While longboarders prefer an elongated board for cruising the ocean waves, more extreme riders opt for a shortboard. The compact dimensions of the short surfboard allow you to execute aerial tricks. The width and length of the short surfboard vary to accommodate the personal preferences of riders. Short surfboards are equipped with a variety of of tails.
Thruster
The thruster is one of the most common types of short surfboards. Contests riders and pro-circuit surfers utilize the thruster board due to its increased speed and maneuverability. Thruster surfboards usually have a length of 5 to 6 feet and remain ideal for steep waves that are moving at a high velocity. According to Club of the Waves, the thruster surfboard is equipped with a square tail that features rounded edges. The thruster is recommended for surfers who posses advanced board control.
Fish
While the fish shortboard and the thruster shortboard may have a similar length, the width of the two is different. The fish-style surfboard features an extended width that measures between 18 and 22 inches. According to The Surfing Site, the fish short board offers increased speed when riding in small waves at a slow velocity. The swallowtail of the fish shortboard allows you to execute hairpin turns.
Square Tail
While the square tail is rarely seen on new shortboards, the design was once a prominent feature. Certain old-school riders prefer the square-tailed shortboard due to its increased maneuverability. The side rails of the square-tail shortboard create a sharp edge with the back end. According to Surfing Waves, the square-tail surfboard remains ideal when the waves are slightly smaller than usual.
Squash Tail
The majority of shortboards are equipped with a squash tail. As opposed to the square-tail design, the side rails of the squash-tail board create a rounded edge with the back end. The shape of the squash tail offers stability while still allowing the board to float loosely across the face of the breaking wave. Shortboards that feature the squash tail are generally equipped with three or four fins. The sharpened fins enable you to quickly change the direction of the squash-tail surfboard.
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