I am considering picking up a fish since I recently rode one and loved the ride speed and ease of wave catching but was wondering on bigger days will this work? The lack of rocker has me wondering about dropping in on bigger/hollow waves. Is just angling down the line and getting in early going to be enough? Thnx.
By "fish" I assume you're talking about a short, wide, flat, retro type fish... If so, my experience is that they work best in surf up to about head high. You're right about the lack of rocker being a limiting factor in steep, dredging, pitching waves, particularly on the takeoff. However, you can open up the performance window with a few tweaks in the design. I've had great success adding some vee in the entry and giving the first 4 inches or so a bit of flip. Also, keep in mind they're meant to be ridden SHORT... as short as you can go. Most of the complaints people have about fish (they don't tuberide well... they don't work backside... they don't work in hollow surf... etc.) come from the fact that they ride them too long.
I rode my 5'10 fishcuit after hurricane irene as soon as they opening up ocean city md. Man it was crucial on the take offs. I had to adjust my whole stance balance and timing. I was on a Real thin line when they jacked up but when i got it right i flew down the line like a bat out of hell. haha
I'm a big guy 6'1 and 205 and I mostly ride quad fish shapes. They are tricky on a big drop but you can adjust. Never had a problem with holding a line once i'm on no matter how steep the wall though. My weight could help me out a little there. If you really like the shape but are concerned about certain wave aspects get a custom and add a little more nose rocker, keep your width and volume but cut the tail down drastically with a single or double wing. You'll have a Rocket Fish that will surf well in most conditions
