Wax or Wax free???

[Swazey]

Hi I have just decided to take up surfing after my friend wanted to get back into it. I have found two boards that I like but one is padded and one is a regular wax board. Just looking for some advice on the pro's and con's of both really. Any feedback is much appreciated.

[tony g]

I like to put a tail pad on my board and wax the rest of the board. You get the best of both worlds. The tail paid foam helps protect the tail from pressure dings and gives great traction. Some tail pads even have an arch bar so you can get lots of torque into your turns. I also love surf wax. It goes way back into the roots of surfing. It smells great when applying on your board and helps get you stoked. It also has a different feel than deck pads. Some guys don't like any deck pads, and say they can't feel their board as well. I would try out both and decide for yourself.

[Swazey]

Nice one, didn't expect to get such a clear answer first time. Think I'll give that a go as it gives me experience of both. Didn't like the idea of getting a padded board and finding it was the wrong decision. How easy are the pads to attach and remove? Thanks for the advice

[tony g]

Surf traction pads are easy to put on, just peel and stick. They can be difficult to get off though. The adhesive is good quality and is not easily removed. I have heard if you leave your board in the sun for a few minutes and the pad heats up they are easier to peel off. Be careful and don't let your board heat up to much, as it could be hard on the fiberglass.

[tony g]

Forgot to tell you, before you put a pad on, make sure your board is completely clean. Remove all wax and wax residue. Just follow manufactures directions and you will be fine. Some say to let the pad sit over night before taking in the water.

[Swazey]

Thats great cheers. Can go ahead and order my board now and look out for some pads. Will let you know how I get on and hopefully post some pics in the weeks to come. Thanks again

[jaffa1949]

If it is a brand new board then a quick clean and then the pads will go on easily.
I see that you are looking at choosing between two boards, don't worry about the tail pad or not, it will be more important to choose the board that is best for you to learn on.
Pads can give you a clue where to place your feet!

[elaineB]

I want wax free.

[Swazey]

Went with the wax free it arrived today, cant wait to get out there. Good luck with yours

[jaffa1949]

I want wax free.

I keep thinking Brazilian

[johnraj1]

Thanks Tony G for describing in detail for the surfboards.

[garbarrage]

Leave the tail pad for a couple of days before putting it in the water. They won't come off straight away but there's a good chance it will start peeling off over time. If you let it set for a couple of days they last as long as the board.