Show me your pads

[vtkiter]

Hope that isn't misconstrued!
New skimmer here. Got a MegaLoaf coming my way and want to get it padded up. I don't want to wax.
I'm looking for some feedback on good material to use.
NSI has cut your own 1/4" padding:
Diamond, Waffle, Ribbed, or Flat. Preferred material by folks here that have used this?
They also have "Clear Grip traction" so you can stay stoked on the artwork you're standing on. Is this a good option?

Other resources for deck traction material?

What do you folks find has worked for you and what's your layup look like?

Thanks in advance and I'm pumped to get this board setup for the Spring trip to Hatteras! (although last trip there it was 10 meter or less the entire 10 days)

[Lonny]

Hey Vtkiter,

Welcome to LTS, and thanks for posting your questions. Personally, I find a thin diamond pad works the best. It is good mixture of grip and comfort. It is especially important to get a single density pad so you do not lose too much feel with your feet and your board. You might want to check out many of the different pad layups here:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=157

Hope you have a great time in Hatteras and post some pics for us here! And by the way, 10 meter or smaller is a blast on a skim as well! So don't let the wind hold you back from getting your skim on!

[Kaito]

I've put regular surfboard tail pads on the rear, and padded the front of my skims with an arch bar (pad) and the padding that goes on the sides of the archbar. I like the feeling of raised middles of my tail and front foot, but if you wanted to go all flat, I'm sure there's a way to do that too.

A couple sources that I've ordered front padding are:
~ Archbars, and the "Gripper" or "Quatro" for sides of archbar.

SkimCity: http://www.skimcity.com/traction-pads-add-grip/

EastCoastSkimmers: http://www.eastcoastskimboards.com/Trac ... s_c_7.html

I had the NSI pads, front and back, on a surfboard, and they're nice, but I prefer the Freak traction. (available from above sources)
I think the Freak traction is a bit softer, and not as thick, so feels nicer & also forms to the feet/toes better.

Hope this helps some!
~ I'll be covering the front of my Hellfire 5'6" with an archbar & Quatro set up this week!
K. ~

[vtkiter]

Guys thanks for the info!
Lonnie, 10 meter weather for me is 25+ so not ideal to "learn" how to skim. But, I assure you once I have it dialed it won't just be used for lightwinds which is what my initial intent is.
It's snowkite season here, but that's turning out to be ridng ice only as the snow has been pretty non-existent. However, small kites and ice skates can bring a big smile to your face when the wind picks up!

Thanks for sharing the stoke. I always get pumped when I come to this site!

[Lonny]

Thanks for sharing the stoke. I always get pumped when I come to this site!

That is awesome, and thanks for making my day. LTS is definitely a labor of love, and I love hosting this site and spreading the stoke.