Shortboard Pads & Wax

[CaliSnare]

a couple quick questions... i just bought a 6'10" Surf Rx HVP... i have been longboarding for a very long time, but am just starting to get into shortboarding... my first question is about surfboard pads in general... basically how important is it to have one, how much do they help, what the differences between all of them are (advantages/disadvantages), and what are some good brands that people use... the next thing i have to ask is about waxing the board... how far up and down the board should i wax, and should i just put it on the deck or a little bit on the rails too... all help is greatly appreciated... THANKS!

[Brian]

for deckpads, im assuming you mean stomp pads (the things at the back of the board where your backfoot goes), or whatever they call them in the states, well its really down to preference...honestly I like them, as it make sures my back foot is in the right position (over the fins) to provide maximum manouverability (sorry, I cant spell). Some people dislike them though, as they feel they cannot move their foot once it is on the pad (they are quite grippy)...but as I said, its down to personal preference (id say use one).

For waxing, you can wax basically anywhere on the shortboard you think it might come in handy...if for some wierd reason you can ride the nose of your 6'10 shorty, put it up there! but wax is also just down to personal preference...I put it up to about the logo on my board which is about 3/4 the way to the nose of the board...Just dont put too little or you might slip off...Id reccommend putting too much on to begin with, them getting rid of the wax as you see fit..

[bigbadwolf]

hey brain wat board u got

[CaliSnare]

thanks brian... and as far as the "stomp pad" goes, are there any good brands that you recommend?

[bigbadwolf]

Mrs Palmer are good

[CaliSnare]

ps... if it helps, its a 6'10" Surf Prescriptions SURFTECH HVP

[Brian]

ive got a 6'3 billabong shaped by JS. i posted it somewhere under "new billabong board arrived" or something

for brands...i have a Creatures of Leisure grip, I would also recommend (personal experience) Gorilla Grip. I am sure whatever they stock at your surf shop is fine, just get a cool design!

[bigbadwolf]

how much that cost u brain?

[surfer16]

My xtrak grip pad is really good, highly recomended.

[Broosta]

I have one of these in just black and white

and one of these in the red

[rich r]

I personally never liked the track pads, but as Brian said - personal preference.

I'd wax the board first (3/4 of the way up is what I do, too).

Then, as you get a better feel for the board, decide if you want a pad in the back or not.

[Brian]

how much that cost u brain?

i think mine was $A 50 but I know you can get cheaper ones...I got ripped lol, but I didnt really care, cus i didnt pay!