Shortboard vs. Fish: What’s the Real Difference?
If you’re looking to add a new board to your quiver or just understand how different shapes perform, two styles often come up: the shortboard and the fish. At first glance, they might look similar — both are shorter than longboards and have performance potential. But how they ride couldn’t be more different.
This guide breaks down what sets these two boards apart, when to ride them, and how to choose the right one for your style and local waves.
What is a Shortboard?
A shortboard is typically 5’6” to 6’6” long, narrow, and thin with a pointed nose and a thruster (tri-fin) setup. It’s built for performance — fast turns, vertical snaps, and tight pocket surfing. Shortboards excel in steeper, more powerful waves where responsiveness matters most.
These boards require more paddle strength, wave timing, and skill. They’re not ideal for beginners, but in the hands of a confident surfer, they unlock precision and control.
What is a Fish?
A fish surfboard is shorter, wider, and thicker than a traditional shortboard, usually 5’2” to 6’2”. It has a rounded or swallowtail, a flatter rocker, and often runs a twin-fin or quad-fin setup. Fish boards are known for generating speed in smaller, mushier waves.
They’re more forgiving and paddle easier than shortboards, making them fun in a wider range of conditions — especially on slower, weaker waves where shortboards might stall.
Key Differences Between Shortboards and Fish
Here’s a quick breakdown to compare the two in terms of design and performance:
| Category | Shortboard | Fish |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 5’6”–6’6” | 5’2”–6’2” |
| Width | Narrower | Wider |
| Rocker | More rocker | Flatter rocker |
| Tail Shape | Pointed or squash | Swallowtail |
| Fin Setup | Thruster (3-fin) | Twin or quad |
| Wave Type | Steep, powerful waves | Small, mushy waves |
| Ideal Skill Level | Intermediate to advanced | Beginner to intermediate+ |
Expert’s Advice
If you’re looking to improve your turns and explore top-to-bottom surfing, a shortboard can push your skills. But if you want to catch more waves and have fun on smaller days, a fish might be the better call. Many pros ride both depending on the forecast.
And don’t let the labels fool you — fish boards aren’t just for small waves. In the right hands, they fly in overhead surf too.
Real-Life Tip
If you’re transitioning from a longboard or mid-length, start with a fish. It gives you a feel for shortboard agility with added forgiveness and speed. Then move to a high-performance shortboard when you’re ready to step up your maneuvers and handle tighter turns.
Additional Tips for Choosing
Here are a few more helpful things to keep in mind when deciding between a shortboard and a fish:
- Consider your local break — fish thrives in beach breaks, shortboards love points and reefs.
- Think about wave consistency. If it’s mostly waist-high and soft, fish gives you more sessions.
- Demo both styles if possible — what feels right under your feet matters more than theory.
- Be honest about your fitness and paddle strength — shortboards demand more effort.
- Match the board to your goals: more waves and fun vs. sharper skills and challenge.
Takeaway
Both shortboards and fish offer incredible rides — but they serve different purposes. One’s about peak performance and tight lines, the other about speed and flow. Whether you’re upgrading your quiver or making your first move away from a longboard, pick the one that fits your waves, goals, and vibe. Or better yet — ride both.
