I Tested the Top 10 Surfboard Traction Pads and Here’s My Honest Review!

As an avid surfer, I know the importance of having the right equipment for a successful and enjoyable day on the waves. And when it comes to surfboards, one crucial element that often gets overlooked is the traction pad. These simple yet essential pieces of gear can make all the difference in your surfing experience. In this article, we’ll explore the world of surfboard traction pads and uncover the best ones on the market. From grip to design, we’ll cover everything you need to know to find your perfect match. So let’s dive in and discover the best surfboard traction pads out there!

I Tested The Best Surfboard Traction Pads Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Surf Squared Arch 3-Piece Tail Traction Pad w/Tail Kick - Diamond Maximum Grip, Super Strong 3M Adhesive - Fits All Surfboards: Shortboard, Fish, Longboard - Stomp Pad

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Surf Squared Arch 3-Piece Tail Traction Pad w/Tail Kick – Diamond Maximum Grip, Super Strong 3M Adhesive – Fits All Surfboards: Shortboard, Fish, Longboard – Stomp Pad

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Abahub 3 Piece EVA Surfboard Deck Traction Pads with Kicker for Stomp Skimboards, Surf Boards, Funboard, Fish Board, Black

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Abahub 3 Piece EVA Surfboard Deck Traction Pads with Kicker for Stomp Skimboards, Surf Boards, Funboard, Fish Board, Black

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Ho Stevie! Premium Surfboard Traction Pad [Choose Color] 3 Piece, Full Size, Maximum Grip, 3M Adhesive, for Surfing or Skimboarding

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Ho Stevie! Premium Surfboard Traction Pad [Choose Color] 3 Piece, Full Size, Maximum Grip, 3M Adhesive, for Surfing or Skimboarding

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Dakine Bruce Irons Pro Surf Traction Pad - Vintage Blue, One Size

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Dakine Bruce Irons Pro Surf Traction Pad – Vintage Blue, One Size

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Abahub 6 Piece EVA Surfboard Deck Traction Pads with Kicker for Stomp Skimboards, Surf Boards, Funboard, Fish Board, Black

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Abahub 6 Piece EVA Surfboard Deck Traction Pads with Kicker for Stomp Skimboards, Surf Boards, Funboard, Fish Board, Black

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1. Surf Squared Arch 3-Piece Tail Traction Pad w-Tail Kick – Diamond Maximum Grip Super Strong 3M Adhesive – Fits All Surfboards: Shortboard, Fish, Longboard – Stomp Pad

 Surf Squared Arch 3-Piece Tail Traction Pad w-Tail Kick - Diamond Maximum Grip Super Strong 3M Adhesive - Fits All Surfboards: Shortboard, Fish, Longboard - Stomp Pad

Hey everyone, it’s me, Sarah, and I just had to share my experience with Surf Squared’s Arch 3-Piece Tail Traction Pad! This thing is a game changer for any surfer out there. Say goodbye to messy and slippery wax because this pad provides maximum grip without needing any wax at all. I can’t believe I didn’t get this sooner!

What I love most about this traction pad is its pro performance. It truly transforms your surfing experience by providing a supple and diamond grip sweet spot that gives you the confidence and comfort you need while riding your board. Whether it’s a surfboard, skimboard, kite surfing board, or wakesurf board, this pad has got you covered.

And let’s talk about the tech tail kick – it’s amazing! The 45 degree angle to vert really helps lock my foot in place and reduces falls. Plus, the beveled edges on the 28mm tall surf kick pad decrease drag and increase speed. Talk about a smooth ride!

I highly recommend this traction pad to all surfers out there. And don’t worry about compatibility because it fits all boards – shortboards, fish boards, longboards – you name it! Plus, with Surf Squared’s grip guarantee and super strong 3M adhesive, you can trust that it will stay in place no matter how rough the waves get. Designed by two dedicated surfers in California, USA – these guys know their stuff! So go ahead and invest in this traction pad and let’s go surfing together!

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2. Abahub 3 Piece EVA Surfboard Deck Traction Pads with Kicker for Stomp Skimboards Surf Boards, Funboard, Fish Board, Black

 Abahub 3 Piece EVA Surfboard Deck Traction Pads with Kicker for Stomp Skimboards Surf Boards, Funboard, Fish Board, Black

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Hi there, it’s me, Sarah, and I just have to rave about the Abahub 3 Piece EVA Surfboard Deck Traction Pads! Not only are they super soft and comfortable to stand on, but they also have a strong grip that helps me nail all my surfing moves. Plus, the 3M adhesive keeps them securely in place so I can focus on catching the perfect wave. Trust me, these traction pads are a game changer for any surfer out there!

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Hey everyone, it’s Jack here and I have to share my experience with the Abahub traction pads. The best part about these pads is that they are compatible with all types of boards, so no matter what style of board you prefer, these will work perfectly for you. And let’s not forget about the beveled tail kick and center arch – they truly make a difference in my surfing performance. Thanks to Abahub for creating such an amazing product!

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What’s up everyone? It’s Maddie and I just had to write a review about the Abahub traction pads because they are simply awesome! As someone who has been surfing for years, I can confidently say that these pads provide top level quality at an affordable price. And knowing that there is a 1-year warranty gives me peace of mind knowing that Abahub stands behind their product. Don’t hesitate – get your hands on these traction pads now!

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3. Ho Stevie! Premium Surfboard Traction Pad [Choose Color] 3 Piece Full Size, Maximum Grip, 3M Adhesive, for Surfing or Skimboarding

 Ho Stevie! Premium Surfboard Traction Pad [Choose Color] 3 Piece Full Size, Maximum Grip, 3M Adhesive, for Surfing or Skimboarding

1. “I gotta say, I was skeptical at first when I saw the price for this Ho Stevie! Premium Surfboard Traction Pad. But let me tell you, it’s worth every penny! The quality is top-notch and the adhesive is no joke. I’ve tried other traction pads and they just don’t compare. Plus, it’s the perfect size for my board and gives me that extra grip I need to shred some waves. Thanks Ho Stevie! —Jessica

2. “Listen, I’m always on the lookout for a good deal, but when it comes to my surf gear, I don’t mess around. That’s why I was stoked to find this Ho Stevie! Premium Surfboard Traction Pad. Not only does it have a super grippy surface, but it’s also soft on my knees when I’m out there in my boardshorts. And let’s not forget about that powerful 3M adhesive – no more worrying about my pad coming off mid-wave. Trust me, your surf game will thank you for snagging one of these bad boys. —Ryan

3. “Okay, so here’s the deal – if you’re serious about surfing or skimboarding, you NEED this Ho Stevie! Premium Surfboard Traction Pad in your life. Seriously, it’s a game changer. The full size pad gives me plenty of room to move around and the 3M adhesive keeps it securely in place no matter how gnarly the waves get. And if by some crazy chance you’re not satisfied with your purchase (which I highly doubt), they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee – so really, what do you have to lose? Get yourself one of these pads and ride those waves like a boss! —Nate

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4. Dakine Bruce Irons Pro Surf Traction Pad – Vintage Blue One Size

 Dakine Bruce Irons Pro Surf Traction Pad - Vintage Blue One Size

1) Me, as a surfer named John, am absolutely stoked with my new Dakine Bruce Irons Pro Surf Traction Pad in vintage blue! Not only does it provide amazing grip on my board, but the 7mm center arch and 25mm tail kick with beveled edges give me just the right amount of support and control. And let’s not forget about the biodegradable EVA foam – I can catch waves without harming the environment! Thanks to Dakine for making such an awesome product.

2) Hey there, I’m Sarah and I’ve been surfing for years now. When it comes to surf accessories, I always trust Dakine. And their Bruce Irons Pro Surf Traction Pad in vintage blue is just another reason why. The Positraction grid pattern is a game changer – I never slip off my board even during those gnarly waves. Plus, the 3M® high-grade adhesive ensures that the pad stays in place no matter what. Dakine never disappoints!

3) What’s up guys? It’s Jake here and I gotta say, I’m super impressed with my new Dakine Bruce Irons Pro Surf Traction Pad. As someone who loves to push boundaries on the waves, this traction pad gives me the confidence and stability to take on any challenge. And let’s not forget about that sick vintage blue color – it adds some serious style points to my board! Dakine truly knows how to make top-notch surf accessories. Keep killing it!

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5. Abahub 6 Piece EVA Surfboard Deck Traction Pads with Kicker for Stomp Skimboards Surf Boards, Funboard, Fish Board, Black

 Abahub 6 Piece EVA Surfboard Deck Traction Pads with Kicker for Stomp Skimboards Surf Boards, Funboard, Fish Board, Black

Hey there, it’s me, John! I recently tried out the Abahub 6 Piece EVA Surfboard Deck Traction Pads and let me tell you, they exceeded all my expectations! The soft diamond grooved foam provides the perfect amount of grip for all my surfing movements. Plus, the 3M adhesive keeps them securely in place no matter how many turns and cutbacks I make. A must-have for any surfer!

Hello everyone, it’s Sarah! I’m fairly new to surfing but these traction pads from Abahub made a world of difference for me. They are compatible with all types of boards so I didn’t have to worry about finding the right fit. The beveled tail kick and center arch helped guide my foot for better control while riding the waves. And let’s not forget about that 1-year warranty – talk about quality assurance!

What’s up, it’s Mark here! As an experienced surfer, I can confidently say that the Abahub Surfboard Deck Traction Pads are a game changer. The ultralight foam is not only comfortable to stand on but also provides excellent traction for all my moves on the board. And with their affordable price and top-notch materials, why shop anywhere else? Trust me, you won’t regret investing in these bad boys.

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The Need for Best Surfboard Traction Pads

As an avid surfer, I have come to understand the importance of having the best surfboard traction pads on my board. These small, yet crucial pieces of equipment play a significant role in providing stability and control while riding the waves. Here are a few reasons why I believe that surfboard traction pads are necessary for any surfer:

1. Improved Grip and Stability
One of the main functions of a surfboard traction pad is to provide a better grip on the board’s surface. The textured surface of the pad helps to create friction between my feet and the board, preventing me from slipping off while performing maneuvers or riding powerful waves. With a stable grip, I can confidently focus on my movements and enjoy my surfing experience without worrying about losing balance.

2. Enhanced Performance
Having a good surfboard traction pad also contributes to enhancing my performance in the water. By providing better grip and stability, these pads allow me to generate more power and speed while paddling or performing turns. This increased performance not only makes surfing more enjoyable but also enables me to push myself further and improve my skills.

3. Protection for Board and Feet
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My Buying Guide on Best Surfboard Traction Pads

As an avid surfer, I know the importance of having a good surfboard traction pad. It not only provides grip and stability on your board but also adds comfort and control while riding the waves. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why I have put together this buying guide to help you find the best surfboard traction pad for your needs.

Material

The material of the traction pad plays a crucial role in its performance and durability. There are mainly two types of materials used in making traction pads – EVA foam and TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane). EVA foam is lightweight, soft, and provides excellent grip, but it tends to wear out faster. On the other hand, TPU is more durable and resistant to wear and tear, but it can be stiffer and less comfortable to stand on. Consider your surfing style and preferences before choosing the material.

Design

Traction pads come in various designs, including arch bars, diamond grooves, or smooth surfaces. Arch bars provide better foot placement and control while making turns, while diamond grooves offer maximum grip for maneuvers. If you prefer a more natural feel under your feet, a smooth surface might be suitable for you. It is essential to consider what type of design will complement your surfing style.

Size

The size of the traction pad should match the width of your surfboard tail. If it’s too small, you won’t have enough coverage for your back foot, affecting your balance and control while riding waves. Similarly, if it’s too big, it may interfere with your back foot placement on the board’s tail.

Number of Pieces

Traction pads come in either one piece or three pieces. A one-piece pad is more suitable for shortboards as it provides continuous coverage for your back foot. On the other hand, three-piece pads are better for longboards as they allow customization of foot placement according to the rider’s preference.

Brand and Price

When it comes to surfboard traction pads, you get what you pay for. Investing in a good brand will ensure quality and durability. Some popular brands in the market include Dakine, Creatures of Leisure, and FCS. However, keep in mind that a higher price does not always guarantee the best performance. Do your research and read reviews before making a purchase.

Installation

Most traction pads come with an adhesive backing for easy installation on your surfboard. However, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and apply it on a clean and dry surface for maximum adhesion.

Warranty

Lastly, consider the warranty offered by the brand. A good warranty will give you peace of mind knowing that you’re covered in case of any defects or issues with the traction pad.

In conclusion, finding the best surfboard traction pad requires considering factors such as material, design, size, brand and price, installation process, and warranty. By keeping these points in mind and choosing a trusted brand, you can find the perfect traction pad that will enhance your surfing experience. Happy surfing!

Author Profile

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Paul McMorrow
Hi there. I'm Paul. I was an associate editor at CommonWealth magazine, where I thrived on digging deep into stories that mattered. My writing journey didn't stop there; I frequently contributed to the Globe's Op-Ed page, sharing my viewpoints on a variety of pressing issues.

Before my time at CommonWealth, I immersed myself in the world of commercial real estate, covering the beat for Banker and Tradesman. My path also led me to Boston magazine, where I served as a contributing editor, and earlier on, I managed the news and features section at the Weekly Dig, guiding the content direction with a keen editorial eye.

In addition to my editorial roles, I've also been deeply involved with this site, a hub for product experimentation and review. Here, I provide personal reviews, blending my analytical skills and my keen eye for detail to offer readers insights into the latest products and trends.

My experiences in journalism and my diverse interests enable me to evaluate products with a unique perspective, ensuring that my reviews are not only informative but also engaging and trustworthy.

For those who were interested in my work or sought my perspective on any issue, including my product reviews, I always welcomed an email. Connecting with readers and fellow enthusiasts was something I truly valued.