The RNF-’96 traces its roots back to the winter of 1995/96, when Matt Biolos and his team refined a high-performance “fish” shape for young legends Chris Ward and Cory Lopez. These early hand-shaped boards, though inconsistent by today’s standards, became pivotal in shaping modern surfboard design and performance, especially for competitive small-wave surfing.
Unlike most fish designs of the era—which leaned heavily on wide, kneeboard-inspired outlines—the RNF-’96 draws inspiration from Mark Richards’ late 70s/early 80s twin fins, featuring a pulled-in tail and a high-performance mindset. This approach prioritized control, drive, and versatility across all wave sizes, rather than merely maximizing glide in small surf.
Matt’s personal 1996 5’10” x 20” x 2-5/8” board, used in Durban, South Africa, was a breakthrough both for him as a surfer and for the design itself—combining stability, maneuverability, and a unique feel that drew curiosity and admiration.
Modern Re-Creation & Features
The 2020 re-creation of the RNF-’96 respects these original design principles while refining inconsistencies through 25 years of development and extensive team testing, including riders like Kolohe Andino, Coco Ho, Ian Crane, and Crosby Cola.
Key Design Features:
*Rocker: Faithful to the original curves for a balance of speed and control.
*Outline: Nose and tail widths remain consistent with the original, with a subtle increase in curve and width about 6” from the tail for enhanced control. Notably, the tail width is narrower than most fish, closer to a traditional high-performance shortboard, adding stability in turns.
*Bottom Contours: Classic single concave transitioning to double concave with an accelerating vee, delivering lift and drive.
*Thickness Flow & Rails:Thoughtfully adjusted for modern consistency and performance, with an emphasis on balanced flex and control.
Summary:
The RNF-’96 honors the spirit of a seminal fish shape that changed the small wave game in the mid-90s, blending nostalgia with modern precision. It’s designed as an all-around, ripable, fun machine suitable for a broad range of surfers who want a high-performance twin fin with roots in surfing history and a proven contemporary feel.