Equipment
Traction pad
The textured foam grip on the board's deck that keeps the rider's feet planted in place of surf wax.
A traction pad is the grippy EVA-foam surface adhered to the deck where the rider stands. Because wakesurf boards are ridden in fresh water and often barefoot, traction pads replace the wax used on ocean surfboards. Pads often include a raised tail kick that helps the rider feel foot placement and pop the board for ollies, shuv-its, and other tricks.
Pad layout is part of board design and affects grip, comfort, and how easily a rider can pivot and pop, especially in skim-style freestyle.