August 23, 2022 5 min read

When you’re first starting out surfing, you may not think you need a grip pad on your surfboard. But as you progress and start surfing more challenging waves, you’ll quickly realize that a traction pad can make a big difference. A traction pad helps you keep your feet glued to your board, even when the waves are crashing around you. It also provides extra grip when you’re doing those fancy maneuvers. So if you want to take your surfing to the next level, don’t forget to pick up a traction pad.

Is a Traction Pad on a Surfboard Necessary?

A traction pad is a piece of material that is applied to the deck of a surfboard, usually in the area where the rider's feet go. The purpose of a traction pad is to provide grip and prevent the feet from slipping. There are a variety of traction pads available on the market, and many riders choose to use them. Some riders feel that traction pads improve their grip and help them stay on their board, while others find them unnecessary and prefer to ride without them. So, do you need a traction pad on your surfboard? It really depends on your personal preference. If you feel like you need a little extra grip, then go ahead and add a pad.

Traction Pad Advantages for Surfing

If you are a surfer, you know that one of the most important pieces of equipment that you need is a traction pad and traction pad glue. A traction pad provides grip and stability when you are riding a wave. It also helps to keep your feet from slipping off of the board. There are many different types of traction pads available on the market, but not all of them are created equal. A traction pad can make a big difference in your surfing, especially when you start to progress and surf more challenging waves. It's important to weigh the pros and cons of a traction pad before you make a decision.

Here are some traction pad advantages for your surfboard:

  • Surfing traction pads provide better grip and stability. When you are riding a wave, your feet are constantly moving around on the board. This can make it difficult to maintain your balance. A traction pad will help to keep your feet in place.
  • Deck traction pads also provide a bit of cushioning, which can help to protect your feet from the hard surface of the board.
  • Additionally, they can help to keep your feet in place on the board, which can be helpful in preventing injury.

The Downside of Traction Pads and Traction Pad Glue

If you're a surfer, you've probably seen traction pads on other people's boards and wondered if you need one. The short answer is no, you don't need a traction pad. In fact, there are some downsides to having a traction pad on your board. First, traction pads can make your board feel slippery. This is because the pads are made of a material that is designed to grip your feet. However, this same material can also make it difficult to keep your feet on the board when the waves are big or the waves are breaking hard. Second, traction pads can make it difficult to do certain tricks. For example, if you want to do a nose ride, you might find it difficult.

riding surfboard

How to Choose the Right Traction Pad for Your Surfboard

A traction pad can make a big difference when you’re surfing, especially if you’re surfing in challenging conditions. It’s important to get the right traction pad for your surfboard, so you can get the most out of it.

There are a few things to consider when choosing a traction pad for your surfboard. The size and shape of your board, the type of waves you usually surf, and your own personal preference all play a role in what kind of traction pad is right for you. If you're just getting started surfing, or you're still learning the ropes, a simple 3-piece pad is a good place to start.

These pads are easy to install and provide a good amount of grip and stability. As you become more experienced, you may want to upgrade to a 5-piece pad, which offers more coverage and protection.

Conclusion


A traction pad is not a necessary item for a surfboard, but it can provide extra grip and comfort for the rider. There are a variety of traction pads available on the market, so it is important to choose one that fits the dimensions of your board and your personal preferences. If you are unsure of which traction pad to purchase, speak to a knowledgeable salesperson at your local surf shop.

People Also Ask

Can you surf without a traction pad?

If you're new to surfing, you might be wondering if you need a traction pad on your surfboard. The short answer is no, you don't need a traction pad to surf.

However, surfboard traction pads can provide a number of benefits that can improve your surfing experience. For example, traction pads can help keep your feet in place on your board, provide extra grip when paddling, and protect your board from dings and scratches. Whether or not you use a surfboard traction pad is ultimately up to you, but if you're just starting out, we recommend giving one a try.

traction pad on surfboard

Do you need a tail pad for a soft board?

There are a lot of different opinions out there about whether or not you need a tail pad for a soft board. Some people say that it provides extra grip and stability, while others find it unnecessary and uncomfortable.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what works best for you and your surfing style. If you’re just starting out, you may want to experiment with a few different tail pads to see what you prefer.

Are tail pads worth it?

Assuming you are asking if skateboard tail pads are worth it, the answer is yes! Tail pads provide extra grip and stability when performing tricks that involve the tail of the board and are a must-have for any skateboarder worth their salt.

Not only do they help you land tricks, but they also protect your tailbone from those inevitable bone-crushing falls. So do yourself a favor and pick up a tail pad the next time you're at the skate shop.

men riding surfboard

What do surfers put on surfboards for grip?

There are a few things that surfers put on their surfboards for grip. This can include wax, which comes in a variety of colors and can be applied in different ways depending on the conditions.

Another option is a traction pad, which is a sticky pad that is placed on the surfboard in order to provide traction. There are also fin kits, which are a set of fins that are placed on the surfboard in order to provide stability and traction.

Author - Olivia Poglianich
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Olivia Poglianich          

Content Strategist

Olivia Poglianich is a nomadic brand strategist and copywriter in the surf, watersports and outdoor adventure space who has worked with brands such as Visa, Disney and Grey Goose. Her writing has taken her all over the world, from a Serbian music festival to a Malaysian art and culture event. Olivia is a graduate of Cornell University and is often writing or reading about travel, hospitality, the start-up ecosystem or career coaching. Her latest interests are at the intersection of web3 and communal living, both on and offline.


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