Tail shape is like the control center for your board, dictating pivot, speed, and flow when transitioning between rails. Understanding the nuances of different tail shapes—like swallow and round pin—is crucial for choosing the right board for your style and the day’s conditions.
Key Takeaways & Tips
Swallowtail (Loose & Fast)
This tail is typically wide, providing more float/release and keeping you on top of the water for sustained speed in flatter sections. The points of the swallow provide small pivot points to give you some hold in a turn. Swallows are looser and more likely to slide/drift.
Round Pin / Pin Tail (Hold & Drive)
The round pin removes foam and area, causing the tail to sit deeper in the water for better drive. The high curve in the rail line helps the board dip in more when turning, providing much more hold and drive with less slipping.
Pintail (Stop & Start)
A highly dramatic pintail uses the lack of width at the tip as a pivot point to completely reset your speed. You bury the tail to stop and pivot, then stand back up to use the board’s width to regain speed and flow into the next turn.
Squash Tail (Slip & Release)
The squash tail is wide (like a swallow) but lacks the holding points of the swallow’s tips. It is designed for maximum release and slip out of the lip. These tails are generally less drivey and better for surfers who want to maximize tail release.
Winged Tails
Wings break up the rail line, allowing you to cut tighter turns and creating different pivot points. They make the board slide a little more, adding an element of fun and maneuverability.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring Sinking Tail
Using a round tail (which sinks more) when you need float for speed in flat sections. The sinking nature of the round pin, while great for drive, is not suited for generating speed on top of the water.
Ignoring Rail Curve
Using a swallow tail when you need maximum drive and hold. The straighter rail line of a swallow will track out, whereas the curved rail line of a round pin will pull you around your turn more effectively.
Misjudging Hold
Assuming all wide tails provide the same hold. A swallow tail provides hold from its edges, while a squash tail funnels water out in a blunt, round way, resulting in much less hold and more slip.