There is no better outdoor activity than surfing, which is both entertaining and good for your health. Besides being a great cardiovascular exercise, it is also thrilling. Your grip on the board during surfing is crucial; otherwise, you might fall.
A traction pad can help prevent the surfer's feet from slipping off the board, which can be particularly important when attempting more challenging maneuvers or in larger, more powerful surf conditions.
Deck pads, commonly referred to as surfboard traction pad, are necessary for any surfer. They provide your board's tail with a sticky surface that you can hold with your feet while surfing to keep better control and stability.
It is usually made of foam or rubber and features a textured surface that helps the surfer maintain grip and control while performing maneuvers on the board. The traction pad is typically made of several pieces designed to fit together on the surfboard's deck, covering the area where the surfer stands.
How To Choose Surfboard Traction Pads for Perfect Control and Stability
1: Material
The traction pad's material is crucial since it affects its grip, comfort, and durability. Because it is soft and comfortable to stand on while still offering outstanding traction, EVA foam is a widely used material. In addition, it is tough and resistant to sunlight and sea exposure.
2: Size and shape
The traction pad's size and form ought to correspond to the board's tail. Your board's tail and the locations where your feet will be should be covered by the pad. You could not have enough grip if the pad is too little, and if it's too big, it might get in the way of your motions.
3: Kicktail
The kicktail is a raised section at the back of the traction pad, providing additional grip and leverage for your back foot. It is important to choose a pad with a well-designed kicktail that matches the shape of your board to maximize your control.
4: Arch support
Arch support is important for maintaining balance and reducing foot fatigue. Look for a traction pad with a well-designed arch support that matches the shape of your foot to ensure maximum comfort and stability.
5: Number of pieces
Some traction pads come in multiple pieces arranged in different configurations. This allows you to customize the pad to your preference and the shape of your board. For example, add more pieces to cover a wider area or arrange them to suit your stance.
6: Color and design
While not as crucial as the other factors, the color and design of the traction pad can be important for some surfers. You want to choose a design and color that suits your style and personality, as it can add to your board's overall look and feel.
Here are a few simple tips to consider when looking for a suitable traction pad:
TractionA successful surfing experience is the main goal of a traction pad. Therefore, you should be aware of the type of pad that will work best for your board and your surfing before you buy the pad. In most cases, tail pads have a diamond-shaped pattern. There are also multi-layer grooves available for more expensive, long-lasting pads.
PerformanceHigh performance surfing depends heavily on the kick, which is the increased padding at the end of the tail pad. Depending on your need, it can range from a small 20-degree incline to a steep slope. If you kick harder, your foot will stay still while you jam the board's tail into the lip and toss the fins out. A flattering kick will work well if you need more stability in your stance or are using a fish or throwback board.
Pieces and PlacementThe number of pieces in a tail pad can range from one to five, which can slightly alter how they interact with the board. One- and two-piece pads can be a decent choice for simple additional traction, even if they are less popular because they have little to no arch and little kick.
The leash plug should be exposed. Thus pads should be installed as close to the back of the board as possible. The pad is supposed to be directly above the fins so that when pressure is applied, the axis of the fins is worked, resulting in sharper turns.
Wrapped Up
Whether you are considering buy surfboard or traction pad, you need to clear your requirements. Most people replace the surfboard wax with the transaction pad, which is essential for maintaining control and stability. In summary, if you want to have a great time surfing, follow the above point and have fun.
FAQs
Q1: Understanding the parts of a surfboard?
The nose and tail of a surfboard are the two ends of the board, with the nose being the front tip and the tail being the rear end. The deck is the top surface of the board that the surfer stands on, while the bottom is the underside of the board that contacts the water. All these parts work together to create the shape and performance of a surfboard.
Q2: What should I do if my longboard has no grip tape?
If your longboard does not have grip tape, riding can be dangerous as your feet may slip off while carving or taking turns. To ensure your safety, it is recommended that you purchase and apply grip tape to your longboard.