Swallow Tail Meaning in Surfing

A swallow tail features a V shaped cutout at the back of boards. This design creates two distinct points that act like small individual tail fins. It provides a lot of grip and traction during fast turns on waves. Swallow tails are very popular on wide boards designed for small surf today. The cutout allows water to flow freely through the center of the tail. This makes the board feel very loose and easy to move around. A surfer carves a smooth turn on a classic twin fin swallow tail. The two points help the board hold onto the steep wave face securely. One athlete zips across a mushy wave using a wide swallow tail board. This tail shape is a favorite for riders who want speed and control.