Surfboard Tails?

Question

How do different surfboard tails affect the way they ride?

Answer 1

Each surfboard shape offers subtle control changes. For instance, a standard swallow tail’s wide diameter two points and deep “V” break up the water as it flows from the bottom of the board, lifting the tail slightly and thus allowing your board to release from turns quickly with less grab on the water’s surface (perfect for small wave maneuvers). A narrow pin tail, on the other hand, channels the water into a tight, smooth, stream that effectively holds your board in its line, tightens its turns, and offers benefits in bigger, clean surf.

Answer 2

The tail is kind of like the treads on your tires on your car. Your board pivots on the rails of your board. The skegs/fins help grab your turn. The tail also helps to grab but also determines the speed of your turn. The water is released from under your board off of your tail. A pin and swallow tails grab the water because of the points but the water is not able to release as quickly from under the board thus the turning speed is a little tighter but slower. A squash tail is looser because it is flat but the points are more subtle. The speed in your turns should be a little faster because the water can release from under the board faster.