CJ Nelson Milo: A Fun Twin Fin Fish for Everyday Surf
A swallow tail fish with full rails and a twin plus trailer setup that paddles easily and turns quick.
Shop the CJ Nelson Milo
Quick answer: The CJ Nelson Milo is a fish surfboard with a swallow tail, full rails and a twin plus trailer fin setup. It paddles easily, catches waves early and turns quickly, so it is a fun board for everyday surf.
It suits intermediate surfers who want a shorter, livelier board, and it is a good step down for a longboarder moving to something smaller. It comes in 6'3", 6'6" and 6'9".
In This Guide
What Is the CJ Nelson Milo?
The Milo is CJ Nelson's take on the classic fish, with a more modern outline and rocker. CJ told us it started from his father's Dugout fish, and he named it after a favorite record by the Descendents.
It is not a true keel fish. The outline and rocker are closer to a refined performance fish, so it turns quicker than an old school twin.
Who Is the Milo For?
Intermediate surfers first. You want a short board that is easy to paddle and fun in average waves.
Longboarders stepping down. The wide planing area and full rails make the Milo a forgiving first move to a smaller board.
Experienced shortboarders. You can lay it on edge and open it up, thanks to the turned down edges in the tail.
How Does the Milo Surf?
It catches waves early. The flat deck carries thickness out to the rails, and CJ told us the full rails under your chest are there to help it paddle and catch waves.
It holds when you drive off the bottom. The swallow tail is thinned out and has a slight V, which gives grip and control when you take off down the line.
It feels solid, not twitchy. CJ gave it a medium weight on purpose, so it feels like a classic 1970s fish without the quirks of an ultralight board.
What Sizes Does the Milo Come In?
| Length | Width | Thickness | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6'3" | 21 3/4" | 2 1/2" | 41.18 L |
| 6'6" | 22" | 2.7" | 44.99 L |
| 6'9" | 22 1/4" | 2.8" | 49.89 L |
Volume, in liters, tells you how much float the board has. If you are stepping down from a longboard, start with more volume. Send us your height, weight and current board and we will help you pick.
What Fins Does the Milo Take?
The Milo runs a twin plus trailer setup: two side fins and a small fin behind them. The trailer adds hold and steadiness, and the twins keep it loose.
CJ told us he rides it with a Neal Purchase Jr Flying Diamond twin plus trailer set, which gives drive and pivoty turns.
How Is the Milo Built?
The Milo is built in Thunderbolt Red. Thunderbolt Red has carbon fiber flex parts inside and a medium spring back. Thunderbolt builds are made by hand, and each board comes out consistent in weight and flex.
Learn more in our Thunderbolt questions post or read Who Is CJ Nelson?.
Ready for a Fun Fish?
Send us your height, weight, current board and home break and we will help you choose a size. Come by the shop to see the Milo in person.
Hawaiian South Shore
320 Ward Ave, Suite #111, Honolulu, HI 96814
Call or text (808) 597-9055
sales@hawaiiansouthshore.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CJ Nelson Milo?
A swallow tail fish with full rails and a twin plus trailer fin setup. It paddles easily, catches waves early and turns quickly.
What sizes does the Milo come in?
6'3" at 41.18 L, 6'6" at 44.99 L and 6'9" at 49.89 L.
Is the Milo good for a longboarder stepping down?
Yes. The wide planing area and full rails make it a forgiving first step to a smaller board. Start with one of the bigger sizes.
What fins does the Milo use?
A twin plus trailer setup. CJ told us he rides a Neal Purchase Jr Flying Diamond twin plus trailer set.
Is the Milo a keel fish?
No. Its outline and rocker are closer to a refined performance fish, so it turns quicker than a classic keel twin.
What construction is the Milo?
Thunderbolt Red, which has carbon fiber flex parts inside and a medium spring back.