy riding. It’s ideal for kids, beginners, or anyone looking for a shortboard with plenty of performance under its hood. The short handle length makes it easy to grab and hold on to, even when coming in and out of shallow water. The handle also lets you pick up the board easily and carry it to the shore or back to your car without fear of dropping it. The board itself is made from high-quality material that’ll stand up to moderate surf and hard landings without warping or cracking.
3. Gold Coast Surfboards
A. Suction cups at the bottom of the board that help to grip the board down so that your camera/gopro doesn't go flying if the board gets pushed up on to the beach.
B. Comes with a 1 year warranty and they're a cork soft top and bottom which is a really nice addition with the soft top it keeps the grip a little bit better, it comes with a fin as well.
4. Liquid Shredder Fish Foam Surfboard
Pros:
- The board is easy to use
- The board is priced very fairly
- It is suitable for all types of fish
- It has a great design
- It is durable
Cons:
- The board is very easy to lose balance with
- It is not very fast
9'6 x 28 x 5.5
The Liquid Shredder Surfboard is a hollow board (foam capped) that is rather easy to use. The board is great for beginner and recreational fishers who are looking for a stable and sturdy board to go fishing with.
You would perhaps want to take care of the Liquid Shredder Surfboard as it is very easy to surf with, which may also make the board easy to lose control of and fall over. That said, if you are a beginner or you are looking to spend an easy day surfing at the beach, then this is definitely a board to go for.
5. Scott Burke 5'2" Fish Soft Surfboard
Pros:
- Resembles a fish profile
- Can be ridden as a fun board for beginners or as a fish prop on a longboard
- Can be used in smaller waves and moderate conditions
- Durable construction
- Extruded in a bright color for increased visibility
Cons:
- Some reviewers felt the board was too long
- Some reviewers felt the board was too thick
- Some reviewers felt the fin didn't stand up well in a little chop
6. NSP PROTECH Fish Surfboard
Symple Stuff’s NSP Surfboard is a great all around surfboard for beginners, with an improved design overall.
You don’t have to be a pro to ride this fish surfboard, but it will help you learn much faster. The board of about 35 lbs is very stable. Especially with the four fin boxes and the paddle leash attachment, so if you need to pick it up, it will be easier than other models without this features.
It has a nice price too, considering all the features it offers.
7. NSP PROTECH Fish Surfboard
Symple Stuff’s NSP Surfboard is a great all around surfboard for beginners, with an improved design overall.
You don’t have to be a pro to ride this fish surfboard, but it will help you learn much faster. The board of about 35 lbs is very stable. Especially with the four fin boxes and the paddle leash attachment, so if you need to pick it up, it will be easier than other models without this features.
It has a nice price too, considering all the features it offers.
8. Goplus 5'5" Surfboard
Pros:
- This board is just the right size for kids and adults 5′ – 6′ and under 200 lbs.
- If you have a small body this surfboard will be perfect for you.
- Great for outdoor water sports.
- Made of high quality durable EPS foam.
- Ideal for surfing, bodyboarding, and catching some waves.
- Perfect for beach and outdoor fun.
- Comes equipped with 3 adjustable fins.
- Comes with a removable wrist rope.
- Easy to inflate and deflate.
- Very light-weight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is NSP a good surfboard brand?
NSP stands for “New School Performance”, but you don’t have to be a pro to use their products. They’re a great option for beginners in the surfing world. These surfboards are budget-friendly, but still, made to last. They invite you to get out there and give it your best shot. You won’t get the same great feeling from every single board, but you will learn a lot and have a great time.
Who makes the best fish surfboard?
The Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards:
Are Torq surfboards any good?
The Torq Surfboard is made to be durable, long lasting, and suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers. The board supposedly has the ideal weight distribution and design ideal for anyone that is just learning the sport. When you are trying to catch a wave, the Torq surfboard will move with ease. The bottom of the surfboard makes it difficult to submerge in the water. It also has a smooth surface to make it easier for you to paddle trough the water.
Your children and spouse cannot paddle in the water either because it is not designed for them. What makes it unique is that it is also made for people who have back issues. There is also a tail stabilizer for easy tracking in the water. Torq is also made from strong fiberglass and is very strong. The nine inch fins will make it easier for you to get up the wave.
Is this water sport recommended for you if you have back issues?
What's the best surfboard for an intermediate?
The best surfboard for intermediate surfers is one that’s just right for them, meaning neither too big, nor too small. It’s also important that the board has some flex in it and holds its own even with moderate paddle power.
We recommend getting a board around 6”-6.5” in length. This size is a little more forgiving, but still gives the rider enough speed in the waves. Longer boards can be harder for beginners, and can even discourage them (especially if they aren’t super comfortable on the board yet).
A good brand with some good boards at this price point is NSP. They offer a range of progressional boards, and while they aren’t the best rated of boards out there, they’re definitely worth checking out.
Conclusion
The North Shore Pro Scott Burke is the designer of the 2019 Shaper of the Year Award winner, the Channel Island 6'3" Lost. This fish is the most advanced fish designed by Scott.
His goal was to create a fish surfboard that can handle anything a surfer can throw at it.
The fish you choose for your own surfing will depend on your surf skills and what the conditions are.
A fish is not ideal for beginners or towing this is where a high nose shortboard can come to the rescue.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Wave Bandit Ben Gravy Performer | Best Overall | |
| Scott Burke 5'2" Fish Soft Surfboard | Budget Pick | |