- Price: £560
- Sizes: 159 only
- Flex: 6.5
- Profile: Combo
- Shape: Directional
- LIB-TECH.COM
Matt ‘Mayhem’ Biolos is the man behind Lost Surfboards, but he was actually a snowboarder before he ever took to the waves. Years later, when he’d established himself as a surf-shaper extraordinaire, a chance meeting with a young Jamie Lynn introduced him to Lib Tech. These days he collaborates with the brand on a couple of surf-inspired models each year, including the Lib Tech Round Nose Fish.
The Lib Tech Round Nose Fish shares its name – and some of its DNA – with the world’s best-selling fish surfboard, which first appeared in the mid-90s. However, while many sticks that set out to ape our damp colleagues tend to go all-in for powder chasing, the Lib Tech Round Nose Fish is a little different. It’s even referred to by the brand as a “hardpack carver”, so you don’t need to wait for a dump to enjoy this.
“While many sticks that set out to ape our damp colleagues tend to go all-in for powder chasing, the Lib Tech Round Nose Fish is a little different”
It features the same aggressive mix of camber and rocker that you’ll find on Travis Rice’s high-end boards; the camber sections under the feet are prominent, delivering tons of grip and power through the turns. It’s also got a high-quality sintered base, you can absolutely scream down the groomers on this.
When the powder does come, the rocker in the middle delivers that all-important float, aided by the stubby swallowtail and extended nose. The outline is also slightly tapered, so you can afford to take things slower and slash everything in sight without worrying about sinking.
Swallowtails aren’t known for having tons of pop, but no lip is safe from this thanks to the strips of birch that run along the sidewalls. Plus at 159cm (or, if you prefer, a 5’ 2.5”), it’s long enough from end to end to deliver a decent spring when the time comes.
Unfortunately there’s still only one size available, but if you can work with that then the Lib Tech Round Nose Fish is a brilliant for tearing up the powder when it’s pumping, and the groomers when it’s not.
