I used wax only for both areas for 4 sessions and finally settled on where to put stuff. I got some from NSI and cut them to the shape I wanted for the front- all good there although I think I erred on the too large a piece side (I hate seeing a surfboard covered in neoprene foam and I don't need it). I rode it for a few more sessions while I waited to decide where to put the kick pad.
I finally settled on the spot for it and decided to put it on; I put it a little more forward because it seemed like the board performed better when my foot was over the front two fins rather than the trailing fin. When I rode it again yesterday it seemed like I didn't put it far enough forward. Most of the time my back foot was in front of my kick pad. If I put my back foot on the kick pad my stance was too wide. Obviously I need to make an adjustment but it seems like if I moved it any further forward- which seems only possible if I buy another one
- then it is going to look like it is not in the right spot.I guess my questions are the following:
1) when using a surfboard for kiting do you place your kick pad in the same area as you would if you were using it for surfing?
2) how does the placement of your back foot change the performance of your board?
3) are there ways to move traction around (re-use them) once you have put them in place? If so what technique have you used?
4) will my needs be different in waves than they are for flat water?
Sorry for the long post. Maybe I am over thinking it. This board is so sweet and I want to maximize its potential and have it look badass too. Maybe I am over-thinking this. I never had this problem on my other board but this one is smaller and is maybe how it rides is more affected stance. Any thoughts are appreciated.