Strap in, because the crew down at the local shaper’s barn just dropped a board that’s got my head spinning faster than a closeout at pipe. We’re talking about the new FlexFish 2.0, a fish that’s not just another fun-sized rocket but a full-on game changer for mushy beach breaks and gutless afternoon waves. I spent three straight sessions on this thing, from knee-high slop to a sloppy overhead day at the jetty, and let me tell you, the hype is real.
First off, the glassing job is something else. They’re using a recycled EPS foam core with a bamboo veneer top sheet, which gives the board a lively, poppy feel underfoot without the dings you get from your standard poly. The rails are carved down to a knife edge in the tail, but they’ve kept this chunky, buttery foil in the nose that just glides over flat sections like a hot knife through wax. On the drop, the FlexFish feels incredibly stable, yet the moment you shift your weight, it responds like a skateboard on a halfpipe. That flexibility comes from a carbon stringer that runs from the nose all the way through the tail, but it’s tuned to flex mainly in the last third of the board. So when you’re pumping for speed, that tail unloads like a slingshot, giving you heaps of down-the-line juice without asking for much effort.
Now let’s talk fins. The stock setup is a set of recycled polycarbonate twin keels with a tiny center trailer fin that you can swap out. For most small wave sessions, I kept the trailer fin in because it adds a bit of pivot and hold when you’re smacking the lip. But on a clean, fast day, those keels alone turn this fish into a pure skatey machine. You can throw a hard cutback and feel the whole board carve a perfect arc, then snap back with zero drag. The fin boxes are the new universal MFS system, which means you can mix and match any existing fins from a bunch of brands, no adapters needed. That alone is a game changer for gear junkies who hate being locked into one proprietary setup.
The traction pad is also worth a mention. It’s made from recycled neoprene scraps and features a subtle three-tier pattern that gives you just enough grip without shredding the wax off your deck. The kick tail is steep but not obnoxious, so you can drop into the pocket and stall on your back foot without blowing out your ankles. I even tried it with no wax and just the pad on a hot, sunny day, and it held fine, though I’m not recommending that for anyone who values their skin.
How does it actually surf? Well, on the knee-high slop, I was pleasantly surprised. The FlexFish paddles like a dream for its size – I rode a 5’6” which is a bit over my usual longboard volume, but the foam distribution is so clever that you’re catching waves earlier than your buddies on their grovelers. Once up, the board just wants to go. It generates speed with minimal pumping, and those keels really hum. On the flatter bits, I could do these little pivots and pivot turns that kept the momentum alive. The flex in the tail becomes more apparent when you stomp on it – you get this lively rebound that feels like the board is doing half the work.
When the waves cleaned up to chest-high with a bit of punch, the FlexFish turned into a completely different beast. It held its line through the steep takeoff, and the rail-to-rail transitions were lightning quick. I managed to hit one air section – yes, a fish with flex actually got me airborne – and the landing was surprisingly forgiving. The flexible tail absorbed the impact like a car suspension, and I didn’t pear spear at all. The board does have a slight tendency to bounce on ultra-crumbly faces, but if you stay heavy on your front foot, you’ll stick the line.
In terms of durability, I gave it a few good dings on a rocky shoreline, and the bamboo veneer shrugged it all off. Minor scratches, nothing more. The recycled materials also mean you can feel good about your gear footprint. This board isn’t a replacement for your high-performance shortboard, but for the type of waves that make up 80% of your average surf day, the FlexFish 2.0 is pure gold.
Bottom line, if you’re looking for a one-board quiver for summertime dribble or a travel board that handles anything from soft reform to quick hollow beachies, the FlexFish is your ticket. It’s responsive, lively, and eco-friendly to boot. Grab one before they sell out – this fish is gonna be on every beach rack by August.
