There comes a time in every surfer's life when the desire for a retro surfboard raises its head.  Even if owning a quiver of amazing shortboards and longboards, there is something extra special about surfing a retro board.  Riding an original board from the 70s for example, or even a board inspired by previous decades, can't be matched and this blog is all about what it means to go old school with your next surfboard…

 
The feel of a fish surfboard under your feet as it slices through the waves with buttery smoothness will embed itself in your memory. Over the last century there have been all sorts of strange surfboard creations as shapers have experimented with board design, but one that has enjoyed a recent resurgence of popularity is the fish.  Shorter, wider, and with a thicker depth set than most shortboards, the fish is buoyant, stable, and carves like a dream.

 
The classic fish ranges in dimensions from 5ft5” to 7ft in length, 18.5” to 21” width, and between 2.25” to 3” in thickness. However the shorter and fatter the board, the more retro its shape truly is in reality.
 
Perfect for beginners or surfers wanting to transition to more intermediate waves, the fish will catch a lot of waves as it sits high on the water with its super buoyant nature.  Back in the 70s these boards help to revolutionise the surf industry as they gave rise to a sharp punchy surfing style.  Just check out the surf clip below of 70s world surf champions Shaun Tomson and Mark Richardson as they carve massive waves on their fish style boards.

 
If you are lucky enough to come across an original 70s fish, keep hold of it as they are a speciality find, and will still be amazing to ride in smaller conditions.  However there are plenty of retro style boards now out in the market.  Often becoming a hybrid of modern board design, ‘fish' surfboards combine the lightweight fibreglass materials found in shortboards with the shape of previous decades. Whether the classic twin fin swallow tail set up is in place, or a more contemporary four fin arrangement has been used, fish are designed to give the surfer a lot of control over their line.  
 
Fish are all about the fun, and catching a lot of waves in your next surf session. So rent, borrow, buy a retro board and get inspired by the pros from the 70s…