Can a Tail Patch Help my Surfing?

Question

Can a Tail Patch Help my Surfing?

Answer 1

A tail patch (traction pad) is a tool that can help with your surfing. It won't make you a better surfer but it can assist you in getting better. Other than having better grip/traction on your back foot, the pad can help by guiding you in foot placement. Without looking down at your feet, the traction pad lets you know that you are setting your foot correctly over the skegs/fins. A common mistake by begging surfers is standing too far in front of the board and not standing in the optimum spot to turn the board. The traction pad helps with this problem.

Answer 2

Yes! Kelly Slater, Andy Irons, and Taj Burrow all ride on tail patches and for good reason. A tail patch not only adds traction, it also adds a landscape on which to plant your power foot. Many patches offer bumps, nobs, and even hooks to widen you surfing horizons. Also, a new patch can freshen the ride of an old board with a little lift and added control.

Answer 3

h**l yes, I wouldnt surf on a board without a tail pad. You can lay your back foot into it then and throw some spray around.

As Bogey was sayin, keep your foot on the pad to turn it.  But dont keep it on the tailpad all the time, because the added weight of your foot over the fins will slow you down too. So you can put your foot just above the tailpad too to speed it up. Experiment a bit with it.

Answer 4

Yes

yes

and YES.