# Tail

> The back end of the board, which shapes how it turns.

**What "tail" means in surfing:** The back end of the board, which shapes how it turns.

**Example:** "Swallow tail for small days."

**Category:** Gear

## Related words

- [Fish](https://surfslang.com/fish): A short, wide surfboard with a split swallow tail, built for speed in small to medium waves.
- [Fin](https://surfslang.com/fin): The keel under the tail that gives a board grip and steering.
- [Nose](https://surfslang.com/nose): The front tip of the board.

---

Source: [Tail](https://surfslang.com/tail) on Surfslang.com, the surf slang glossary. Full glossary: https://surfslang.com/llms.txt
