Surfing Waves

Im getting my new custom 7'6 round pin tail. Im 6'4 235 lbs and this board is told will be for waves from 2-8 ft. My question is should I get a traction pad for this board? my shaper says I don't but I want more views on this.

Some people don't use traction pads on boards longer than 6'8"ish since you don't necessarily need to stand on it to be in the right spot on the board at a given time on the wave.....I put them on all most of my boards all the way up to my 9'6"....I like to be able to feel when I'm on the tail....I am a relatively newer surfer, as soon as I put one on my longboard I started to get back better and turn better.....helped me to learn how far back I had to step without having to look down. Also helps preserve the tail from pressure dings. I like them.

Pretty much a matter of personal preference, I would put one on a board that size, but probably not on a LB. Don't see how it would hinder you either way. I agree with Big H, a tail paid helps prevent pressures on the tail and is a good indicator of foot positioning while you're up and riding.

ok now I talked to my shaper and he said no cause people tend to ride one that long more forward and its not really needed. I might still get one myself cause he offered to put one on for an extra $33 and I know I can get them a little cheaper and put it on myself.

What ever you do, please do not put it up too high. It'll just scream "kook". Don't worry if you're not on the pad. When you turn, your back foot should be over the fins. So place pad so it is set between the front of the front fins and back of the trailing fin(s). So when you are on the pad, you know you're over the fins.

And please don't spread the pieces way far apart.

sounds like a plan. Ill get one for it and make sure its not to far forward and right over the fins. Thanks yall for helping me. now I just need a good one and one that matches my board. What brand would yall suggest or are they all the same pretty much?

At the shop, we always let the customer put the pad on the floor and stand on it. If the arch bar is too high or too wide, it might feel funny or painful.