Shaping Question

Well you are talking about two different boards. When you add a diamond tail you are not only changing the rail line, but the tail width as well. Also changing a fish from a twin fin to a thruster will also ride different. Best bet is to just try to reshape your magic board for you first board. This will enable you to have a board to copy (rails, rocker, concave, foil, etc.) And you can test you ability because you will have a board for comparison. Good luck, have fun, and take your time.

 

I agree, stick with the swallow - If you are trying to recreate a magic board, don't try to improve on it, especially on your first shape. A 6'4" deep swallow twin fin will ride and catch waves completely different than a 6'4" diamond tail quad. Good luck with it, the guys at Greenlight are awesome and their site is invaluable to a first time shaper.

 

Just some counter-points to confuse you:

*Diamond tail will be easier to shape, especially for a first timer.
*Diamond tail works well as a thruster or quad. Don't see too many twins with diamond tails.
*I wouldn't try too hard to "recreate a magic board" at this stage, because you will likely be disappointed when it doesn't turn out magic.
*Listen to Brian and co. at Greenlight. They will steer you right. You will have a great time regardless.

 

You don't have the board anymore, so how close you get to it will be directly related to what's in your head... unless you wrote down dims, profiled rails, noted fin placement, etc.

If you want a diamond tail, build a diamond tail. If you want a fish, build a fish. As everybody else said... two different animals. Magic boards are few and far between, and stand alone at the top compared to others of it's kind. In other words, you can't improve on a magic board. It is the epitome of the design... for you.

But to answer your question, if you had the same thickness, rocker, bottom, widepoint/nose/tail widths, rails, etc.... was made of the same materials, but had a diamond instead of a swallow, you'd have a shorter rail line, but more surface area in the last foot of board. It won't have the same drive or hold as the swallow, but might catch waves easier. You might also find that it will spin out easier as a twin, but will have more hold as a quad.

 

One thing I would say is make sure to taper the tail thickness wayyyy down. If you leave it too thick like I did on a few of my first boards you will hate it.

 

just curious. What exactly did you hate about the thick tail. I am always researching. and I am always trying to find feedback. I actually like the thickness in the tail on the short short boards like 5'5" to 6'. but i am back foot heavy( i tend to put more weight on the back foot) during the pumps.Your opinion would be greatly appreciated.

 

a swallow tail is actually two pin tails releasing water out the back. good for when you are on rail. a diamond is like a pin tail with hips or break away points thus making it a diamond tail. like already stated, two different rail lines, two different surface areas. two totally different design purposes.Have fun!

 

The tails on my first 2 boards were too thick for me. The inability to sink them in a turn made the board feel very skatey and non-positive? I guess I would say it had no bite and was hard to pivot off of the point of the swallow. The last board I shaped I fiinshed and put it up until glassing. When I pulled it back down the tail just looked wrong so I tapered it down to just under an inch at the very back. Turned out to be one of the best boards I shaped and I am pretty sure it was that thin tail end that did it.

 

that makes alot of sense. thanks for the reply and insight

 

Hey jml7140

We'll guide you to design and shape a board that is magic in its own way. There are a lot of subtle things you can do to your shape that will help you ride waves exactly the way you want.
Looking forward to getting started with you!

~Brian
www.greenlightsurfsupply.com
Shape Your Surfing Experience