The difference between a squash tail and a round tail profoundly affects a shortboard’s performance. The choice between them depends entirely on the wave’s power and whether you need to create speed or control it.
Key Takeaways & Tips
Squash Tail (Speed Creator)
The squash tail is the standard and is highly versatile. Its extra surface area provides extra lift, which helps keep the board on top of the water and makes it easier to gain speed in slower, weaker waves. It has a snappier, more pivoty feel off its corners.
Round Tail (Speed Controller)
The round tail removes the tail’s corners and surface area, allowing you to lean into the board harder at high speeds without the tail popping out. It holds better through carves, feels stronger, and is ideal for faster, more powerful waves.
Squash Tail Maneuvers
The two corners of the squash tail provide edges to pivot off, which helps the board move up and down easier. The tail’s lift also helps release the tail and gives the board a bit more freedom in the lip.
Round Tail Maneuvers
The round tail is not as snappy but holds turns better and handles turns at speed effectively. The added curve throughout the outline keeps the board feeling loose and friendly while retaining control.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Squash in Powerful Waves
Riding a squash tail in a faster, more powerful wave. The high pressure created by a hard bottom turn can cause the tail’s wide surface area to try and lift the board out of the water, requiring the surfer to “nurse” the turn.
Ignoring Slower Waves
Assuming the tail is only about control. For slower waves, the extra area of a squash tail is necessary to generate the speed needed to stay planing and keep the session going.