So you're struggling in small waves and looking for a board that planes and turns easily? The fish tail surf could well be your ally! Here we tell you the fascinating story of the benefits of this shape designed for small waves. Did you know that this "fishtail" tail acts as a real speed booster ? We explain how adapt the aileron configuration to optimise your board, without sacrificing the pleasure of riding.
Fishtail surfing: the shape that makes all the difference
Le fish tailbased on the same idea as a swallow tailis distinguished by a unique shape in the world of surfboards. Born in the 70s under the impetus of Californian kneeboarders, this design can be recognised by its pronounced V evoking a "swallow's tail". Designed to dominate the waves of San Diego, this shape has found its place on longboards and hybrid models. What makes it special? Its reduced foam area between the tips of the fish tail is equivalent to 14% of the last foot of the board. - a detail that changes everything.
This type of tail brings a unique feeling underfoot. Let's see why it's so appealing:
- Agility in flat water: Fish outperforms squash in soft waves thanks to its tapered rails. Its accentuated V allows for sharp turns where other tails would stall.
- Boosted planning: Compared with the round tail, the swallow offers lateral support thanks to its two points. Perfect for keeping relief in flat sections, especially with a quad configuration.
- Modular versatility: More responsive than a pin tail while remaining stableThis design works equally well on a longfish or a short hybrid. The rounded tail rails make for easy transitions.
- Optimum flotation: The width of the swallow increases rear lift. A must for surfers looking for stability in small waves, especially on thick boards.
The secret of the fish tail? Its deep V, which distributes the pressure on the water. This system creates two points of contact with the face of the wave, allowing precise support on the rails. Combined with a flat rocker, it transforms the slightest undulation into propulsive energy - ideal for quads or twins.
Good to know: this shape excels particularly well on wide boards like retro fish. Its split tail grips the water during cutbacks while freeing the board when exiting turns. Modern shapers often combine it with boxy rails for more predictable behaviour.
A little tip: test it in configuration quad or twin fins . You'll enjoy explosive acceleration in critical sections, while maintaining control during hard turns on the rear rail.
One last detail: the fish tail is not just for shortboards. On a longfish or a progressive board, it provides surprising responsiveness without sacrificing stability. The proof is in the midlength hybrid models like the THRIVE which combines this tail with generous curves.
The historical development of fish tail
The history of the fish tail is a story full of twists and turns, driven by passion and technological advances. Here are the milestones:
| Year | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1967 | Steve Lis creates the first fish tail | Clever reuse of a broken longboard to improve handling in hollow waves. |
| Early 1970s | Growing popularity among kneeboarders | Practical solution to avoid fin friction thanks to wider rails. |
| Mid-1970s | Adoption for surfboards | The fish tail is essential in light conditions. |
| Late 1970s - Early 1980s | Success for Mark Richards with a twin fin configuration | Four world titles thanks to a fine twin setup. |
| 2000s | Retro fish with modern technology | Integration of materials and hybridisation with shortboard pin tails. |
| Modern adaptations | Hybridisation and improvements to materials | Epoxy redefines performance, especially in small waves. |
The fish tail owes its existence to the ingenuity of Steve Lis in the 1970s. This kneeboarder noticed a simple problem: his fins were rubbing against the narrow rails of his favourite pin tails. So he decided to split the tail, creating a swallow shape that freed up the necessary space. But remember, it's not just a question of shape! The rounded rails and distributed volume completely transform the board's behaviour.
Today, shapers are mixing heritage with innovation. Hybrid models combine the traditional fish or swallow with longboard elements for glide, or quad configurations for responsiveness. The epoxy adds rigidity that accentuates the response of the rails in tight turns, while lightening the board. The result? Sharper acceleration from take-off and greater adaptability to swell size variations. The modernised squash tails offer improved release on exit from the turn, even in light conditions.
Many shapers sum it up well: "A good fish is the alchemy between a generous swallow, rails that bite into the water and a forgiving shape without sacrificing performance". This philosophy explains why this design remains unchallenged by many surfers looking for a versatile board.
Technical performance and adaptation to waves
Le fish tail owes its effectiveness to very specific hydrodynamic mechanics. Its split tail evacuates water more quicklyThis reduces friction with the surface of the board. Central V-shape guides water flow for smoother gliding. What's the result? Improved lift and more precise corneringespecially on longboards fitted with a swallow tail.
To adapt your fish, it all depends on the conditions of the spot. In the presence of hollow waves, the quad (four fins) is often the best choice. This configuration boosts grip in critical sectionswith more attractive tracks. It should be noted that the rocker of the board plays a key role here Combined with a pin tail or squash, it allows you to make quick adjustments in the middle of a trajectory. The other way round, a slim twin configuration that focuses more on the width of the tail and the volume of the rails to remain proactive.
A test spot for your swallow tail? The moderate waves of Canggu in Baliwhere the interplay between quad and round tail makes all the difference in transitions. In fact, local surfers often favour wide squash-type tails to maximise propulsion in shallow water.
Iconic boards and legendary surfers
The world of surfing is full of legendary boards, and the retro fish have a special place in it. These cult models inspired by the 1970s have been given a modern makeover to greater buoyancy and responsiveness. Shorter than standard boards, they become formidable in small conditions thanks to their generous rail and tail in characteristic swallow. The versions of Addiction are distinguished by their balance between retro heritage and current technologies - rockers, optimised foils and redesigned bottom contours.
The fish tail appeals to pros and freesurfers alike, each with their own style. Steph Gilmore proved this at the Electric Acid Test in taming a Machado model with the style usually associated with high-performance boards. The Californian shaper, is constantly exploring the limits of the concept - to imagining a 7-foot fish with rounded rails. Their secret? A shape that perfectly follows the waveWhether on a quad or a twin. But beware, their mastery of the swallow tail should not blind us to other configurations such as the squash or round tail, which are just as suitable depending on the spot.
This quest for free expression via fish influenced a whole generation of surfers. Halfway between the traditional longboard and modern shortboards, these hybrid boards redefine the possibilities of longboarding. in both flat and big water. Their characteristic tail and worked rails offer a whole new range of manoeuvres, turning every bend into a playground. A discreet but very real revolution for those who can read between the lines.
Choosing your ideal fishtail board
Determine the fish tail board that's right for you means first of all assessing three key elements Your body shape, the spots you go to and, of course, your level. For a new rider, it's best to opt for a model with generous volume - It makes rowing easier and helps you catch waves more easily. A slightly longer also provides a degree of stability that's appreciated when you're just starting out. If the fish are generally shorter than longboards, between 7'4" and 8'2" tall is a good compromise. At Addiction Surfboards, we offer the THRIVE long model. fish in 7'4" and 8'2" specially designed for beginners. These boards have a generous volume, making them easy to row and take on. wavesThis allows beginners to progress more quickly.
This year, shapers revisit the classics with refined keels and asymmetrical designs. The idea? Maximising reactivity according to conditions. Narrow keels bite into the rail better on take-off, whereas the asymmetry allows the inside and outside track to be adapted for improved energy transfer. A logical evolution in a world where board shapes and fin setups are constantly being perfected. Trends for 2025 include the return of thin keels and asymmetric designs. These innovations will optimise the performance of boards in a variety of conditions. Thin keels, which are longer and deeper, offer better hold in the most difficult conditions. waves while asymmetrical designs allow you to adapt the shape of the board to the specific characteristics of each railimproving manoeuvrability and safety. speed. These developments bear witness to the constant quest for innovation in the world of surfwhere shape and configurations d'fins are constantly evolving. Visit surfers can customise their equipment to best suit their needs and lifestyle. surf. The choice of abuses is also crucial, directly influencing the speedthe handling and holding of the board. By exploring these new trends, the surfers can discover unique sensations and push back their limits on the waves.
Since the 1970s, the fish tail surf revolutionises sessions with its clever design combining speed and manoeuvrabilityideal for small, soft waves. Let's see: whether you're a beginner or a pro, the choice of your board and its shape will make all the difference on the water. So get ready to rock the waves with this tail so special?
