The outline · shaped around you
RETRO FISH, Custom fish surfboard
The Retro Fish is a fast and highly responsive surfboard. Crafted in homage to the iconic fish outlines of the '80s and '90s, it has classic retro charm while delivering exceptional speed down the line for more performance-based surfing.
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It infuses that vintage essence with modern innovation. “To us, it's a timeless emblem of surf heritage and an exhilarating experience rolled into one.”
- Waves
- 2ft to 6ft (face)
- Conditions
- All conditions
- Level
- Beginner to Advanced
- Sizing
- Your height or taller to 6 inches shorter, by ability
Starting from $1,200 AUD
0422 435 689 · Every board is ordered directly with Joe
- Free consultation
- Ready in 4 to 6 weeks
- 5.0 from 53 Google reviews
Some of the Retro Fish we’ve made over the years
WHO IT’S FOR AND HOW IT RIDES
Who it’s for
Surfers who want speed and a bit of retro feel in everyday 2 to 6ft surf. Sized to your ability, it works for beginners through to advanced surfers.
Sage green Retro Fish, 5'8" x 20 1/4" x 2 3/4", custom.
How it rides
Fast and highly responsive, with exceptional speed down the line and precision carving. A classic fish outline with a modern feel under your feet.
- Wave size
- 2ft to 6ft (face)
- Ability
- Beginner to Advanced
Same scales on every Cross Design model, so you can compare them side by side.
The outline
Shaped to order. Posted so far: 5'0" to 5'8". Every board is shaped to your own dimensions at the free consultation.
SIZES AND VOLUMES
Sizing guide
- BeginnerThe same as your height or taller.
- Intermediate2 to 4 inches shorter than your height.
- Advanced2 to 6 inches shorter than your height.
Real boards Joe has built
- Lavender, custom5'0" x 20" x 2 1/4"
- Joe's own (he is 6ft)5'5"
- Sage green, custom5'8" x 20 1/4" x 2 3/4"
Every board is shaped to you at the free consultation.
More Retro Fish boards in the surfboard gallery, or follow the builds on Instagram.
FROM THE RIDERS
HOW JOE TAILORS IT
Every board starts with a free consultation about how you surf: your ability, height, weight, fitness and the waves you ride. Joe then shapes, glasses and finishes your Retro Fish by hand in the factory, so you deal with the person doing the work from the first chat to the finished board.
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He works with blanks and materials from South Coast Foam, Burford Blanks and Shapers Manufacturers Co, and every board leaves with grub screws and a leash rope.
How to size a custom surfboard Surfboard volume calculator
Choose your outline
Start from the Retro Fish and talk it through at your free consultation.
Make it yours
Colour, inlays, finish and construction, chosen with Joe.
Joe shapes it around you
Shaped, glassed and finished by hand. Ready in 4 to 6 weeks.
Colour it your way
Resin tints, swirls, custom sprays and pin lines are mixed and laid by hand in Joe's Currumbin Waters factory. Don't see your shade? He'll mix it for you.
Resin swirls and custom sprays from $200
Set under the glass
Pressed flowers, shells, feathers or your own photos, set into the board beneath the fibreglass so they become part of it.
Inlays from $200
What riders say
Had my surfboard shaped here by Joe. Connection at first sight. Great human besides being an excellent shaper. He understood straight away what I needed.
Now every time I take the board out of the bag I smile. Been getting heaps of compliments from other surfers too whenever they see it.
Highly recommend.
Awesome boards and great service. Joe is absolutely nailing it, and his passion really shows through. The custom sticks are works of art, and he's a magician with a ding. So, repair or new board, either way I whole heartedly recommend.
Best Team, so much passion and love goes into every board. Can only recommend!
RETRO FISH FAQ
Keep reading: fish, mid-length or longboard?, how to size a custom surfboard, or more answers in the FAQ.
What size Retro Fish should I order?
Beginner: the same as your height or taller. Intermediate: 2 to 4 inches shorter than your height. Advanced: 2 to 6 inches shorter than your height. Joe settles the exact length, width, thickness and volume with you at the free consultation. How to size a custom surfboard.
Is the Retro Fish good for beginners?
Yes, when it is sized for you. Beginners ride it at their height or taller, intermediate surfers 2 to 4 inches shorter and advanced surfers 2 to 6 inches shorter. Joe settles the exact size at your free consultation.
How long does a custom Retro Fish take, and what comes with it?
Boards are ready 4 to 6 weeks from purchase. Every board comes with grub screws and a leash rope.
Can I have it in EPS or Carbon Fiber?
Yes. Boards are built in PU or EPS, and Carbon Fiber is available on the whole range. Joe will talk through which suits how you surf. Read EPS or PU.
Do I need to come into the factory?
No. Call or text Joe on 0422 435 689, or drop into the factory at 2/14 Nuban St, Currumbin Waters, Monday to Friday 9am to 4:30pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm. You can contact Joe 24/7, 7 days a week.
What is the difference between a fish and a shortboard?
A fish is short, wide and flat, with a swallow tail and usually two fins, and it carries its speed through weak sections better than anything else its length. If you already have a shortboard, a fish fills the gap below it for small to medium days. The Retro Fish is ridden at your height or up to 6 inches shorter, depending on ability.
Choose your outline
Start your Retro Fish
Every custom board is ordered directly with Joe. Call or text his mobile to book your free consultation.
Tell Joe your height, weight, how you surf and that you are after a Retro Fish.
