What Kind of Tail Should I get?

Another important design element is tail shape. Most experienced surfers have a basic understanding of different tail designs. Squash tails are the most commonly preferred shape these days because they make turns that are shaped just like its tail; quick, very square, and perfectly suited to that up and down style I was speaking of earlier.

The down side of a squash tail is the extra width in the tail makes them harder to ride in the tube. Round pins are another popular choice. Like the squash, they make turns just like their design, long and round and are excellent for doing big wraparound cutbacks (roundhouse cutbacks) and they are the tail of choice for tube riding.

Swallow tails are very solid because you can push very hard on a swallow without your board spinning out. These tails feel similar to a squash but hold better in the tube.

For more advanced surfers, there are many things to consider when choosing your ultimate board and by this time, you’ll most likely have an idea which types of waves you prefer riding.

Now you’re ready to start building a quiver of boards designed to work best in a variety of conditions and surf breaks you prefer to surf in. The options are endless at this point and it’s very important to find a shaper who can advise you on making the best choice.

Although most high performance thrusters look the same, there are many subtle differences that are not visible to the untrained eye. Rocker is the most common design element discussed in board design. It is truly the single most important element, and every shaper you talk to will have a different philosophy about what works best.

My suggestion on rocker would be to consider your style of surfing. If you prefer to ride hollow punchy waves like the ones we have here on the north shore of Oahu and are turning from top to bottom in the pocket, you’ll want lots of rocker. This will allow the board to fit in the curvy part of the wave. The down side of a heavily rockered board is you’ll lose significant speed if you don’t turn the board continually and stay in the pocket.

If you’re a ripper who wants to surf with the highest progressive style, this is the type of board you’ll want. However, keep in mind that if you don’t have the ability to make it work (being able to generate sufficient speed and knowing how to work the pocket of a wave), a board like this will hurt your surfing more than it will help it.

On the flip side, if you surf in town (with the exception of a few spots like Ala Moana Bowls, Kaiser Bowls, Big Rights, or Rice bowls, a moderately rockered board with the right fin placement will actually go faster with less effort yet still turn as well as the heavily rockered board as described previously. I could go on and on with this subject but lets stop now. Anything more specific should be left up to the shaper of your choice.

Looking for a shaper who will personally work with you and shape you a custom surfboard? Tore Surfboards Hawaii will help you reach YOUR potential.

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