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How do Different Surfboard Tails Affect the way they Ride?

By Jay DiMartino, About.com

Question: How do Different Surfboard Tails Affect the way they Ride?

Answer: 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.

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