grip on a surfboard

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1735 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

I have a surfboard with footpads but end up using tropical temp wax just above both the front and rear pads.
been real happy with the wax gripping to my feet.
and I like the footpads when barefoot (minimizing heel dents on jumps).
the problem I see coming up this season is using it with booties.
went out today with booties and found that they stick well to the wax but seem to slide around on the EVA foam footpads.
Anyone have a good solution to making it grip better?
Want to ask before I end up ripping the pads off this board.
btw it a naish global surfboard with stock pads.

thanks
stringy

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1154 Posts Oregon Phishy

What kind of booties are you wearing? I hate my booties because they grip too well. Once my foot is in one place with the wax or footpads my feet stick to them so well that I have a hard time walking around on the board.
If I am barefoot, there is no problem. The only place I can ride barefoot these days is in warmer conditions with nice sand because my feet are too messed up for rocks and or cold.
I need to move South for the Winter!

Chooch · Tue Aug 31, 10 4:26 pm

Try waxing your pads as well. I know a few guys that do it (Gman, Gene K) and it works well for them. Alien

unbob · Since 31 Aug 2008 260 Posts 'da Gorge/LaV Obsessed

Have you considered NSI's 'Clear Grip' product?
http://www.northshoreinc.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=76&idproduct=198#details

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1735 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

I was using the Oniell tropical booties which seem to have a different base than my normal 5mil winter booties.
like I said they stick to the wax area on the board well, but seemed to slide around on the EVA foam section.
I'll try some wax on the pads. I use tropical up here in seattle because the cold water wax just melts when it's hot in the summer.
does NSI have a shop in HR? I thought they did but not sure now. I'd like to get a traction pad to use instead of wax, but I really like the feel of wax on my barefeet.

unbob · Since 31 Aug 2008 260 Posts 'da Gorge/LaV Obsessed

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1154 Posts Oregon Phishy

Stringy, I wear Exel booties and they are super grippy on wax as well as the grip stuff that came with my Slingshot board.
I will try that clear grip stuff, that just might be the ticket.

windpig · Since 28 Aug 2008 283 Posts Obsessed

I've had really good luck using the Dakine longboard deck pad for the front and a regular pad for the rear. I usually only ride barefoot but the Dakine pad seems to be softer than most others which seems to help with grip. The diamond pattern they use seems to work really well too.

gabe · Since 16 May 2005 487 Posts Obsessed

i'm surprised the pads aren't grippy enough. for reference, the oneil superfreak / psychofreak booties are the best i have ever found, although traction has never been a problem with booties--it's more about the fit and split toe and sensitivity. also, i agree the dakine longboard traction pad has a really good feel and thickness to it. some pads don't have as effective of a texture pattern--maybe because they expect them to be used with straps. also agree that wax on top of traction pad is a great way to go. that clear traction tape is interesting, but would not be my choice.

tstansbury · Since 06 Jun 2006 649 Posts Rowena and P.C Addicted

last week at the coast rideing my strapless board with pads I decided to let my booties dry out for a day(had been wet for a couple of weeks). So I went out in a old pair of booties and it felt like some oiled my pads. these old booties used to be fine. I thought about roughning up the bottoms with sand paper to see if it helped but I just went back to the wet stinky ones(I need a boot dryer for the coast)

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1735 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

My trick for wearing your cold and wet booties is to carry a thermos with hot water. Pour some hot water into the cold booties and your feet will be very happy...

tstansbury · Since 06 Jun 2006 649 Posts Rowena and P.C Addicted

It was not the cold that was the problem it was the nasty fact they had not dried out for weeks and I just wanted to set them in the sun on a hot day to kill the stink.

runaway · Since 31 Aug 2010 72 Posts Anchorage

someone told m a capful of vinegar in each boot with fresh water would help and if seems to help temporarily kill the nasty

Roger Strong · Since 27 Jun 2010 3 Posts Seattle Kook

Hey Jim,

I feel NSI has the top quality foam in the biz. North Pacific Boards uses it on all their custom and standard rigs. Go with the Dual Density Diamond shape;

http://www.northshoreinc.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=66&idproduct=188

Call them and ask for Michael O'Gorman, he'll give you the full run down on what they can do for you.

The only place that i add wax is right in front and on the edges for grabs.

Give me a shout at 206-276-5954 if you want any more details.

Ciao,

Roj

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

This is the layout I designed & use on my boards.

There is a special thin brushed 'pro' foam that I use.
It's great traction but not much cushion. NSI has thicker
foams and the dual density which is used when the pads
are set up for straps. I use the clear grip on the area
between the pads.

If you do cut your own pads, use some coarse sandpaper
to bevel and round the edges. It will look much better and
be less likely to peel up. NSI can add the PSA film to the
back so you don't have to mess with contact adhesive.