Tail

The tail of the surfboard is at the back of the board. A surfboards tail is extremely important and will dramatically change the way you surf. When choosing a tail design it really comes down to your individual choice and ability. If your friends have surfboards with different tails then it’s a great idea to try out their boards first and see what works for you.

There are a wide range of tail shapes including the squash tail, square tail, pin tail, thumb tail, rounded pin, baby swallow or low tail, the swallow tail, bat tails and winged tails. At first these can seem a little confusing but a surfboard shaper will apply the best-suited tail for the particular board they create, making a better-suited design for their clients. Each different shape of tail will give your board a different performance.

At the tail of the board you will also find a 'leash plug' which is where you attach the leash to your surfboard by looping it through.

	Pin Tail	The pin tail is often seen on gun style surfboards. This is because allows the surfer to get deep within the tube (of the wave) and the slightest movements become small smooth changes in direction. As you can imagine, the tube is not a place where you would want to catch your rail! The pin tail has a smooth rail to a pivotal point, which avoids nasty catches while giving a smooth yet effective ride.
	Rounded Pintail	The rounded pin tail design is a mix between the thumb tail and the pin tail. This design is often seen on older shortboard styles and offers the benefits of both the thumb and the pin.
	Round Tail	A very smooth turning tail that has a bit more area than the rounded pin. The extra area makes it more suitable for slower, smaller surf.
	Square Tail	The squaretail is not as popular as it once was and has seen a decline in numbers over the years. The main reason for this is that the square tail is made for a very specific style of surfing and offers fast drive when surfing. The sharp edge to the tail allows for quick and sharp rail-to-rail transitions and quick snaps whilst surfing.
	Rounded Square Tail
	Squash Tail	The squash tail is the most popular design on modern day shortboard surfboard. The squash tail is a great 'all-rounder' that offers easy turning, smoother lines and an increased stability with take offs. The tail is suited for pretty much all wave conditions from medium sized to overhead.
	Thumb Tail	The thumb tail is a more rounded version of the squash tail and is often seen on surfboards like the Al Merrick Biscuits and more fun-shapes. The tail gives greater stability and a little drive to get you through those choppy slow sections. The rails on the tail are smooth allowing for rail-to-rail transitions and a smoother style. The best-suited waves for this tail are waist to head high or if the board has extra volume it could be ridden on smaller surf.
	Diamond Tail	The corners of the diamond tail makes its turning characteristics a bit more pivotal and sharper than the rounded pin.
	Rounded Diamond Tail	A diamond tail with rounded corners that is very similar t a rounded pintail or round tail in design and performance.
	Bat Tail or Star Tail	The bat tail design is like a small double swallow tail that channels water through the tail. This allows for greater stability and hold while you’re surfing. The bat tail is good in small to medium sized surf, but may struggle in larger surf due to its rail-to-rail transition.
	Swallow Tail	The swallow tail design is often seen on fish style shortboards and is suitable in a variety of conditions, but will excel in choppy smaller surf. The wide tail will allow for a more stable and smooth ride while giving more volume to create a board that is easier to paddle and catch waves with.
	Baby Swallow Tail	The baby swallow tail combines the advantages of the swallow tail and the pin tail design. The surfboard tail often has medium rails to allow for quick but yet smooth directional changes. The narrow tail makes it perfect for tube positioning while the swallow allows for a smoother ride in choppy surf.
	Fish Tail
	Asymmetrical Tail	Most surfers draw different lines when surfing backside than they do frontside. Their frontside style may be more driving and down the line. At the same time their backside style or the wave they usually surf backside may demand a more vertical up and down attack with lots of cutbacks. The asymmetrical tail allows the surfer to choose the type of tail most suited to his front and backside styles and the types of waves he rides most often.

Wing

The wing is really not a tail shape but more of a rail shape. It can be seen as the bump in the rails just in front of the front fins. Don't be confused and think that this is a different tail shape. The tail shown on the left is still a swallowtail. Just remember that the board also has a wing.

	Wings
	Flyers
	Bumps

Bibliography

• http://www.boardridersguide.com/surfing-knowledge
• http://www.surfing-waves.com/board/tail_shape.htm