I bought an AHD Zen and the smooth, non-textured soft deck has me slipping onto my arse constantly when trying to get in the straps.
Before I start removing strips of the soft deck for grippy grooves, or altogether and regrip with grit, thought I might (reluctantly) try booties for the first time. What's regarded out there as the stickiest of sticky booties, (BCF or windsurfing store) for holding me to this deck? This non textured soft deck sucks!
You could glue on a EVA deck grip sheet . Nice soft and grippy .
I hate booties .
O'Neill Super freak windsurfing boots are my personal favorites.
I have tried Neil Pryde and a few others. Prydes are comfortable, but not as grippy.
We have Stonefish and other nasties in our area, and although I am not sure they would stop a barb they do make me fell a bit safer. I wear them all the time here in Queensland and in Tassie in summer.
Should be around $60. Last well and fit nice and tight.
Go a size or two smaller than your shoe size.
I don't think you will find anything suitable in BCF. They only seem to stock looser fitting reef type shoes which will move around too much on your foot.
Thanks Imax1. I had a look. Theres lots out there. You havent got a link to which type you think would suit best?
Thought about gluing some strips of textured grip, but I think anything stuck to the soft deck will just tear the top of the surface away upon first use or at least eventually. Perhaps big pieces would grip the soft deck better and reduce it tearing off.
^^^
Australian Jet Ski Parts .
Qld Arundel ( 07 ) 55379322
Non self adhesive 1.5m x 1m . $ 97 . Get the cut diamond not the molded . Much more grippy.
They also make it with sticky back but it wont stick that good to your board . Use contact adhesive , $ 10 a tin at Bunnings and cheap fluffy rollers , ( not the foam ones , they will melt ) , 2 pac , $ 3 , Bunnings . Oh and a roll of masking tape , $ 2
Total $ 115 job .
Dont know how much good booties are.
^^
Ps : Before buying anything get some super coarse sand paper , 40 grit , and rub it all over . If the EVA deck is shiny , roughing it up will make a huge difference .
Had some 80 grit on hand at least. Gave a bit of a rub and went sailing. Indeed made enough of a difference that I wasn't slipping on my arse when pushing for the straps. Still not confidence inspiring but nice improvement. I'll criss cross some 40 grit as suggested before I start sticking anything, but I suspect adhering something will be the only way to get the grip I need. Had a friend run his wet booties across the softdeck and they gave the typical sound of grip to total slip with nothing in between. Still might buy some to try and for other activities. Would you believe I cut my foot today, but I'm still resisting the need to wear them.
Oneill Superfreak split toe tropicals
$60 Postage free and super fast delivery from Surfstitch
O'Neill ninja boots (not socks). Same size as your shoe size. I've had atans. Ninjas are better.
I wear Mystic summer, NP cold. Had O'Neill and others, I dont see any dif imo grip.
The fit , and esp round , or fittted toe are my concerns
Gill Trapeze Boots work great. Sold at West Marine stores. Very comfortable, but I had to buy Dakine Tyrant foot straps to accommodate the boots. Perfect setup now .
