Does a Fish Belong in Your Quiver?

Fish boards are all the rave, and they should be. Some say these short, fat boards belong in every surfer’s quiver. Others disagree, but only by saying they aren't beginners' boards.

Fish boards are named because, well, they resemble a fish! They are thick, wide and short. They have a rounded nose and a large tail. Technology in the ‘70s allowed designers to go wild and short boards appeared. The first fish was hatched in Steve Lis’ San Diego garage in the middle of that decade.

The twin-keel fish surfboard is sometimes referred to as the Lis Fish. But, again, technology continues to thrive breaking new barriers from his original fish. While not really a beginner’s board, once some of the art of surfing is learned, most everyone has to try one, and it can be a great step on the way to the shortboard.

Moving on From Beginner Status

Experienced surfers will tell you that a fish is a good step up from the longboard. With weight and buoyancy, it is very easy to paddle, offering the ease of paddling similar to a longboard. But, you can also begin to work on your moves more available with the liberty of a shorter board.

Catching the Yucky Waves

One of the most respected benefits of the fish is the ability to perform in some of the worst possible waves, considered all most no waves, or weak waves. Although generally short, a fish is usually as heavy as a longboard – with that combination, you can catch the low waves not possible with other boards. Because of the length, or lack of it, you are also able to maneuver the board in a manner not possible with a longboard. So, you move faster in small waves and are able to perform tricks confined to shortboard riders.

Used fish boards are available for below $500, and that can be a good place to start. Keep in mind that fish boards vary greatly – in length and in design. At Surfboards.com, we are always happy to talk boards with you, so give us a call, or drop us a line. We work with many designers, who can customize your board the way you want it.

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How to Take Creative Advantage of Used Surfboards

Yeah, you can buy used surfboards to ride the waves or simply paddle along the ocean. But did you really think that's all a surfboard is good for? Surfing is a style, embracing the freedom of the waves and the carelessness of the rider. So why not incorporate that style into your interior design?

We'll stop you right there. Don't think of interior design as something only wealthy people can take advantage of. All it takes is a bit of creativity, and your living area can turn from a functional space into one that everyone wants to spend time in.

At this point, you may be wondering what used surfboards have to do with interior design. Or you may know where we're going: how about using a surfboard as part of your room? With just a bit of creativity and craftsmanship, you can turn it into a variety of feature pieces:

• a corner bookshelf
• a part of your kitchen or island countertop
• feature art on your living room wall
• an easy-going coffee table
• and much more.

What makes surfboards so unique? For us, it's not just their functionality, but also their unique shape and the sense of freedom they convey. And there is absolutely nothing but a bit of creativity between bringing that sense of freedom into your home and living space. 

At this point, you might be wondering: isn't a used surfboard, when not in the water, a waste of money and a good board? That, of course, depends on the board you buy and the money you invest. At Surfboards.com, you can find every style imaginable to get a used board both to surf, and to incorporate into your home. Contact us to start shopping.

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Answering the Age-Old Question: What Should I Wear Underneath my Boardshorts?

Noting that traditional boardshorts do not contain the same mesh lining as swim trunks, many men wonder what they should wear underneath them. Underwear is not recommended for a number of reasons-instead, those who are in the know recommend going commando. 

Boardshorts Construction

Boardshorts have a unique quality in that they are fast drying. As such, if you are wearing underwear, there will be a wet layer of fabric against your skin. This leaves you more prone to developing a rash, something that boardshorts are supposed to prevent. Having wet underwear showing through dry shorts can also give the illusion that you have peed your pants.

How They're Worn

Boardshorts are designed to sit lower on your hips than traditional swim trunks. This could leave a bit of your boxers showing over top of the waistband. It may not seem like a big deal to you, but those who understand how boardshorts work will definitely take notice. Having your boxers show surely won't help you fit in with more seasoned surfers, who will likely give you a hard time over it.

Alternatives to Going Commando

If you just can't stand the idea of going commando, consider a pair of boardshorts with a built-in pair of underwear instead. This underwear is made from the same fabric as your boardshorts, and will dry just as quickly as the rest of your garment. You may also wear a swimmer's jock, which covers less than a regular jock, but will provide you with the type of support you desire.

Going without underwear may take some getting used to, but is something that is recommended any time you wear board shorts. To find a pair of boardshorts that are just right for you, please contact us.

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Today Surfboard Fins Vary in Size & Numbers

Gone are the days of having only the one, original fin on your surfboard. Today, surfboard fins are interchangeable, and they can change-up your ride. You are not limited to just one, but can have a pair or three fins attached to your board.

Fin Box Types & Size

There are two different types of surfboard fin boxes – Fin Control System (FCS) boxes and Futures boxes. A fin designed for one, will not fit into the other.

Originally designed in the ‘90s, the FCS box has two plugs or tabs that are attached using set screws on the board. The older design used a key or grub screw, and this is still available, but there are also models now, where that is not required.

A truss base is used for the Futures box, with the fin fitting the length of the box. This allows for a stronger connection.

The fin size is really determined by the weight of the rider along with the size of the board, and the waves anticipated to be ridden. The heavier the rider, and the longer the board, the larger the fin size.

Configuration

A single fin remains the most common on a longboard. It isn’t easy to turn on the longboard, and a single fin does not make it any easier. However, single fins are fast, and allow for stability and control.

Twin fins are better equipped for a shortboard. They are not designed for big waves, and speed up the shortboard. Twin fins make for a more maneuverable, playful board.

The thruster, or three-fin board, continues to grow in popularity. These provide more stability and control for beginners, as well as the more experienced rider. Here you also have the option of adaptability. Just because this board accepts three fins, does not mean you need to use them all. You can change up your ride depending upon the conditions, your mood, or both.

There are also quad-fin and 5-fin boards available. Quads are good for speeding up the board, and are also easier to maneuver in big surf. The 5-fin is not designed to accommodate five fins at once, but rather to allow the rider to mix and match at his discretion.

You can still get a board with a glassed-in, single fin. They are smoother and sounder to ride, however, they are less versatile – if conditions change, the board will not. And, should the fin receive any damage, it will be difficult to repair.

At Surfboards.com, we offer a variety of FCS and Futures fins. Feel free to give us a call, or drop us a line. We are happy to answer any questions you may have, and we love to talk surf and boards!

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Summer Is On Its Way Out, Now Is the Time to Buy Used Surfboards

It depends on your location and the person you are talking to, but surfing may come to an end when summer passes. While you will certainly find used surfboards for sale throughout summer, you are more likely to see them after the season passes when people are determining whether to store or sell their board. If you want to catch a bargain, there is no better time than when most people have stopped surfing.

First-Timers Who Lost Interest in Surfing

Every year, people buy a brand-new surfboard to try out for the first time. It is sometimes difficult to determine whether they enjoy surfing or not until they have given it a shot on a few occasions. So, it makes sense for some people to want to sell their board after trying it out throughout summer.

People Upgrading to a New Board

Some people are caught on a tight budget and end up getting the cheapest surfboard they can find. Others have been surfing for quite some time and may be looking to upgrade in the near future. These types of people are likely to put their surfboard up for sale when summer comes to an end. It will also be easier to find boards that have been kept in great condition when you find these people selling them.

Barely Used Boards That Did Not Work

Summer is the perfect time to try out a new surfboard. But, sometimes it just does not work out. It is likely that you will come across sellers who have fallen into this particular category. There is no reason to be alarmed, everyone has a different experience with surfing, and the surfboard plays a huge role in that. For instance, a board that someone loves may be one that you do not enjoy using that much.

A lot of people sell their board once summer ends, and you can use this as an opportunity to pick up a used surfboard for yourself. Contact us if you would like to learn more or have any questions.

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