board pad or wax?

[alawhead]

just started sup way up here in maine.  i have been having a blast, and learning new stuff.  waves are not the biggest, but thats ok.  i was wondering if more people use wax or those board pads.   

[noworrieshawaii]

Seems like most use the pad but I prefer the waxed boards.

[gjbstandup]

I seem to like a pad under my feet. I have tried other boards that have wax and I miss applying pressure on my toes when  I move about the board , turn and pivot the tail around. I have the diamond pattern pad. My toes fit between the grooves which allow pressure and resistance to be applied onto the deck combined with a paddle stroke of some sort, which helps me control the board. On wax I miss that use. Plus the water here is up to 88' F with the southern sun blazing down on the board the wax melts right off.   Answer  ..........     PAD

[shapeshifter]

my suspicion is that the e.v.a. foam pads may turn out to be favored by most if only because of convenience. waxing the monsters we ride is a chore. changing that out would be double the "fun". the foam adds a barrier of protection from the paddle where the wax is minimal at most. the foam pads can be more colorful and less affected by sand or debris. and that's just a few off the top of my head.

[Chan]

I seem to like a pad under my feet. I have tried other boards that have wax and I miss applying pressure on my toes when  I move about the board , turn and pivot the tail around. I have the diamond pattern pad. My toes fit between the grooves which allow pressure and resistance to be applied onto the deck combined with a paddle stroke of some sort, which helps me control the board. On wax I miss that use. Plus the water here is up to 88' F with the southern sun blazing down on the board the wax melts right off.   Answer  ..........     PAD

My sentiments exactly—deck pads offer improved performance and added convenience. In addition, over time, they are likely more affordable (although I have not done a complete cost/environmental analysis).

[RUSS-D]

I used wax at first, and switched to a deck pad. What a difference, in a good way. I would recomend using a deck pad. A lot more comfortable to stand on is another reason to get one. It helps when you are carrying it on your head, pads it so it doesn't hurt.

[alawhead]

thans for the feedback.  i do notice after awhile that my feet start to ache, alittle.  given that up here the max water temp is about 64 degrees, it could provide some support.  so  the next set of questions are what seem to be the better pads out there?  are there certain sizes or areas of coverage?  where is the best place to buy?   

[alawhead]

ok,  i think i am going with a pad.  which design offers the better "grip"  the vertical grooves or the diamond pattern?  and does anyone have a good internet site for purchase of deck pads.  thanks       

[toolate]

Sure wish someone  (Blue planet?) would do a head to head comparison of the various options ?
Hexa, Hot wax, Pads, wax....

[TallDude]

ok,  i think i am going with a pad.  which design offers the better "grip"  the vertical grooves or the diamond pattern?  and does anyone have a good internet site for purchase of deck pads.  thanks       

https://www.hydroturf.com/

I buy the mats and cut them to the shape I need. Top quality and tons of colors and patterns.

[toolate]

wonder how differnt these different EVA pads really are from one another. I

[mrbig]

I sup in freezing water also. Have been known to travel to York!

I use Hexatraction on the nose and wax it with a cold base and cold top coat.

[TallDude]

wonder how differnt these different EVA pads really are from one another. I

Very different. The cheap black diamond pattern that comes on a lot of China Pop-outs is painfully stiff. The colder the water, the stiffer they get. 

[toolate]

thanks

[Bean]

Pad or wax depends upon so many variables.  For instance, if you sink the deck of your board when you are standing in the lineup there is a good chance that wax will work well for you, because the wax will remain fairly consistent.  On the other hand, if your deck is high and dry, wax might not be a good choice since the hardness of the wax would be fluctuating as it heats up and cools down.