The best stand up paddle traction pads will last you a long time and are made from high-quality materials designed for the water. We believe that the best options for beginners and regular SUP users alike are the BPS 12-Piece and the PUNT Surfer traction pads.
As paddle boarders with over 10 years of experience on the waters of Ontario and British Columbia, it is important to us that the traction pads on our boards deliver what they promise and increase our stability on the boards we stand on. Otherwise it’s in the drink with you!
In this guide, we’ll take a look at a few other highly rated SUP traction pads. We will address a variety of elements that will hopefully help you determine the best option for your SUP adventures, including:
- Traction pad features
- SUP compatibility
- Installation
- What the traction pads are made of
- Customer reviews
- Pros and cons
Best SUP Traction Pads Reviews
Our top five SUP traction pads include the BPS 12-Piece, the Own the Wave Non-slip, the Abahub Surf SUP Deck, the PUNT Surf, and the SUP Now Dog.
BPS 12-Piece Stand up Paddle Traction Pad (HardShell Pick)
The BPS 12-Piece Traction Pad is an affordable option for the average SUP user looking for more stability on their board.
Features
- 12 individual traction pads for flexible placement
- Soft on the feet
- Suitable for large boards
SUP Compatibility
The BPS 12-Piece Traction Pad is designed for regular SUP users who are familiar with the sport. People who purchase this are looking for additional traction and comfort so they can increase the length of their time out on the water.
Installation
To install the BPS 12-Piece Traction Pad, you will first want to clean your SUP board to remove any leftover wax or dirt. Line up the pads in the places you want them on the actual board before sticking them on. Remove the adhesive backing sticker and carefully press it onto the board. Let the pads sit for 2-4 hours before using on the water.
What It’s Made of
The BPS 12-piece is made of a light, durable EVA foam with a diamond tread that squishes down under pressure and bounces back when pressure is removed. It also features a 3M adhesive on the back and comes in two colors: charcoal black or cool grey.
What Customers Think
Most users have a positive view of the BPS 12-Piece. Of the countless ratings on Amazon, a high percentage were of the 5 star variety.
A small handful of users found the traction pads didn’t adhere well to their SUP boards, while others found it necessary to trim the provided pads to make them fit their boards.
Overall, users find the traction pads to be long-lasting and sold for an affordable price. The pads are also reported to stay cool in the heat and provide a high level of comfort for users who are out on the water for long periods.
Own the Wave Non-Slip Traction Pad
Own the Wave is a lesser-known SUP specific brand that creates excellent non-slip traction pads for SUP boards.
Features
- Diamond pattern
- Easy to customize to your specific board’s length and width
- Available in three colors: white, grey, and black
SUP Compatibility
This traction pad is great for beginners looking for a little extra help staying on the board as well as seasoned professionals. They come in pieces that fit boards that are 75.5 inches long and 24.5 inches wide.
Installation
The Own the Wave Non-Slip Traction Pads are fairly intuitive to install. Simply peel off the backing and stick to your board. However, they do require a little bit of patience to get the perfect fit that works with your preferred feet placement.
What It’s Made Of
Like the BPS 12-Piece, this traction pad is made of an ultralight EVA foam with a standard 3M backing for extra sticking power.
What Customers Think
The average customer rating of the Own the Wave Non-Slip Traction Pad is very good. Users find this traction pad to have sufficient traction, long-lasting adhesive and believe it lends a finished look to their boards.
Pros
- Give you warm feet on cold days and stays cool on hot days
- 1/8” to ¼” thickness for maximum comfort
- 12-month guarantee with refund and replacement options
Cons
- Not ideal for soft-top SUP boards
Abahub 12-Piece Surf SUP Deck Traction Pad (Surfers Pick)
Let’s take a look at the Abahub 12-Piece traction pad.
Features
- Adjustable pieces
- Soft and comfortable pad
- 3mm-depth anti-slip traction
- Five colors available: blue, black, grey, orange, and white
SUP Compatibility
The Abahub 12-piece pad is designed for SUPs and surfers navigating rough waters and in need of an additional layer of stability.
Installation
According to the manufacturer’s specifications, it is best to clean your board first before placing the adhesive on the board’s surface.
What It’s Made Of
This traction pad is made of A-grade EVA material with certified resin and marine grade 3M adhesive backing for supreme sticking power. The higher-grade EVA material absorbs shock and your weight, which ultimately reduces foot fatigue and allows for longer paddling excursions.
What Customers Think
The Abahub Traction Premium Pad has a good amount of positive reviews, many of which are glowing, 5-star reviews. Most users find this pad to be a great value for the price, which is slightly higher than other options listed in this guide. Some users had even found the pad stood up to their dog’s nails.
Pros
- “No questions asked” 100 percent satisfaction guarantee
- Customizable options, including a variety of bright colors
- Good for narrower boards
Cons
- More expensive option
- Reports of glue un-sticking and pads lifting
PUNT Surf Traction Pad (Do it Yourself Pick)
For a more versatile option that you can customize to your specific needs, we have the PUNT Surf Traction Pad.
Features
- One sheet suitable for DIY cutting
- Works on any kind of watercraft
- Dog-friendly
- Comes in black, grey, and white
SUP Compatibility
This traction pad was designed for the avid water sports fan who spends their time out on the water paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing, and more.
Installation
Because this pad requires cutting out smaller pieces from one large sheet, installing this traction pad will take a couple of minutes. However, once you’ve cut out the pieces to your liking, you simply need to remove the adhesive backing and stick them on your board in any configuration that you choose.
What It’s Made Of
Crafted from marine-grade EVA foam and premium 3M adhesive for maximum stick, the PUNT Surf traction pad is a high-quality option that will last a long time. So long that they offer a lifetime guarantee and full refunds should you not be satisfied with your purchase.
What Customers Think
Users rave about the overall quality and durability of this traction pad. They love being able to customize the pad to their specific needs, whether it be a stand-up paddleboard or a kayak, and they appreciate how easy it was to cut. Most users found the pad easy to install and thought it stuck well.
Some users reported the mat’s color faded with constant sun exposure, and others felt the pad was too small for its price point.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Versatile uses
- Good for pets and children
- Lifetime guarantee
- Environmentally conscious company
Cons
- You have to craft the individual pieces yourself, so they may not end up as aesthetically pleasing as you’d like
- Color has the potential to fade with sun exposure
SUP Now Dog Traction Pad (Dog Pick)
The SUP Now Dog traction pad is an inexpensive puppy pad that allows your best friend to join in the SUP fun.
Features
- Water-resistant
- Diamond groove pattern
- Customizable sizing for long and shortboards
- Four paw print cutouts on the top and bottom
- Comes in pink or black
SUP Compatibility
This is the perfect addition for SUPers that want to bring their pup out onto the water. It will help keep your dog from slipping off into the water when those sneaky waves hit. It is also designed for small to large dogs.
Installation
Like most traction pads, the SUP Now Dog adheres to your board with a peel-off 3M adhesive on the back. To fit the pad to your board, simply cut it to the desired length and design that works best for you, peel, and stick.
What It’s Made Of
This traction pad is made from 6mm EVA foam for maximum comfort, resistance, and durability. It is designed with diamond-pattern grooves, which are both pleasing to the eye and make for a great grip for your four-legged pal.
What Customers Think
SUPers who use the SUP Now Dog traction pad find it to be a durable, high-quality pad that has aesthetic appeal. They enjoy the grip pattern and the higher level of cushioning, which help keep their dogs from losing their balance and sliding off. Many users report that this pad has given their dogs more confidence out on the water as well.
Pros
- Keeps your dog safer
- Limits scratch marks on your board
- Low price point
Cons
- Limited color options
- Some finessing and cutting required to find the right fit
How to Choose a SUP Deck Pad
SUP traction pads come in a variety of sizes, shapes, textures, and colors. What you end up choosing should reflect the following:
- type of waves you’ll be paddleboarding on
- the size of your board
- the type of activities you’ll be engaging in.
It is also advisable to find a pad that will help you maintain your grip and balance above all else.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a beginner in search of a little more traction or a seasoned SUP user, a traction pad can help make your time out on the water more enjoyable and less frustrating.
