Tail Pad / Deck Grip

[Bart_novice]

Hey guys. I'm new to surfing. Had some lessons and enjoy it and it comes fairly handily to me. I recently bought a second hand 7' mini mal and was wondering if I need a tail pad. Would it help or just a waste of money for me? I've seen some say its a matter of preference but what do you all think? Dakine and Billabong pads are on sale half price at my local surf shop? For the sake of a few bucks. Could it be worth it? Thanks for your help.

[surf doc]

Deck pads help you position your back foot, find that sweet spot over the fins and provide some grip for pivoting. They are most important to have on a shortboard where you control your speed by pumping and with sharp maneuvers. I don't longboard very often, but I don't see a lot of loggers with pads as they are constantly moving up and down the board to control their speed. It's probably not commonly used on a minimal, but it if it helps you position your feet then you may find it useful. Long story short, matter of preference.

[Bart_novice]

Thanks for that. I had that idea from others but nice to confirm. Anyway got a present of one today and local surf shop has put it on for me. Will see how it goes.

[LJSurfa]

Deck pads help you position your back foot, find that sweet spot over the fins and provide some grip for pivoting. They are most important to have on a shortboard where you control your speed by pumping and with sharp maneuvers. I don't longboard very often, but I don't see a lot of loggers with pads as they are constantly moving up and down the board to control their speed. It's probably not commonly used on a minimal, but it if it helps you position your feet then you may find it useful. Long story short, matter of preference.

I totally agree. I have been surfing for 10 years now, short and longboards. My current longboard doesn't have a tail pad but is waxed nose to tail, I have a short board with no tail pad and a gun which has got one on. I prefer not to have one but the gun is for big wave surfing and gives a more sturdy and controlled feel to the board. As above- personal preference.

[WaveHunter]

I surfed without a pad for years. I never felt I needed it. Just recently I put it on a new board to try it and I like it. It helps me to position my foot. I wouldn't use it on a longer board, but on a shorter board it can be helpful.