Wondering what the advantages/disadvantages of a various tail shapes would be on a standard funshape thruster (i.e. 7’6" x 15.25 nose x 21.5 width x 14.5 tail x 2 7/8 thick). Squash vs. Swallow vs. Rounded Pin assuming they all kept a similar width 12"'s up. General knowledge tells me that: RP - would hold better in larger waves and turn more fluidly but may lack drive. Squash - would have better drive more abrupt turns but more skatey on big drops. Swallows - I am ignorant to their traits and advantages/disadvantages in comparison to the above. Are swallows strictly for small waves or can they handle juice?..Are they harder or easier to turn. I have read/heard conflicting theories.
I would think a swallow would act similar to a square tail. I once saw a video showing Owl Chapman riding Pipeline on a swallow tailed Brewer gun in the early 70’s and Mark Richards riding a swallow tailed Rawson gun (thruster) out at Pipe in the late 80s.
I think the whole point of a swallow tail is to use a wider tail template (straighter rails) yet reduce the planing area so you can “sink” the tail in a turn or a steep drop. Whether it actually works this way is an open question (to me anyway). For practical purposes, the modern short board swallows with tip-to-tip widths of 8 inches or less, I don’t think you would ever notice the difference. The amount of planing area reduced by the cut-out is so small. A Lis/Frye fish however, the amount you are cutting out is fairly substantial and the depth-curve of cut may act like a “twin pin” that holds the corners in longer. Any of you old fishermen ever fill the swallow cut-out with something to see how that affects the performance or feel of a fish?
I’ve alway been partial to the swallowtail design. IMHO it allows the board to have a some extra width all the way into the tail, which aid lift and drive and at tje same time it gives the tail a very positive feel. The deeper the swallow on a given width at the tips the more bite and the less lift. Every tail desigh has it’s weak and strong points but I think this one work very well on boards up to about 8’6" or so. Once the get any longer it’s a rounded pin all the way for me. Mahalo, Rich
I often wonder if all the surfers in Capistrano prefer swallows.
I’ve seen several tow-in boards with swallowtails. That should tell you something.