Lost RNF Retro
The Lost RNF Retro is Matt Biolos’ classic 1970s-inspired spin on the iconic Round Nose Fish line. Launched in 2018, it blends wide, split-tailed San Diego-style fish vibes with nearly 25 years of RNF design evolution. Generous dimensions, low rocker, a flat deck, steep rails and a wide tail make catching waves and speeding down the line easier than almost any fish Lost has ever built.
What really sets the RNF Retro apart is its snowboard-inspired reverse radius sidecut built into the outline. This sidecut lets a very flat-rockered, wide-tailed board turn tighter, hold better and carve cleaner than most traditional fish shapes. Think vintage hot rod looks with a modern performance engine.
Who Is the Lost RNF Retro For?
- Surfers who want a classic fish feel with real turning performance.
- Beginners to advanced surfers looking for a fast, forgiving, easy-paddling fish.
- RNF fans who want a more retro, glidey variant in their quiver.
- Anyone who wants to turn small, slopey surf into fun, fast, flowing rides.
Lost RNF Retro Design Features
Generous Retro Fish Outline
The RNF Retro borrows heavily from classic 70s San Diego fish:
- Wide nose and full front outline for easy paddling and instant planing.
- Deep, wide split tail (over 10" tip-to-tip and ~4" deep on many sizes) for effortless glide and retro feel.
- Overall fuller dimensions that make wave catching almost automatic.
Reverse Radius Sidecut Outline
The standout design feature is the snowboard-style sidecut in the outline:
- Reverse-radius cut between the feet “locks in” to the wave face.
- Allows a very flat, wide board to turn in tighter arcs instead of tracking.
- Helps the board carve on rail with surprising grip and control.
Flat Deck & Steep but Tucked Rails
- Flat deck for max volume and paddle power.
- Steep, defined rail apex for bite, tucked softly underneath to keep it forgiving.
- Deck foil keeps enough thickness for float while rails stay sensitive when you lean on them.
Low Rocker + RNF Bottom Curves
Built around the proven RNF rocker:
- Very low overall rocker for speed and glide.
- Slight single concave through the center to create lift and projection.
- Spiral vee out the tail for smooth, precise, comfortable turning without losing glide.
Fin Setups
The RNF Retro is designed to be ridden with:
- Split keels (quad keel-style) for classic, super-fast fish glide.
- Or a twin + two small trailers quad setup for extra drive and hold.
There is typically no single rear center fin box — this board is all about twin/quad fish performance.
Construction Options
- PU/Poly with resin tint/opaques for that true retro feel.
- Lib Tech RNF Retro Fish for an extra-durable, eco-oriented construction with a livelier, EPS-based feel.
Ideal Wave Conditions for the RNF Retro
While you can ride it in almost anything, the RNF Retro shines in:
- Knee-high to overhead clean, slopey surf.
- Mellow point waves and soft beach breaks.
- Long running lines where you want speed, trim and stylish carves.
- Small to mid-size days where most shortboards bog.
What Size Lost RNF Retro Should You Ride?
As a general guideline:
- 2–4" shorter than your everyday shortboard.
- Volume equal to or slightly above your normal shortboard volume.
- Heavier or less experienced surfers can go a touch longer/wider for extra stability.
Not sure where to land? Tell us your height, weight, and skill level — we’ll help size your RNF Retro.
Compare the RNF Retro to Other Lost Models
- RNF ’96 – Faithful 1996 Round Nose Fish reissue, narrower and more performance-twin oriented.
- RNF Retro ’23 – Updated “Revamp” version with further refinements.
- Shop All Fish Surfboards
Shipping & Pickup Options
We ship surfboards nationwide via UPS with live rates calculated in your cart. Typical ranges:
- Boards under 5'11": usually $65–$120 depending on destination.
- Boards over 5'11" or 21" wide: typically $150–$240.
Pickup options:
- Free in-store pickup at Rider Shack in Los Angeles.
- Free Central Coast pickup near Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay & Lompoc.
Full details: Shipping & Returns
When you buy from Rider Shack, you support a small, family-run, surfer-owned core surf shop.
Lost RNF Retro FAQ
Is the RNF Retro good for beginners?
Yes — with the right size and a quad setup, beginners can benefit from its generous volume, flat deck, and excellent paddle power, while still having room to progress.
What makes the RNF Retro different from the RNF ’96?
The RNF Retro is more 70s-inspired: wider tail, flatter deck, lower rocker and sidecut outline. The RNF ’96 is a faithful reproduction of the original 1996 RNF and feels more like a performance-twin fish.
What does the sidecut outline do?
The snowboard-style reverse sidecut helps a wide, flat board grip and turn tighter, letting you carve more radical arcs without sliding out or tracking straight.
What fin setup works best on the RNF Retro?
It’s designed for split keels or a twin + two small trailers quad setup. There’s no rear center fin box, so it’s all about fishy twin/quad performance.
What wave range is ideal for this board?
It likes clean, slopey surf from knee-high to overhead, especially small to mid-size days where you want fast trim and smooth, stylish carves.
Do you ship Lost RNF Retro surfboards?
Yes. We ship nationwide with UPS live rates and also offer free in-store and Central Coast pickup options.
