How to Reuse a Traction Pad

Traction pads, otherwise known as deck grips, are rubberized stickers than are positioned on surf boards to keep feet from slipping while mounting and riding a wave. Traction pads often just cover the area where you back foot will be planted while riding a wave, but can also span the length of your board. Using Traction pads is an alternative to waxing your board. You can reuse a traction pad, but it may not be worth the time and energy. They run $20 to $120.

Things You'll Need

  • Wax comb
  • Hair dryer
  • Waterproof double-stick tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Let the surfboard sit in the sun and warm up. Let direct sunlight hit the traction pad to heat the surface up.

    • 2

      Use the wax comb to scrap the traction pad off. You may want to use a hair dryer to further heat the area you are scraping. Work from tail to nose, in small sections being careful not to rip the bottom of the traction pad. Don't leave the hair dryer at any one section for too long as this can damage the fiberglass.

    • 3

      Check the pad for any tears or excessive stretching. If the traction pad is too worn or damaged, you should replace it with a new one.

    • 4

      Apply double stick tape to the bottom of the pad along the edges. Keep the tape application as uniform as possible, since you don't want any bumps on the pad when you stand.

    • 5

      Apply the traction pad to the new board. Press the tape down from tail to nose, smoothing out the surface area.