As surfboards have progressed, the tail design has gotten a bit more complex and the number of variations has risen. You may have wondered why surfboards have different tails and what they do? Even with a wide spectrum of different shapes these are the main surfboard tails that you will come across. In this post you’ll gather a better understanding of the differences so that you can choose the right tail on the right board.
1. Pin Tail
- Narrowest width of all tails
- Most traction of any tails due to less surface area which results in the back of the board sinking more and holding in
- Can be hard to maneuver and is not suited for small waves
- Normally found on Guns, where traction at high speed is more important than maneuverability.
2. Swallow Tail
- Gives the board more hold and traction
- Upside down 'V' in the tail gives control and bite in and out of the turns.
- More surface area in the tail, giving it the ability to maintain speeds through fatter/softer sections of the wave.
- Wider and more pronounced tail is often found on a fish (surfboard) and is suited to smaller waves.
- Our Retro Fish Surfboard features a swallow tail.
3. Round Tail
- The round is a similar shape to the pin but has been widened to a variations of widths.
- Gives more surface area and bounce
- Does well in small waves as it moves fast through the water
- Versatile tail and does well in hollow waves and drawn out turns better than a square tail.
- Our The Hidden Surfboard features a round tail.
4. Squash Tail
- Most common tail among short boards, it is a variation of the square tail.
- Its edgier tail allows for quick release in pivot turns.
- Looser feel and very responsive
- Designed for both control in steep waves as well as softer waves
- Our Baked Bean Surfboard features a squash tail.
5. Square Tail
- Earliest tail design
- Helps with stability when catching waves
- Is good in the pivotal turns