“Fish” is a captivating documentary film that explores the impact of the fish surfboard on surf culture. Directed by Joseph Ryan, the film uncovers the origin and influence of the fish surfboard design, which was created by Steve Lis in 1967 in San Diego. With interviews from surfers like Steve Lis, Rob Machado, and Dave Rastovich, the film delves into the social and cultural changes of the 1960s and the counterculture revolution. It also highlights the surf community in the Azure Vista area of San Diego, discussing localism and territoriality within the surfing world. The fish design, named by Jeff Ching, gained popularity and recognition for its speed, maneuverability, and ability to ride tube waves. The documentary further explores the resurgence of the fish design in modern surfing, its evolution over the years, and its impact on surfers around the world.
Origins of the Fish Surfboard Design
Table of Contents
Steve Lis’ invention of the fish surfboard design
The fish surfboard design is credited to Steve Lis, a surfer from the Azure Vista area of San Diego. In 1967, at the age of 13, Steve Lis experimented with board design and created a unique shape that would revolutionize surfing. He was inspired by the desire for speed and maneuverability, which led him to create a shorter, wider board with a swallowtail.
Influence of a young Hawaiian surfer on the design
The fish design was not solely a creation of Steve Lis, but was influenced by a young Hawaiian surfer who rode a paipo board and performed impressive maneuvers. This young surfer’s ability to control his board in a way that others couldn’t on longboards caught the attention of Steve Lis. Inspired by what he had witnessed, Steve Lis decided to try riding a similar board and was immediately impressed with its maneuverability and control on the waves.
Naming the fish design by Jeff Ching
Once Steve Lis began to develop the fish design, it caught the attention of Jeff Ching, a local surfer in Azure Vista. Ching came up with the name “fish” for the board design, a nod to its unique shape and its ability to move quickly through the water. The name stuck, and the fish design became synonymous with speed, maneuverability, and the freedom it provided surfers.
Attributes of the Fish Design
Speed and maneuverability of the fish board
One of the standout attributes of the fish surfboard design is its exceptional speed and maneuverability. Due to its shorter length and wider outline, the fish board is able to generate greater speed on the wave face. It can effortlessly glide through flat sections and instantly respond to the surfer’s input, enabling quick maneuvers and direction changes.
Significance of fins in the fish design
The fins on the fish surfboard design play a crucial role in its performance. Typically, the fish design features twin keel fins, although variations such as quad fins have also become popular. These fins provide stability and holding power, allowing the surfer to maintain control even in critical sections of a wave. The placement and size of the fins contribute to the fish design’s ability to generate speed and maintain maneuverability.
Modification and variations of the fish design over time
Over the years, the fish surfboard design has undergone modifications and variations to suit different surfing styles and conditions. Shapers and surfers have experimented with different tail shapes, fin setups, and bottom contours to further enhance the performance of the fish board. Variations such as adding wings to the tail or incorporating concave bottoms have been introduced, creating a diverse range of options within the fish design realm.
Fish Surfboard’s Impact on Surf Culture
Exposure of fish design at the 1972 World Surfing Championship
The fish surfboard design gained significant exposure at the 1972 World Surfing Championship. Two surfers, David Nuuhiwa and Jimmy Bliss, rode fish boards in the competition, showcasing the design to the international surfing community. This exposure brought attention to the fish design and sparked curiosity among surfers worldwide.
Controversy and local resistance to non-locals using the fish design
As the fish design gained popularity, there was controversy and resistance within the local surf community. The fish design was seen as a local innovation, and some locals were protective of its origins. When David Nuuhiwa, a non-local surfer, was credited with innovating the fish design in a magazine ad, it caused a stir within the community. Despite the controversy, the exposure at the World Surfing Championship helped spread awareness of the fish design to the rest of the world.
Recognition and popularity of the fish design post World Championships
Following the World Surfing Championship, the fish design began to gain recognition and popularity among surfers. Nuuhiwa’s endorsement of the fish design legitimized its innovation and led to its widespread adoption. Surfers around the world started experimenting with the fish design, appreciating its speed, maneuverability, and ability to ride tube waves. The fish design became a symbol of rebellion and experimentation in the surfing community.
Fall and Resurgence of the Fish Design
Decline of the fish design’s popularity
As with any trend, the fish design experienced a decline in popularity after its initial surge. Surfboard design trends shifted towards narrower, high-performance boards, and the fish design was overshadowed by these new innovations. Mass-produced surfboards dominated the market, and the fish design was often overlooked.
Rediscovery of the fish design by Derek Hynd
The fish design experienced a resurgence thanks to the efforts of Derek Hynd, a professional surfer and passionate advocate for the fish design. Hynd grew frustrated with the state of surfing and felt the need to reconnect with the pure joy of riding waves. In his search for something different, he rediscovered the fish design and recognized its untapped potential.
Influence of surf movies on the revival of fish design
Surf movies such as “Searching for Tom Curren” and “Litmus” played a significant role in reviving interest in alternative surfboard designs, including the fish. These movies showcased different board shapes and surfers pushing the boundaries of traditional surfing. They challenged the perception that high-performance shortboards were the only way to ride waves, and instead celebrated the joy and creativity of surfing.
Alternative Surfboard Designs and the Role of Media
Depiction of alternative designs in ‘Litmus’
“Litmus,” a surf movie directed by Andrew Kidman, featured the fish surfboard design, among other alternative designs. The movie showcased the unique characteristics and performance aspects of the fish, providing a broader perspective on what surfing could be. This portrayal of alternative designs planted seeds of curiosity and inspired surfers to experiment with their equipment.
Criticism and perception change due to ‘Litmus’ and ‘Searching for Tom Curren’
“Litmus” and “Searching for Tom Curren” faced criticism from the mainstream surf media for deviating from the conventional high-performance shortboard narrative. However, these movies played a vital role in changing the perception of surfing and promoting a more inclusive and open-minded approach to board design. They challenged the dominant narrative and highlighted the creativity and individuality of surfing.
Impact of mainstream surf media on the popularity of fish and other alternative designs
Over time, the mainstream surf media began to embrace alternative designs, including the fish surfboard. Surf magazines and media outlets recognized the value and uniqueness of these designs and started featuring them more prominently. The increased exposure in mainstream media contributed to the growing popularity of alternative designs and encouraged more surfers to explore different board shapes and styles.
Influence of Professional Surfers and Freesurfers on Fish Design
Tom Curren and Mick Fanning’s use of fish boards
The endorsement of professional surfers such as Tom Curren and Mick Fanning played a significant role in legitimizing and popularizing the fish design. Both Curren and Fanning incorporated fish boards into their repertoire and showcased their ability to perform high-level maneuvers on these boards. Their success and recognition brought attention to the fish design and inspired surfers around the world to give it a try.
Freesurfers Dave Rastavich and Donavon provided a different perspective on surfboard design and emphasized the importance of enjoying the experience of riding waves. They experimented with various board shapes, including the fish, and embraced a more laid-back and creative approach to surfing. Their influence encouraged surfers to break free from the norms and explore alternative designs that suited their individual style and preferences.
San Diego’s Fish Fry Events
Commencement of Fish Fry events and their casual nature
In the early 1990s, a group of friends in San Diego organized the first Fish Fry event. The Fish Fry gatherings aimed to bring together like-minded surfers for a day of fun and experimentation with alternative surfboard designs, including the fish. The events were casual in nature, with no formal advertisement or contest structure. It was a chance for surfers to connect, share their experiences, and enjoy riding waves on different boards.
Worldwide spread and popularity of Fish Fry events
The Fish Fry events gained popularity beyond the shores of San Diego and spread globally. Surfers from different parts of the world organized their own Fish Fry gatherings, following the same casual and inclusive ethos. These events became an opportunity for surfers to connect, showcase their board designs, and celebrate the joy of riding waves. The Fish Fry gatherings highlighted the sense of community and camaraderie within the surfing culture.
Goals and purpose of the Fish Fry gatherings
The Fish Fry gatherings aimed to foster creativity, experimentation, and the sharing of ideas within the surfing community. The events served as a platform for surfers to showcase their alternative board designs, exchange feedback, and inspire one another. The informal and non-competitive nature of the Fish Fry gatherings allowed surfers to focus on the enjoyment of surfing and the exploration of different board shapes.
Mainstream Surf Industry and the Fish Design
Inclusion of fish board designs in mainstream surf industry
As the fish design gained popularity and captured the attention of surfers worldwide, the mainstream surf industry recognized its significance. Major surfboard manufacturers started producing fish boards, offering them alongside traditional designs. Surf shops began to stock fish boards, making them more accessible to a broader audience. The inclusion of fish board designs in the mainstream surf industry demonstrated the widespread acceptance and demand for alternative designs.
Success and failure of mass-produced fish boards
While mass-produced fish boards made the design more accessible, there were instances of success and failure. Some mass-produced fish boards effectively captured the essence of the design and provided surfers with high-quality options. However, the rush to meet the demand sometimes resulted in subpar construction and design flaws. This led to mixed experiences for surfers, highlighting the importance of craftsmanship and attention to detail in producing high-performance fish boards.
Passing down of fish shaping knowledge to new generation shapers
Amidst the growth of the fish design’s popularity, original fish shapers took on the responsibility of passing down their knowledge and expertise to a new generation of shapers. The skills and techniques involved in shaping fish boards were shared through mentorship and apprenticeships, ensuring that the tradition of the fish design would be carried forward. This passing down of knowledge allowed new generation shapers to build upon the foundation of the fish design and continue its evolution.
The Fish Design: A Symbol of Rebellion and Experimentation
Retrospective look at fish design’s journey in surfing
Taking a retrospective look at the fish design’s journey in surfing reveals its significance as a symbol of rebellion and experimentation. The fish design challenged the dominant narrative of high-performance shortboards and provided surfers with an alternative that prioritized speed, maneuverability, and the joy of riding waves. Its evolution over the years reflects the dynamic nature of surfing as a sport and a lifestyle.
Evolution and changes in the fish design over the years
The fish design has evolved and undergone changes since its inception. From the original swallowtail shape created by Steve Lis, variations such as wings, different fin setups, and concave bottoms have been introduced. Shapers and surfers have experimented with these modifications to enhance the performance and adaptability of the fish design to different wave conditions and surfing styles.
Significance of the fish design: speed, maneuverability, and modern adaptations
The fish design’s significance lies in its ability to combine speed and maneuverability, making it suitable for a wide range of waves and surfing abilities. The design’s unique attributes, such as its wide outline and twin keel or quad fins, provide surfers with the control and stability needed to generate speed and navigate critical sections of a wave. Modern adaptations of the fish design continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in surfing, inspiring new innovations and discoveries.
The Future of the Fish Design
Increasing community of surfer shapers continuing the fish design tradition
The fish design has seen a resurgence in recent years, with a growing community of surfer shapers dedicated to continuing the tradition. These surfer shapers, fueled by their passion for the fish design and a desire to explore new possibilities, are shaping boards that combine elements from the fish with modern concepts. Their commitment to craftsmanship and innovation ensures that the legacy of the fish design will continue to evolve and inspire future generations of surfers.
Experimentation and innovation in fish design for the future
The future of the fish design lies in the hands of surfers and shapers who are willing to experiment and innovate. The fish design serves as a platform for creativity and exploration, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in surfboard design. Surfers and shapers will continue to seek new ways to enhance the speed, maneuverability, and performance of the fish design, while remaining true to its core principles.
Fish design’s representation of discovery and surfing joy
Above all, the fish design represents the joy of discovery and the pure essence of surfing. It is a reminder that surfing is a deeply personal and individual experience, where each surfer can find their own connection with the ocean. The fish design embodies the spirit of experimentation, rebellion, and the pursuit of pure enjoyment on the waves. As long as there are surfers who seek new experiences and challenges, the fish design will continue to play a meaningful role in the world of surfing.