A tail pad, Grip or traction pad keeps your back foot locked in place during high-performance surfing. Some surfers swear by them and some think them unnecessary. We find they improve dynamic surfing and are a great way of keeping your back foot from creating a groin injury.
Choosing the right pad for your board and positioning it correctly makes a real difference. This guide covers arch designs, kick tail heights, and how to install them properly.
Why Use a Tail Pad?
A tail pad gives you consistent, reliable grip on the most dynamic part of your board - the tail.
The tail kick (the bit that stands proud and the end of you tailpad) acts as a physical reference point so you know where your foot is without looking down.
The arch bar sits in the middle of the grip under the arch of your foot, giving you the leverage to pull the board back under you after critical turns or drive harder through powerful carves.
Most shortboard and performance surfers use tail pads for these reasons. Longboarders typically don't, as the benefits of a tail pad for dynamic surfing don't translate to longboarding.
How to Choose the Right Tail Pad
Piece Count
3-piece: Most versatile, fits most boards. The go-to choice.
1-piece: Simple and clean, but make sure it doesn't overlap your rails before applying.
5-piece: Best for surfers who move their back foot around a lot or need extra cushioning for airs and big maneuvers.
Arch Type
Flat arch: For flat-footed surfers with little to no arch in their foot. Minimal arch bar.
Medium arch: Most common and comfortable. 5-7mm raised arch bar. Suits most surfers.
High arch: Maximum foot support and leverage, but can be uncomfortable for some.
Tail Shape
Match the pad shape to your board's tail for best results. Most pads will fit any tail shape, but check that the pad doesn't overlap onto the rails - this creates drag in the water and kills performance. If it overlaps, choose a different pad.
How to Install a Tail Pad
1. Clean the tail area
If the board isn't brand new, strip all wax from the tail using a wax comb and Sticky Johnson Wax Remover. Clean the area thoroughly until there's no residue or dust, then wait for it to dry completely.
2. Position the pad (don't stick yet)
Place the pad on the tail WITHOUT peeling the adhesive backing. Center it on the stringer, position the back edge as close to the tail as possible without covering the leash plug, and space out the pieces so they fit the tail without overlapping the rails.
Pro Tip: Some boards don't have stringers, making it hard to find the center. Measure and use a pencil to mark where each piece should go before peeling any backing.
3. Stick the middle piece first
Peel the adhesive backing from the middle piece and position it centered on the stringer (or your pencil mark). Press firmly from the center outward to eliminate air bubbles.
4. Add remaining pieces
Repeat with the remaining pieces, maintaining even spacing between each piece. Press each piece firmly from center to edge.
5. Let it cure
Wait 24 hours before surfing to allow the adhesive to fully bond.
