Surf Hardware and Accessories Selection Guide

🌊 Welcome to Summer Vibes – Beginner Surf Hub

Not sure what to buy? Start here with our easy starter guide for each surf category.

🔗 Surf Leashes – How to Choose

📏 Match Leash to Board

Board Size	Leash Size	Best Match Product	Notes
6’0”	6’0” leash	6’0” leash	Great for groms and shorter boards
7’0”	7’0” leash	7’0” leash	For funboards & mid-lengths
8’0”	8’0” leash	8’0” leash	Ideal for longer funboards
9’0”	9’0” leash	9’0” leash	Best for longboards

✅ Best for Beginners: Padded ankle cuff | Double swivel
❌ Avoid coiled leashes – not for surfing

🧼 Care Tips

Rinse boards and leashes in fresh water after use
Store out of direct sunlight, dry, and not in the car boot
Check leash regularly for nicks or worn Velcro and replace if damaged

🦶 Surfboard Deck Grips & Traction Pads

Struggling to keep your back foot in place while surfing? A traction pad might be exactly what you need.

Whether you're riding a softboard, funboard, or shortboard, deck grips add comfort, control, and confidence — especially when you’re learning to turn or pop up.

📏 What Size Traction Pad Do I Need?

Board Type	Recommended Pad	Best Match Product	Notes
Shortboards (under 7’0”)	3-piece pad	Shortboard tail pad	Look for a kick tail & arch bar
Fish (swallow tail, < 7’0”)	3-piece fish pad	Fish-specific tail pad	Kick tail + reduced arch bar
Funboards (7’0”–8’0”)	3-piece pad	3-piece or 5-piece pad (add front pad if needed)	Flatter arch for frequent foot movement
Softboards	Optional (softboard texture is naturally grippy)	Any pad (optional)	Nice for extra control; not essential

Traction Pad application

🧽 Clean thoroughly — remove all wax and dust.
📐Dry-fit & align — lay out pieces and line up with the stringer.
🦶Place correctly — position just above the fins (not too far forward).
⏱️Apply & cure — peel, press out bubbles, press firmly, and let set for a few hours.

💡 Bonus Tip: Full Grip = Wax-free Confidence

Want more traction? Add a front pad for full coverage — perfect for hot climates or high-performance surfing.

💬 Need Help Choosing?

Live Chat or email us for expert advice from local Aussie surfers.