Surfing Waves

Hey guys. I'm new to surfing. Had some lessons and enjoy it and it comes fairly handily to me. I recently bought a second hand 7' mini mal and was wondering if I need a tail pad. Would it help or just a waste of money for me? I've seen some say its a matter of preference but what do you all think? Dakine and Billabong pads are on sale half price at my local surf shop? For the sake of a few bucks. Could it be worth it? Thanks for your help.

Deck pads help you position your back foot, find that sweet spot over the fins and provide some grip for pivoting. They are most important to have on a shortboard where you control your speed by pumping and with sharp maneuvers. I don't longboard very often, but I don't see a lot of loggers with pads as they are constantly moving up and down the board to control their speed. It's probably not commonly used on a minimal, but it if it helps you position your feet then you may find it useful. Long story short, matter of preference.

Thanks for that. I had that idea from others but nice to confirm. Anyway got a present of one today and local surf shop has put it on for me. Will see how it goes.

surf doc wrote:Deck pads help you position your back foot, find that sweet spot over the fins and provide some grip for pivoting. They are most important to have on a shortboard where you control your speed by pumping and with sharp maneuvers. I don't longboard very often, but I don't see a lot of loggers with pads as they are constantly moving up and down the board to control their speed. It's probably not commonly used on a minimal, but it if it helps you position your feet then you may find it useful. Long story short, matter of preference.

I totally agree. I have been surfing for 10 years now, short and longboards. My current longboard doesn't have a tail pad but is waxed nose to tail, I have a short board with no tail pad and a gun which has got one on. I prefer not to have one but the gun is for big wave surfing and gives a more sturdy and controlled feel to the board. As above- personal preference.

I surfed without a pad for years. I never felt I needed it. Just recently I put it on a new board to try it and I like it. It helps me to position my foot. I wouldn't use it on a longer board, but on a shorter board it can be helpful.