TAIL SHAPE

There are basically two tail shapes; square and round. All other tail shapes are a variation of these two. "Square tails" include square, rounded square, mini-square, squash, diamond, swallow and bat wing. Square tails offer more projection and drive. They also add more volume to the tail by increasing tail width, and release quicker when turning. "Round tails" are round, thumb, round pin and pin tail. Traditional fish tail is actually two pin tails. Round tails smooth out turns and offer better hold in steeper faces. They also reduce the volume of the tail because they are narrower, allowing the tail to sink easier into the wave face.