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Surfboard Traction Pads – Common Questions

How do I put a traction pad on my board?

Start with a clean, dry, wax-free deck: scrape off any wax, wipe the tail with rubbing alcohol and let it dry. Lay the pad on the board without peeling the backing to set the position (back edge just ahead of the leash plug, centered over the stringer), then peel and press from the center out, pushing hard along every edge. Let the adhesive cure for about 24 hours before surfing.

One-piece or three-piece pad?

A one-piece pad is simpler to line up and sits as a single block. A two- or three-piece pad lets you spread the pieces to fit a wider tail or a swallow tail, and lets you adjust the arch bar position. Both grip the same; it is about fit and personal preference.

What are the arch bar and the kick?

The arch bar is the raised center section that sits under the arch of your back foot so you can feel where your foot is without looking. The kick is the raised ridge at the back of the pad that stops your foot sliding off the tail when you push hard through a turn. Pads come with low, medium or high kicks; higher kicks suit more aggressive, back-footed surfing.

Do I still need wax if I have a traction pad?

Yes, on the front of the board. A tail pad only covers the area under your back foot, so you still wax the deck where your front foot and chest go. Some surfers run a front deck grip as well, which replaces wax entirely.

Flat or grooved traction?

Grooved or diamond-cut traction gives the most bite in a tight pattern and is the standard choice. Flat or lightly textured pads feel smoother and are popular on longboards, mid-lengths and front-deck grips where you move your feet around. Either works; grooved is grippier, flat is more comfortable to shuffle on.

Which brands do you stock?

Creatures of Leisure, FCS, Dakine, Astrodeck and Octopus tail pads and front deck grips, plus Veia and Blak Bear. Use the Brand filter at the left to compare.

Can I move a pad to another board?

Not reliably. The adhesive is designed to bond once, and pads usually tear or lose their stick when removed. If you need to take one off, warm it gently with a hair dryer, peel slowly and clean the leftover glue with a citrus-based adhesive remover before fitting a new pad.

Related: All Surf Accessories · Surfboard Fins · Leashes · Board Bags · Surfboard Wax · Racks & Pads · Sale Accessories   |   Surfboards: All Surfboards · Surfboard Brands · Surfboard Styles · Used Surfboards

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