Patterson Fireball fish

Jun 17, 2003
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North Carolina
Does anyone know where I can find a Fireball Fish like the one Tom Curren rode in 20ft Indo on "The Search"?
BTW, has anyboy ever ridden one in the overhead range and how did it handle? I'm thinking about getting one to be my only board, at home and on trips, but I'm afraid it won't surf as vertical or handle juice. TC did, but then again...
What are the typical dimensions for that board?
Thanks a lot,
 

JJR

Duke status
Mar 6, 2003
21,629
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Cyclist hell
Think it was like a 5' 8" x 19 1/2 channel bottom swallow. Good luck if your gonna make that your only board for trips. Don't want to dis your surfing ability or anything, but were talkin' curren here! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" />
 
Jun 17, 2003
29
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North Carolina
The reason for my desire to have only one board comes from the troubles I've encountered travelling with 2. From being charged per board (not per bag) at the airline counter to not being able to fit them in a small rental car or bus.
I also like to know the board I'm riding intimately, and if I surf the same board all the time, that should happen.
 

JJR

Duke status
Mar 6, 2003
21,629
0
0
Cyclist hell
You might get to know a few other things intimateley as well...like the reef, or the sandbar if you try someplace like peurto escondido on a fireball fish! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" /> How 'bout like a 6' 6" pintail or something? Waves are usually better when you travel than what you usually surf everyday at home. don't ya think? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />
 
When Curren road that fish, the conditions were flawless...not a drop of water out of place. If there had been the slighest warble, then it might have been a different story.
My humble opinion, go with something a little more substantial and versatile, maybe a mid-range Round Pin.
Problem is you will end up riding a board that works okay most of the time, and only great some of the time...
 

Waldo

Duke status
Jan 24, 2002
16,025
42
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Shangri-La
I'll second what Kapu said. It was a combination of Curren's genius and freakish ability, along with some amazing conditions, that made that fish work. As I recall, most of those waves sort of rolled in, allowing a very early take-off, before they squared off on the mid-to-inside section. If they had required a really critical take-off, the fish would have been even more challenging. Even still, it seemed to me that there were waves where you could see Curren straining somewhat to hold his line in the barrel.

The fish is a great small-wave design. But if I was traveling with one board, I'd design it to go good on the great days, and I'd sacrifice a little on the mediocre days. Most people travel to score great sessions, not just to rip in the average conditions that you could find at home.
 
Jun 17, 2003
29
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North Carolina
Right on, I agree with the pin tail deal.I actually have a 6'8 pin which I use on trips. I am getting over the fish idea anyway and just accepting the fact that I have to bring at least 2 boards.
Thanks for the inputs.
 

anthony christopher

OTF status
Jun 12, 2003
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jersey
In my humble opinion I've found that if I had to take one board and one board only it would be my trusty 6'6 rounded pin. Nothing drastic about the shape. good rocker but not too much. Not too pulled in at the tail and not too thin. In chest to head high I can surf it but would rather be on my short board but once it starts to get in the head high plus. it's a gem! anything over 6-8 it might be time to bump it up a few inches. Good luck bro!