Longboard tails, explained.

SQUARE

A slightly rounded square tail with soft rails and no edge, the square tail is one of our most versatile tail shapes. It's happy in small, mushy waves and can handle head high to overhead surf. The square tail offers more stability in smaller and not-so-critical surf because of the increased surface area, while still allowing for quick release, pivot style turns and redirections. This tail shape can be ridden narrower for more responsiveness, or wider for added stability.

Thomas Surfboards square tail models: New Faithful, Keeper 2.0, the Malibu, Moose Knuckle, High Heel and the Harrison.

PIN

A pintail shape with soft rails the whole way through, this tail is made for reliability when the waves have a bit more push. This tail allows for long, smooth, drawn out turns that make use of the whole rail line, while still being able to “lock in” to critical noseriding sections.

If this tickles your fancy, then our Bill Pin might be the perfect board for you; a great choice if you’re chasing control and trim in critical waves. For bigger surf and a performance feel, check out our 2+1 pintail, the All Rounder.

SCOOP
The Scoop Tail is designed to slow you down for extra stability and maximise time on the nose. This wide square tail shape is scooped out on the deck to create the ‘scoop tail’ effect, and paired with an exaggerated rolled bottom through the tail for added tail flip. These elements work together to increase stability and slow you down; exactly what you need when it comes to idiot-proof noseriding.

MOON

The Moon Tail is similar to the Scoop Tail, featuring a rolled bottom through the tail that transitions into a scooped out deck, but with a more accentuated scoop created by the moon-shaped cutout in the tail. Functionally, the two will behave much the same; slow, steady, stable. Aesthetically, though, the moon tail offers a bit more character if you want a little more pizzazz.

If this sounds like it's up your alley, send us a message via our customs page here.

DIAMOND

The Diamond Tail features a pulled-in diamond shape with a tucked edge in the last few inches. It sits between a pintail and square tail, offering a nice balance of control and release. Thanks to the edge, you’ll gain drive and find redirections and turns require less effort. For the same reason, you might lose a smidge of hold on the nose. Harrison's on the diamond-tail Wizl, below, getting some extra projection off the bottom.

THUMB

The Thumb Tail lives up to its name with a rounded, stumpy, thumbprint-esque shape. Inspired by the Australian involvement era of surfing with soft, pinched rails all the way through, this tail gives you plenty of hold in critical sections, while also keeping turns smooth and predictable. Have a look at Saxon stabbin' and slashin', below.

For an ode to classic Aussie old mals featuring the thumb tail, check out our Hariot.