Zephyr
Soft top
21 products
Fish & Grovelers
Fish and grovelers for surfers who want easier speed, earlier wave entry, and more help in softer everyday surf than a narrower performance shortboard usually offers.
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How to choose a fish or groveler
Fish and groveler shapes are built to help you get more out of weaker surf, but they do it in slightly different ways. The right choice depends on whether you want more glide and down-the-line speed or a board that still keeps some of the tighter, shorter-board feel under your feet.
Look at the waves you actually surf
If most of your sessions are smaller, slower, or less powerful, this category can make a lot more sense than forcing a narrower shortboard into waves it does not really suit.
Volume still helps
Part of what makes these boards work is that they usually carry more usable foam than a more demanding performance board. That extra help can translate into easier paddling, earlier entry, and more speed through flatter sections.
Choose based on feel
If you want more glide and drawn-out speed, a fish is often the better match. If you want a board that still keeps more of an everyday shortboard feel while adding usability in weaker surf, a groveler usually makes more sense.
Where they sit in the lineup
If you want something more performance-focused, compare this category with shortboards. If you want even more paddle power and forgiveness, move toward funboards and hybrids.
Frequently asked questions about fish & grovelers
Are fish and grovelers only for small, weak waves?
No. They are often most useful in softer everyday surf, but many surfers keep this category in the lineup any time they want easier speed and less work than a narrower performance board demands.
Can this category work as an everyday board?
For a lot of surfers, yes. If most sessions are in average surf and the goal is to keep wave count and usable speed high, a fish or groveler can end up being one of the most practical boards in the quiver.
Should I size this category the same way as a shortboard?
Not always. Many surfers use this category to keep more usable foam and a little more help in the board than they would in a more performance-focused shortboard.
What should I shop with a fish or groveler?
Once the board decision is made, the next practical steps are usually the right leash, a traction pad if the setup calls for one, and board protection for storage and transport.
