AboutKat Dawes Expertise I'M SORRY I DON'T DO WINDSURFING!
I am the sub-editor and editorial assistant for Carve and SurfGirl magazines, based in the UK. I can answer questions about all aspects of surfing: equipment, travel, history, culture, locations in the UK, the pro tour, training for surfing, technique, women`s surfing, forecasting, surf media and so on.
Experience I am the sub-editor and editorial assistant for Carve and SurfGirl surfing magazines, based in
the UK. I have been surfing for 12 years in Wales and Cornwall. I have also travelled to
Australia and various European locations to surf.
Publications Carve and SurfGirl magazines
Education/Credentials 15 A grades, BA and MA in English Literature.
Expert: Kat Dawes Date: 11/1/2007 Subject: Surf wax
Question Hello,
What are the advantages of using wax on a surfboard, as opposed to pads?
Answer
Quite often it's a matter of personal choice, but most people now use wax all over, or wax for the front foot and a tail pad for the back.
Wax is cheap, easy and fast to put on and provides good traction, plus it smells nice!
Pads for the front foot are less common as more padding makes the board heavier. Pads will often cover up a lovely spray job too! And can make it harder to repair dings if you manage to go through the pad.
A tail pad often has a kicker, a raised edge at the back, which helps with power turns and boosting airs. Pads can help you make sure you're getting your feet in the right place - if my back foot is off the tailpad I know my stance is all wrong. Pads also protect the deck of the board to a certain extent.
Wax ends up getting dirty and sandy and you have to remove it periodically and start all over again, so many choose a tailpad as it's permanent. Pads do get battered about with time, but will probably last as long as the board does. If you're using a pad follow the application instructions REALLY carefully, as there's nothing worse than it peeling off.
