Storm Blade Swallow Tail Surfboard
Storm Blade Swallow Tail: Where Classic Fish Shape Meets Modern Soft-Top Performance
The Storm Blade Swallow Tail Surfboard takes one of surfing's most celebrated outline shapes and packages it inside a soft-top construction that removes the intimidation factor without sacrificing real performance. Whether you are picking up a shortboard for the first time or looking for a fun, maneuverable daily driver, this board earns its place in the lineup from the very first paddle-out.
Swallow Tail Outline: Why It Works
The defining feature of any swallow tail is the twin-point split at the tail block. Where a rounded pin or squash tail generates a single pivot point, the swallow tail creates two, tightening the turning radius and letting the board release through the fins with a quick, responsive feel. Storm Blade's version pairs this classic outline with a wider body through the mid-section, delivering the float and forward drive you need to catch waves early while still snapping through turns on the face.
The rails are tapered toward the tail, thinning out to allow water to release cleanly off the back of the board. Up through the chest and nose the rail stays fuller, giving you the buoyancy that makes paddling and pop-ups approachable for surfers at the beginner and intermediate stages. Advanced surfers will find the shape rewards committed, rail-to-rail surfing in the pocket.
Soft-Top Construction Built to Last
Storm Blade uses a superior-grade EPS foam core that keeps the board light underfoot while resisting water absorption over time. The deck is wrapped in a 5mm EBS (Extruded Barrier Skin) layer that cushions wipeouts and provides a naturally grippy surface. Three marine-ply stringers run the length of the board, stiffening the flex pattern and giving the board a crisp, lively feel that you rarely get from single-stringer soft-tops. The bottom is finished in HDPE (High Density Polyethylene), a high-impact material that slides cleanly through the water and holds up to rocky sand bottoms and board bag-free surf trips.
The result is a construction package that feels durable and confidence-inspiring underfoot. It absorbs the kinds of knocks and dings that would crack a traditional glassed board, making it an honest choice for surfers learning the craft and for anyone who surfs often enough to beat up their equipment.
Fin Setup and Water Feel
Each board ships with a three-fin thruster setup using Storm Blade's Bolt-Thru slot box system. The center and side fins lock in firmly through the box and leash plug assembly, and the water-resistant fin tubes keep the connection secure session after session. The thruster configuration balances drive with pivot, making the board predictable under your feet when you are still learning to read sections, while giving experienced surfers enough hold through turns to push the board hard.
The fins can be removed for travel or replaced with compatible fin styles that fit the Bolt-Thru slot box format, giving you a degree of tuning flexibility that most entry-level boards skip entirely.
Wave Range and Who This Board Suits
The Storm Blade Swallow Tail is at home in the small-to-medium surf that fills most lineups most of the time. The volume through the center provides enough float to get moving in soft, rolling beach-break waves, while the tapered rails and swallow tail release let the board stay lively when conditions pick up and the faces get steeper. It is a genuine introduction to shortboard surfing, built to grow with you as your technique develops, and it holds its own as a fun, loose alternative on days when you want to shred without thinking too hard.
Use the variant selector on this page to choose your size and color. If you have questions about fit or which size suits your current surfing, call us at 954-427-4929 or stop into any Island Water Sports location.
What's in the Box
- Storm Blade Swallow Tail Surfboard
- 3x 4.5-inch Bolt-Thru slot box fin set (pre-installed)
- Bolt-Thru leash plug
Optional accessories: 6-foot double-swivel leash, Stormrax surfboard roof rack pads.
Free Shipping, No Minimum for IWS Beach Club Members.
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Specifications
- Brand
- Storm Blade
- Board Type
- Soft-Top Shortboard
- Tail Shape
- Swallow Tail
- Core
- Superior-Grade EPS Foam
- Deck
- 5mm EBS Extruded Barrier Skin
- Bottom
- HDPE High-Impact
- Stringers
- 3x Marine-Ply
- Fin Setup
- 3-Fin Thruster (Bolt-Thru Slot Box)
- Fin Count
- 3 fins included (4.5 inch)
- Leash Plug
- Bolt-Thru Leash Plug (included)
- Skill Level
- Beginner to Advanced
- Gender
- Unisex
Size & Dimensions
| Length | Width | Thickness | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'6" | 20.98" | 2.798" | 39 L |
| 6'0" | 22.36" | 3.14" | 49 L |
Full manufacturer size chart. Sizes available to order are shown in the selector above.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Storm Blade Swallow Tail surfboard good for beginners?
- Yes. The EPS soft-top construction is forgiving on wipeouts, and the wider mid-section provides buoyancy that makes paddling and popping up more manageable for newer surfers. The swallow tail shape also makes the board feel lively and responsive from the start, so beginners get real feedback as they improve rather than an artificially dulled ride.
- What is a swallow tail and how does it affect surfing?
- A swallow tail has a split V-notch at the tail block that creates two pivot points instead of one. This tightens the turning radius, helps the board release through the fins quickly, and keeps the tail loose through snappy maneuvers. The Storm Blade version combines this shape with a fuller mid-section outline so you get the looseness of a fish with enough volume to catch waves easily.
- How do I choose between the 5'6" and 6'0" Storm Blade Swallow Tail?
- The right size depends on your height, weight, and experience level. Larger surfers or those still building paddle fitness generally do better on the longer, higher-volume option. Lighter or more experienced surfers who want a quicker, more pivoty feel may prefer the shorter board. Check the size chart on this page for the exact dimensions and volume of each size, then use the variant selector to choose.
- What kind of waves does the Storm Blade Swallow Tail work best in?
- This board performs well in small-to-medium beach-break waves, which covers the majority of surf days at most breaks. The volume through the center helps it catch softer, rolling waves, and the swallow tail outline keeps it lively when conditions steepen up. It is not a dedicated big-wave gun, but it handles a wide range of everyday surf with ease.
- Does the Storm Blade Swallow Tail come with fins?
- Yes. Each board includes a 3-fin thruster set (4.5-inch fins) that installs through the Bolt-Thru slot box system. The fins can be removed for travel and the slot box accepts compatible fin styles, so you have some tuning flexibility as your surfing develops.
- Is a leash included with the Storm Blade Swallow Tail surfboard?
- The board includes a Bolt-Thru leash plug but does not include a leash. Storm Blade offers a compatible 6-foot double-swivel leash as an optional add-on. Our team at 954-427-4929 can help you pick the right leash for the size you choose.
- What makes Storm Blade surfboards different from other soft-tops?
- Storm Blade builds around a three-stringer marine-ply system, which stiffens the flex pattern and produces a livelier, more responsive feel than most single-stringer foam boards. The 5mm EBS deck and HDPE bottom are chosen for durability over time. The combination of performance outline shapes with this construction approach puts StormBlade boards in a class of their own among high-performing soft-tops.
- Can I use my own fins with the Storm Blade Swallow Tail?
- Yes. The Bolt-Thru slot box system accepts compatible fin styles beyond the included set, giving you the option to experiment with different fin templates and flex patterns as you progress. Check that any fins you purchase are compatible with the Bolt-Thru slot box format before buying.