Surfboard Trading Co Swallow Fish
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The Swallow Fish: Fish Speed, Performance Control
The Surfboard Trading Co Swallow Fish was engineered to give you every advantage of a classic fish outline without giving up an ounce of performance. More float under your chest means you paddle into waves earlier and easier, while the pulled-in swallow tail keeps the rail-to-rail response tight and precise through critical sections. The result is a board that surfs fast and loose in smaller, mushier conditions yet still has the drive and hold to handle steeper, punchier waves when the surf picks up.
At Island Water Sports in Boca Raton we ride these waves every day, and the Swallow Fish earns its place as one of the most versatile shortboard-alternative shapes we carry. Whether you are an intermediate surfer looking to boost your wave count or an advanced rider hunting a dedicated small-wave weapon, this board delivers.
Outline, Rocker and Bottom Contour
The Swallow Fish carries a wider-than-shortboard nose that flows into a full mid-section before tapering into the signature swallow tail. The extra width through the center gives the board its characteristic paddle power and early entry, while the narrowed tail block channels drive and release in equal measure.
Rocker is kept low and fast. It is subtle enough to generate speed from the first pump yet enough tail flip to release off the top without dragging. Bottom contours run a slight single concave through the entry, fading into a shallow double concave through the fins. The single concave channels water and builds speed; the double concave converts that speed into directional lift through the fins and out the tail. The transition is smooth and nearly invisible to the eye but unmistakable under your feet.
Fin Configuration: Thruster, Twin or 2+1
The Swallow Fish is built to be ridden your way. Set it up as a thruster for tighter, more vertical surfing with predictable hold through turns. Switch to a twin fin setup to unlock the classic fish feel: looser, skatier, with that trademark glide and down-the-line speed that made fish shapes famous. A 2+1 configuration (twin plus small center stabilizer) splits the difference, adding a touch of drive and center hold while preserving the twin's flowing style. All three setups are supported by the box configuration; choose the right one for the day and the break using the fin boxes on this page as your guide.
BPT Construction: Bomb Proof Tech
Every Swallow Fish is built using Bomb Proof Tech (BPT), Surfboard Trading Co's premium hand-laid construction process. The deck uses a bi-axial fiberglass layup (6oz top layer over 4oz) for a combination of dent resistance and responsive flex. The bottom runs 6oz plus two additional 4oz layers over the fin boxes for reinforced integrity exactly where impact stress is highest. A straight carbon fiber stinger runs the centerline, stiffening the spine without adding dead weight. Every BPT board receives a premium timber stringer, giving the blank its backbone, its natural flex pattern and the classic craftsmanship feel that separates a shaped board from a factory pop-out. The overall package is light, responsive and built to last through seasons of serious surfing.
Wave Range and Who It Is For
The Swallow Fish performs best in surf from knee-high to slightly overhead. It shines when conditions are not quite punchy enough for a performance shortboard but are too fast and lined-up for a longboard. Think typical South Florida beach break, sloping reef sections, or point break reform waves where speed and flow matter more than vertical attack.
Skill level: intermediate to advanced. An intermediate surfer who can link turns will immediately feel the benefit of the extra paddle volume. An advanced surfer will appreciate how the concave-to-swallow-tail combination lets them draw longer, more flowing lines at high speed without the board going straight.
Surfboard Trading Co: Surfboards Shaped for Real Surf
Surfboard Trading Co builds boards with a practical philosophy: performance shapes using construction quality that holds up in real-world conditions. The BPT line is their answer to the durability gap between pro-level glass jobs and everyday surf use. IWS is proud to carry the Swallow Fish as a flagship example of that ethos. Questions about the board or which setup is right for your local break? Call us at 954-427-4929 or stop into our Boca Raton store.
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Specifications
- Brand
- Surfboard Trading Co
- Model
- Swallow Fish
- Construction
- BPT (Bomb Proof Tech) hand-laid fiberglass with carbon fiber stinger and premium timber stringer
- Deck Layup
- Bi-axial fiberglass 6oz + 4oz
- Bottom Layup
- 6oz + 4oz + 4oz over fin boxes
- Stringer
- Premium timber stringer with straight carbon fiber stinger
- Fin Setup
- Thruster, twin or 2+1 (multi-box)
- Bottom Contour
- Slight single concave to shallow double concave
- Tail Shape
- Swallow tail
- Best Wave Range
- 3 ft to slightly overhead
- Skill Level
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Color / Finish
- BPT (white deck with grey tail block, two-tone)
Size & Dimensions
| Length | Width | Thickness | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'6" | 19 3/4" | 2 3/8" | 28.46 L |
| 5'8" | 19 1/2" | 2 1/2" | 31.3 L |
| 5'10" | 20 1/4" | 2 5/8" | 34.43 L |
| 6'0" | 20 1/2" | 2 3/4" | 37.5 L |
Full manufacturer size chart. Sizes available to order are shown in the selector above.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of waves is the Surfboard Trading Co Swallow Fish best suited for?
- The Swallow Fish is designed for surf from knee-high to slightly overhead. It thrives in slower, mushier conditions where a standard shortboard loses momentum, and it handles punchy overhead surf with equal composure. For South Florida beach break and similar mellow reef setups, it is an excellent everyday driver.
- Is the Swallow Fish good for intermediate surfers?
- Yes. The wider outline and extra volume under the chest make it more forgiving to paddle and catch waves than a high-performance shortboard, so intermediate surfers who can link turns will feel immediately comfortable. Advanced surfers equally love it as a small-wave weapon or a fun alternative to their everyday shortboard.
- How does the swallow tail affect how the board surfs?
- The swallow tail splits the tail block into two narrow corners that act like two separate pivot points. This creates a looser, more skatey feel with quick release off the top, while still generating drive down the line. It pairs especially well with a twin or 2+1 fin setup that amplifies the flowing, speed-oriented style the fish outline is known for.
- What fin setup should I use on the Swallow Fish?
- It depends on the surf and your style. The thruster setup gives tighter, more vertical surfing with good hold in steeper waves. The twin fin setup maximizes the classic fish experience: glide, speed and loose skatey turns. A 2+1 (twin plus small center fin) is a great middle ground if you want twin flow with a bit of center drive added. Use the variant selector on this page to choose your size, and consult our in-store team at 954-427-4929 for fin recommendations based on your local break.
- What makes BPT (Bomb Proof Tech) construction different?
- BPT is Surfboard Trading Co's premium hand-laid fiberglass process. It uses a heavier, multi-layer glass schedule than entry-level boards, with extra reinforcement over the fin boxes where stress is highest. The addition of a carbon fiber stinger along the centerline stiffens the spine for sharper response without adding noticeable weight. The result is a board that feels lively and light but survives hard use across multiple seasons.
- How do I choose the right size Swallow Fish for my weight and skill level?
- See the size guide on this page for the full published dimensions and volumes for each length. As a starting point, most intermediate surfers choose a volume that is roughly 0.35 to 0.45 times their body weight in kilograms; advanced surfers typically ride lower. The pulled-in swallow tail and wider outline mean you can often ride this shape slightly shorter than your everyday shortboard and still have plenty of paddle power. If you have questions, call us at 954-427-4929 or visit Island Water Sports in Boca Raton and we will help you match the right size to your surfing.
- Does Surfboard Trading Co have good reviews?
- Surfboard Trading Co has built a strong reputation for producing well-shaped, durably built boards at honest prices. Their BPT construction line in particular draws praise from surfers who want pro-level glass quality without the pro-level price tag. Island Water Sports in Boca Raton carries the Swallow Fish as a hands-on recommendation; come in and feel the glass job and outline for yourself.