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Tail types – there are basically five tail types
in use with the modern boards of today.
Square tails have a very sharp tail block whilst rounded squash
tails are the most versatile. These work in a wide range of conditions
because the wider tail area creates an increase in planing and lift
in order to generate speed in small weak surf but also allowing
good control in more solid surf.
Round tails and pintails have less area but more curve in the tail
shape. This allows for faster rail to rail turns and provides the
ability to handle fast powerful waves with a smooth transition.
It is an ideal travel board for more powerful surf destinations
and point breaks.
Pintails are used mainly for larger surf allowing a higher level
of control over the speeds that these waves generate.
Swallow tails have a combination of all the above designs with
two pivotal points, a large planing area and a good rail curve.
These provide a very versatile tail shape and are adaptable for
both big and small wave boards.
Bottom contours have three main types. I mainly use
single to double concaves and the single concave. I use these designs
for most of my high performance boards, as the concave allows a
higher planing effect, which in turn provides increased speed.
In wider boards over the 19.5” – 20”
width, I use a conventional flat to panel V bottom between the fins.
This is mainly used with the ‘fat boys, snub nose fish and
retros’ etc as it allows a wider tail board to feel snappy,
helping to provide stability as well as good rail to rail movement.
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