As you are cruising along the water on a stand up paddle board, you want to feel a sure grip with the board.  As a beginner SUP rider, a good paddle board traction pad is going to create a much better experience while making it easier to learn.

What is a paddle board traction pad?  A paddle board traction pad is simply a pad that is mounted on the top of your stand up paddle board to provide grip while standing on your board.  A traction pad will prevent you from sliding around the surface of the board.  A paddle board pad can consist of a few different materials.

Do I need a paddle board traction pad?

The short answer is no.  Many surfers enjoy the natural feel of being able to stand directly on the board.

If using an inflatable SUP, than I would absolutely recommend a traction pad and many of them come pre-installed.

Even on a hard surface SUP, a traction pad is beneficial and recommended.

A paddle board traction pad makes it easier for the beginner to maneuver the board and stay on the board without falling off.

When you are paddling and not just trying to balance on a board like a surfer, you tend to use more movement that can make you more susceptible to sliding around.

For these reasons, I would defiantly recommend a traction pad for paddle boarding and I utilize one on my own board.

What is a paddle board traction pad made out of?

There are a few different types of materials that a traction pad may be made out of.  I’ve also included wax as a non-traction pad option.

Wax

• Natural Feel- Some people really enjoy the more natural feel of standing on a pad less board.
• Weight- If you are using a paddle board for racing then the lighter the better. Adding a traction pad seems like a minimal amount of added weight, but every ounce matters.
• Sticky- Wax can provide a more sticky grip, than a pad

Cork

• Natural- It’s made from tree bark and the tree doesn’t need to be cut down. The bark is peeled off the tree without harming the tree and the tree is able to regenerate.  Most of the paddle board traction pads are made from synthetic products.
• Water Resistant- Cork contains a natural water resistant material called suberin.
• No Toxins- Cork doesn’t contain any toxins or harmful ingredients.
• Comfortable- Cork has a a spring structure that can be easy on the knees and joints.

Ethylene Vinyl Acetate

• Comfort- EVA can absorb shock and weight well.
• Cost- Synthetic products tend to be a cheaper option.
• Durability- EVA holds up well and is easy to install.

What are the benefits of a paddle board traction pad?

A good traction pad can make for a better SUP experience.  When your board gets wet, it tends to create a slippery surface.

A traction pad on a paddle board will allow you to rest other objects on your SUP.

Pads can be utilized for children or pets to sit on the SUP while an adult is paddling.

Traction Pads allow for various exercises like Yoga to be done on SUP.

Padding provides cushioning that helps with wear and tear on your body when you are riding on your SUP for a long duration of time.

It also provides more overall comfort.  It help you to balance more effectively so you can properly disperse your body weight across the board.

Best Paddle Board Traction Pads

ABAHUB 12 Piece Surf SUP Deck Traction Pad Premium EVA Tail Kicker 64.99

• Material: A-grade closed cell EVA foam + marine grade 3M self adhesive backing
• SUPERIOR ANTI-SLIP TRACTION: In 3mm depth diamond grooves, this 12-pieces SUP deck pad provides a nice textured surface with tons of grip on your board.
• CUSTOMIZE TO FIT: It’s with 12 pieces in total size of 77’’x 25’’. You can always cover your SUP by adjusting the space, taking out some of the pieces ( for example, take out the top 3 pieces for shorter boards, or the middle 4 pieces for narrower boards), or even trimming them accordingly if necessary. It’s also with a tail kicker.
• PREMIUM QUALITY: Along with the brand new A-grade EVA material, all Abahub traction pads utilize certificated resin and original marine grade 3M self adhesive backing. Our processing experience also guarantees the superb stickiness won’t be compromised by EVA dust generated during production.
• SOFT & COMFORTABLE: Made of elastic A-grade closed cell EVA foam, it’s acts as an absorber of weight and shock. It helps reduce your foot fatigue and allows you to paddle in comfort, especially in longer distance paddles.
• 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: We’ve been manufacturing traction pads for over 10 years. We know what we’re doing and we stand by our products. If you’re not happy with our products, we’ll offer you replacement or full refund with “No Question Asked” guarantee.

BPS SUP Traction Pad – 12 Piece DIAMOND Tread Paddle Board Deck Grip 59.99

• Diamond tread grip for better adhesion
• Warm feel on your feet even when its cold
• Extra cushion
• EVA lightweight with 3M adhesive
• 3 color options

PUNT SURF Paddle Board SUP Traction Pad 59.97

• Marine-grade EVA foam that reduces any possible discomfort of feet, knees, and lower back.
• Easy to install and can trim pieces for size adjustment
• Provides a guarantee to stick for a lifetime
• 3M Adhesive for quality

SUP-Now Paddleboard Dog Traction Pad Deck Grip w/3M Adhesive$29.99

• Diamond groove for extra grip support
• 3M Adhesive to create long lasting adhesion
• Water resistant
• Can hold large dogs up to around 100lbs
• 4 different color options

Replacing an old SUP traction pad

You can take a puddy knife to pry under the traction pad to pull the old pad up from the board.  After that you’ll be left with a sticky mess of old adhesive. 

I recommend Adhesive Remover Citrus Clear 14Oz Aerosol to remove the adhesive.  This product will make the job simple and it will scrub right off. 

Once the surface is clean, than you can apply the new pad.

Utilizing a traction pad for your paddle board is going to help create a more enjoyable SUP experience.

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