The Flame Fish is JS Industries’ most focused weapon for tackling weak, crumbly, or altogether terrible surf—and making it fun. As the newest evolution in their HYFI epoxy technology, this super groveller has been engineered from the ground up to extract maximum speed, maneuverability, and paddle power from minimal conditions. If you're a dedicated small-wave surfer or just desperate to stay in the water when it’s knee-high and gutless, this is the board you want under your feet.
Unlike all-rounders trying to do it all, the Flame Fish is unapologetically specialized. With a wide nose outline, full rails, and an ultra-flat rocker, it’s built to plane early, paddle effortlessly, and carry momentum through the weakest sections of the wave. The HYFI construction—now refined after five years of use—adds that distinct spring-loaded feel that keeps the board lively and responsive, even in the flattest surf.
Underneath, the single to double concave starts deep in the nose and transitions toward a vee off the tail, designed to lift the board, reduce drag, and enhance rail-to-rail transitions. The result is a board that not only flies across dead sections but still responds when you lay into a turn. Volume is strategically packed under the chest, making wave-catching a breeze, while the full rails help avoid bogging or catching in chop.
JS recommends riding the Flame Fish around the same length as your Flaming Pony or approximately 6 inches shorter than your Monsta Box, depending on your normal shortboard dimensions. While it’s not meant for size or versatility, it dominates in anything knee to waist high, and can hold its own in surf up to 3 feet.
Pros
Ultimate Small Wave Specialist: Built specifically to make the worst days ridiculously fun.
HYFI 2.0 Construction: Ultra-light, durable, and responsive with a snappy flex pattern.
Effortless Speed: Flat rocker, wide outline, and deep concaves make this thing fly across flat spots.
Easy Paddling: Generous volume under the chest boosts paddle power and early wave entry.
Full Rails for Forgiveness: Handles soft sections and chop with ease.
Cons
Very Specialized: Not a board for good waves, punchy surf, or travel versatility.
Not Ideal for Heavier Surfers in Bigger Surf: It tops out around 3 ft and can feel too loose or skatey if pushed past its limits.
Won’t Replace Your All-Rounder: You’ll need something else for when conditions improve.
Final Verdict
The Flame Fish is a purpose-built, fun-first board for surfers who refuse to sit out the small stuff. It won’t win any awards for versatility, but that’s the point—this board is unapologetically all about speed, flow, and stoke when the waves are barely breaking. With the refined pop of HYFI construction and design cues from the best of JS’s small wave arsenal, the Flame Fish is the master of one—and it owns it. If your summer sessions need a jolt of excitement, this super groveller delivers in spades.
