Watch Fish: The Surfboard Documentary

Fish: The Surfboard Documentary is a film that chronicles the rise, fall, and resurgence of the Fish surfboard. Through interviews, archival footage, and stunning surf sequences, the film tells the story of how the Fish went from an experimental design by Steve Lis in the early 1970s to become one of the most beloved and influential surfboard shapes in history.

The film begins by introducing us to the pioneers of the Fish movement, including Jim Blears, Jeff Ching, and Val Ching, who all give firsthand accounts of their experiences riding and shaping Fish boards in the early days. We learn about the origins of the Fish, which was created in response to the limitations of traditional longboards and the newfound power of shortboards.

From there, the film explores how the Fish caught on in the surfing world, with archival footage and interviews showing how it revolutionized the way people rode waves. We hear from legendary surfers like Mark Richards, Tom Curren, and Rob Machado about their memories of riding Fish boards and how it impacted their surfing careers.

But the rise of the Fish was not without its challenges. The mid-1970s saw the emergence of the thruster design, which quickly supplanted the Fish as the dominant surfboard shape. The film shows how the Fish fell out of fashion and was almost forgotten entirely.

But that wasn't the end of the story. A new generation of surfers discovered the Fish in the 1990s and began to resurrect it as a legitimate option for riding waves. The film features interviews with shapers and surfers who helped to popularize the Fish in this era, including Steve Lis himself.

The resurgence of the Fish is perhaps best exemplified by the story of Dave Rastovich, who is featured prominently in the film. Rastovich, a professional surfer, discovered the Fish as a teenager and became obsessed with its unique style of riding. He has since become one of the most vocal advocates for the Fish, using his platform to help reintroduce it to the surfing world.

Throughout the film, we see some truly breathtaking surf sequences, each one showcasing the unique and dynamic style of riding that the Fish enables. The film also explores the cultural significance of the Fish, touching on its roots in Hawaiian surfing and its place in the larger history of the sport.

Overall, Fish: The Surfboard Documentary is a fascinating and engaging look at one of the most iconic surfboard designs of all time. With its mix of archival footage, interviews, and stunning surf sequences, it is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of surfing or the evolution of surfboard design.

Fish: The Surfboard Documentary is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.