Find Out About Fish Surfboards at our NZ Surfboard Shop
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect mix of speed, flow, and fun, a fish might just be your dream board. At Blitz Surf Shop, your go-to NZ surf shop based in Gisborne, we’re proud to stock an epic range of fish surfboards and performance fish models from the best surf brands in the game. Whether you're after a cruisy session in mushy waves or a board that injects speed into your turns, the fish is a true all-rounder that earns a spot in any quiver.
🐟 A Brief History of the Fish Surfboard
The fish surfboard has deep roots in 1970s California surf culture. It was first shaped by Steve Lis, a kneeboarder from San Diego, who wanted a board that could handle fast, hollow waves. His design – short, wide, and featuring a split swallow tail with twin fins – revolutionised small wave surfing.
Over the years, this retro shape caught the attention of progressive surfers looking to mix old-school glide with modern performance. Today’s fish designs still honour the original concept but now include modern rails, rocker profiles, and even quad setups for added versatility.
🔍 Characteristics of a Fish Surfboard
Fish boards are defined by a few key features:
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Wide nose and outline: Helps with paddle power and catching waves early.
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Short and thick: Offers buoyancy and maneuverability.
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Swallow tail: Improves control and hold through turns while keeping the tail loose and skatey.
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Flat rocker: Delivers incredible down-the-line speed, especially in smaller, weaker surf.
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Twin or quad fin setups: Twin for loose, classic feel; quad for added drive and grip.
🌊 When to Ride a Fish Surfboard
Fish surfboards excel in small to medium surf (knee to head high), especially when the waves are soft, crumbly, or lacking punch. They're the ultimate summer go-to, perfect for surfers who want to keep the stoke alive on mellow days. Their design enables the rider to generate much more speed without relying on the power of the wave so much
However, many modern fish shapes – especially the high-performance models – can also hold their own in steeper, faster conditions, giving you that stylish, rail-to-rail flow even in punchier waves.
✅ Pros and Cons of Fish Surfboards
Pros:
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Easy to paddle and catch waves
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Extremely fast down the line
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Great for drawing smooth, flowing lines
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Forgiving for intermediate surfers
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Stylish, retro aesthetic
Cons:
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Less vertical in the pocket compared to shortboards
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Can feel skatey in bigger, powerful waves
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Twin fin versions offer less control in steep surf
🛒 Fish Surfboards Available at Blitz Surf Shop
At Blitz Surf Shop, we’ve sorted out a great selection of fish and fish-inspired surfboards in New Zealand. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned shredder, we’ve got something to match your style.
🔥 Retro Fish & Modern Takes:
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Firewire Seaside (Rob Machado design)
The Firewire Seaside is a performance quad fish built for flow and speed. With deep concaves and modern rails, it blends retro glide with progressive control. One of the most popular fish boards worldwide today and our best selling premium surfboard over the last few years. This is a really forgiving board yet customers have been pleasantly surprised at its ability to ride larger waves than expected. Ride with Machado's Seaside Quad fins for best performance -
Firewire Seaside and Beyond
The Seaside and Beyond is a mid-length variation of the Seaside, offering more paddle power and control in larger surf, without losing that fishy feel. Excels in long point breaks like Makorori Point -
Firewire Too Fish
The Firewire Too Fish is a throwback design from Rob Machado inspired by classic twin fin fishes, this model brings back the glide of the 70s with Firewire’s modern Helium tech. Blending elements of its predeccessor the Go Fish and the Seaside, the Too Fish is a twin fin fish rider's dream. Pair with Machado twin fins for best performance -
Torq Big Boy Fish
The Torq Big Boy FIsh is ideal for bigger surfers or those after more volume, this model combines high performance with paddle ease. A bit of a hybrod of a traditional fish and a higher volume shortboard. -
Torq TET Mod Fish
The Torq Mod Fish is a great entry-level fish with a classic shape, extra volume, and user-friendly construction. The TET epoxy technology is super strong and hard to damage. This board comes with a set of fins. A greta fish for intermediate surfers or those looking to progress towards a shortboard. -
NSP Elements Fish & NSP Protech Fish
Nsp Fish Boards: Both models are durable, fun, and versatile. Perfect for intermediates wanting to progress or experienced riders looking for a reliable groveller. These are also of great interest to kids that are beyond a softboard but are not yet ready for a performance board to help progress their surfing. Well-priced and comes with a set of thruster fins. -
7S Superfish 4
The 7S Superfish series is one of the best-selling hybrid fishes worldwide. This board combines a high-volume outline, step deck to assist with the refined rails and a subtle swallow tail – super versatile and responsive. We find heavier surfers like this board as their all rounder and intermediate surfers find it as a good board to progress on. -
Critical Slide Society Angler Twin Fin Fish
The Angler is a retro twin with a playful vibe. This board’s super fun, stylish, and ideal for creative lines in playful surf. Get yourself a nice set of keel twin fins for best performance. We have 1 more left of this board right now on sale!
🦈 Fish-Influenced Performance Boards
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Slater Designs Great White Twin
The Great White Twin is an exciting new take with fish origins. Designed with Dan Mann and inspired by the fish outline, this model delivers explosive speed and surprising vertical performance. A twin fin built for attacking the lip. Can be surfed as a straight twin or twin plus 1 for more hold. Pairs with the KS Twin plus two fin set for best performance
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JS Industries Black Baron 2.1
The JS Black Baron 2.1 is a performance twin with a touch more rocker and drive than the original Black Baron. Fish-influenced but tuned for hard turns and barrels. Can be ridden as a straight twin like the original Black Baron or a Twin plus one
🏄♂️ Why Buy from Blitz Surf Shop?
Blitz Surf Shop isn’t just your local Gisborne surf shop – we’re your online destination for quality surfboards NZ wide. We stock the world’s best brands and are proud to carry a wide range of fish surfboards and performance hybrids to suit every surfer and every budget. Whether you're looking to buy your first fish or upgrade your quiver, we’ve got you covered.
Explore our full selection of shortboards NZ, longboards NZ, fish surfboards, and surfboard fins – all available to ship anywhere in Aotearoa.
🌐 Shop Fish Surfboards Online
Ready to get that smooth, stylish glide? Shop the full range of fish surfboards at www.blitzsurf.co.nz and enjoy fast shipping, expert advice, and unbeatable customer service.
Ride the wave your way – with a fish surfboard from Blitz Surf Shop.
