Deck grip / Tail pad / Traction pads etc...

[Dantastic1985]

Hi guys,

My big question is do I need one of the above? I ride a 7ft 3" minimal style board. I am new to surfing and trying to progress at a stead pace. My thoguhts are I would know where the rear of the board is a bt easier and would probably grip better when wearing boots (Which will be a lot, my nearest breaks are north sea).

Anybody got any opinions on this?

Cheers.

Dan

[esonscar]

Yes you do, be it boot or bare foot . . . then when an expert take them off and go wax and skin for a whole new feeling!

[Dantastic1985]

Do they make much difference?

Are there any 'xxxxx' ones?

Cheers

[tony g]

I like tail pads and use them on my boards. Yes it is easier to tell if you back foot is on the tail and they grip really well. They also protect the tail of your board from excess damage. There are a lot of good ones out there to choose from. I like Tail pads that have the 3M backing like the Dakine Tail Pads. Also some say to let them set over night after applying them to make sure they stay on.

[esonscar]

i have (as in my avatar) . . .

Blue and Pink Deck Grip = Gorllia Grip
Yellow rear-mid scetion = Ocean and Earth
Tail Grip (with heel wedge) = Balin
Leashes = Balin Super series (minimum of one foot past the nose of the surfboard)

NOTE: On the bigger days I swap out my short board leash for my long board leash to ease the tombstoning !

All have done me proud

I hope this helps.

[Dantastic1985]

Think Im going to give one a whirl! My board needs all the protection it can get! Any advice on whether to go for a soft/med/harder compound?

[esonscar]

Hi again . . . mine are:

Blue and Pink Deck Grip = Gorllia Grip = Hard
Yellow rear-mid scetion = Ocean and Earth = Medium
Tail Grip (with heel wedge) = Balin = Soft

Enjoy !

[Dantastic1985]

Cheers dude.