Tail

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The tail of the surfboard is at the back of the board. A surfboards tail is extremely important and will dramatically change the way you surf. When choosing a tail design it really comes down to your individual choice and ability. If your friends have surfboards with different tails then it’s a great idea to try out their boards first and see what works for you.

There are a wide range of tail shapes including the squash tail, square tail, pin tail, thumb tail, rounded pin, baby swallow or low tail, the swallow tail, bat tails and winged tails. At first these can seem a little confusing but a surfboard shaper will apply the best-suited tail for the particular board they create, making a better-suited design for their clients. Each different shape of tail will give your board a different performance.

At the tail of the board you will also find a 'leash plug' which is where you attach the leash to your surfboard by looping it through.

Pin Tail

The pin tail is often seen on gun style surfboards. This is because allows the surfer to get deep within the tube (of the wave) and the slightest movements become small smooth changes in direction. As you can imagine, the tube is not a place where you would want to catch your rail! The pin tail has a smooth rail to a pivotal point, which avoids nasty catches while giving a smooth yet effective ride.

Rounded Pintail

Rounded Pintail

The rounded pin tail design is a mix between the thumb tail and the pin tail. This design is often seen on older shortboard styles and offers the benefits of both the thumb and the pin.

Round Tail

Round Tail

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Squash Tail

Squash Tail

The squash tail is the most popular design on modern day shortboard surfboard. The squash tail is a great 'all-rounder' that offers easy turning, smoother lines and an increased stability with take offs. The tail is suited for pretty much all wave conditions from medium sized to overhead.

Square Tail

Square Tail

The squaretail is not as popular as it once was and has seen a decline in numbers over the years. The main reason for this is that the square tail is made for a very specific style of surfing and offers fast drive when surfing. The sharp edge to the tail allows for quick and sharp rail-to-rail transitions and quick snaps whilst surfing.

Thumb Tail

The thumb tail is a more rounded version of the squash tail and is often seen on surfboards like the Al Merrick Biscuits and more fun-shapes. The tail gives greater stability and a little drive to get you through those choppy slow sections. The rails on the tail are smooth allowing for rail-to-rail transitions and a smoother style. The best-suited waves for this tail are waist to head high or if the board has extra volume it could be ridden on smaller surf.

Swallow Tail

Swallow Tail

The swallow tail design is often seen on fish style shortboards and is suitable in a variety of conditions, but will excel in choppy smaller surf. The wide tail will allow for a more stable and smooth ride while giving more volume to create a board that is easier to paddle and catch waves with.

Baby Swallow Tail

The baby swallow tail combines the advantages of the swallow tail and the pin tail design. The surfboard tail often has medium rails to allow for quick but yet smooth directional changes. The narrow tail makes it perfect for tube positioning while the swallow allows for a smoother ride in choppy surf.

Bat Tail

The bat tail design is like a small double swallow tail that channels water through the tail. This allows for greater stability and hold while you’re surfing. The bat tail is good in small to medium sized surf, but may struggle in larger surf due to its rail-to-rail transition.

Wing

The wing is really not a tail shape but more of a rail shape. It can be seen as the bump in the rails just in front of the front fins. Don't be confused and think that this is a different tail shape. The tail shown on the left is still a swallowtail. Just remember that the board also has a wing.

Bibliography

http://www.boardridersguide.com/surfing-knowledge http://www.surfing-waves.com/board/tail_shape.htm