Surfboard: Wax or Pads?

kitetele · Since 20 Mar 2005 121 Posts Portland, Oregon Stoked

Starting to really enjoy the surfboard with the kite. I am curious what the deck preferences are out there and why?

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2626 Posts The 503 METAL

Pads are less messy and offer a little deck protection. I think I prefer pads.

tonyb · Tue May 27, 08 1:50 pm

I'm liking the pads myself as it seems to give me a better grip and I can tell where my feet are by the shape of the different pads or the gaps between the pads. I also like having the little kick up on the back to brace against. Seems that I saw one of Tekko's boards where he took part of what is normally the rear pad and turned it around and put it up front. Gives something to push against when going through the white water.

Tony

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

I'm digging the pads also. A little extra cushioning, but mainly it allows me to ride strapped or strapless. Use regular tail pad in the back and either what Tekko did for the front or just a flat longboard pad. If you make some holes in the pads for the straps then you can ride with or without the pads. Makes the board a lot more versatile for small to huge waves. (Unless you only want to ride strapless that is).

PS Plus with pads you don't accidentally rub the wax off in the middle of a long downwinder and have to reapply.

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1874 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

padz!

but I am a laker from the Midwest, so the ocean/surfing is still new to me.

The ollie-pady thingy Tony is talking about is very helpful...going over whitewater, and practicing those huge strapless ollies!!!

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue May 27, 08 2:48 pm

pads are the way. I just installed pads on my SB using two traction pads from new wind in HR. They have last years dakine pads for $17 each which is a steal. Two pads, two strips of hardwood, stainless steal hardware and some epoxy and your in business. I think I spent a total of $42.

Mark · Tue May 27, 08 2:56 pm

Toby tearing up the waves on a padded Naish board.

Link

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

damn that's a nice surfboard where did he find that? Wink

BTW, Toby you already know the pads vs. wax answer.

It felt like my skimboard was a brand new board when I put pads on it. Definitely use the method that Tony describes... and I'd make sure you have as much of the board usable as possible (especially for skim.)

On the skim I am finding myself dropping my foot all the way to the back of the board and at times even overhanging a bit to get more leverage when I am really edging hard.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Nice Vid!

Always the contrarian - like a rear pad and wax up front - just like the feel - you can wax the very edges and cover the whole area - does suck when it wears off and your foot shoots off the front

Mark · Tue May 27, 08 4:13 pm **winter project**

The dakine pads work great.

Windian · Since 28 Apr 2008 902 Posts Newport, OR NEWPORT OG

Pads for kiteboarding and wax for paddle in surfing. Blowing sand and wax adds up to a big, grimmy mess when your board is sitting on the beach.

Kiteguy · Since 26 Aug 2007 75 Posts

Hey Mark,
Thats a nice looking skim. Did you make that badboy? ..and if so how much you weigh and what kind of conditions can you use it in. Im thinking of making a light wind skimboard myself.

gabe · Since 16 May 2005 491 Posts Obsessed

pads are more convenient.

for chop / airs / overpowered riding, the pads help cushion the heel a lot which helps.

although on a surfboard, fresh wax does have a nice grip feel to it sometimes.

the dakine longboard pads really are a much better way to go for a front pad than a reversed rear pad. i think the problem is that in the packaging no one realizes how much coverage they give.

alleycat · Since 29 Jun 2006 176 Posts Portland Stoked

Hey Mark

That board looks very cool. Did you make it your self? If so, would you be able to post the dimensions I have have been unsuccessful in my search for a good set of instructions on the size and shape along with the materials used to build a pimpin skimboard.
I am home here in Kelowna for a month where the wind has not blown for over 12 days......I need a project.

Thanks
Allen

tautologies · Since 24 Aug 2006 602 Posts Oahu Addicted

consider adding a layer of carbon under the pads...I actually like wax better, but if you think of longevity of the board I think carbon + pads are the way to go.

Jeff at www.offdalip.com can sort you ..or your local dlr.

a.

kitetele · Since 20 Mar 2005 121 Posts Portland, Oregon Stoked

Cool! Thanks everyone for all the input. I know Gman is the purest strapless man but it sounds like the pads are convienent and that might just equal more water time. Thanks for the pics Mark and Chanson.....looks like a nice set-up! Thumb's Up

Mark · Wed May 28, 08 7:43 am

Thanks!
The board is made of a Marine 9ply birch. The dimensions are 20" x 52". Not sure of weight. I can weigh tonight if you want. Its heavier than a production board. The weight is kind of nice though. It keeps it from floating up in the wind when jump turning. I ride it in the shallows and over the sand. (sometimes almost dry sand) I have also taken it out to the swell near the bridge. its a ton of fun to ride.
You are welcome to trace around the shape if you want. I copied the design off of G-mans board.