The Differences Between the Calyma Fish, Long Fish and the Piseas

In an effort to clear up any confusion, I wanted to highlight some of the differences between a few of my fish models. I also threw in a little bit of their history and what makes them so special.

Calyma (Fish Simmons) -

This is my most versatile fish template in my quiver.  I’m able to build boards from 4 feet up to 12, using multiple fins set ups as well.  This is the fuller fish template of all the fish.  As I said most versatile because depending on the length you can fin this board with quads, tris or quads.  The defining feature of the Calyma is the pronounced single to double barrel concave thru a deep Vee pane.  Smaller boards have less bottom longer boards have more.  Other surf tribes might refer to it as a bonzer-style bottom.  That vee panel is the Key factor in allowing you to get that parallel rail out of the water and actually drive turns, not just do a longboard pivot-style turn.  

Long Fish-

A traditional “Long Fish” signifies a Keel Fin Fish from 6’4 to 7’2, although now there has been some experimenting on the longer keel fin versions, ala Skip’s “Nozzle” model.  For me what I’m building and riding currently is the version Skip used to build me, starting in 2002-2003. Over the years I’ve tweaked and changed some of the features, for example I’ve started using Larry Gephart Slant backs versus the Straight back keel template and I’ve changed the tail curve just slightly in the fin area.   

• Length: 6’4”-7’2”
• Bottom contour- single concave
• Fins: slant back double foiled keels fins built from marine ply

The Piseas stem from the culmination and progression of the surfing/shaping ethos, moving on from the Calyma Fish ridden mostly as a quad fin in the smaller lengths to a high aspect twin fin version.  Skip shaped me a 7’7 Twin Fin Fish Simmons in 2004 and that opened my eyes to the High aspect twin template.  Narrower than the keel (looser) yet deeper than the keel (hold and drive) add the Fish Simmons bottom and you have a long paddling, super-drivey yet turnable fish at longer lengths. The Piseas is my narrower version of this design thread.   

It runs with contemporary rocker, is a ½” narrower than the Calyma and is solely a twin fin. Most PIseas tend to run 7’2 and under but I have built them out to 8’0.  It defines what I’ve been exposed to in the San Diego Fish Scene.

• Length: 8’0” and under
• Bottom contours: similar to the Calyma, long single to double barrel concave thru the vee plane.
• Fins: High aspect twin fins, based off the Larry Gephart template built from Bamboo 101