Gorilla Kick Mid Deck Traction Pad
Pickup available at BSS
Usually ready in 24 hours
Front Foot Grip Without the Wax
The Gorilla Kick Mid Deck is a 3-piece front foot traction pad engineered to eliminate wax from your surf routine. Self-adhesive and ultra thin, it installs directly onto your board deck and delivers consistent, reliable grip every session from the first paddle to the last turn.
Construction and Materials
Gorilla builds the Kick Mid Deck from lightweight EVA foam, the same category of material used across professional-grade surf traction. Ultra strength adhesive bonds the pad firmly to the deck, resisting heat, salt water, and the flex cycles a surfboard goes through in active use. The foam stays light so the pad adds grip without meaningful weight to the board.
The Gorilla Grip System
Two elements drive the grip performance on this pad. First, Gorilla Grooves: machined channels cut into the foam surface that cradle the sole of your foot and resist lateral slip when you weight the rail or drive off the front foot through a turn. Second, a sanded top surface that creates friction at the foot-foam interface independent of the groove geometry. Together they hold your foot in position across a wide range of foot angles and pressure points.
Perforated and Textured Design
The outer panels feature a perforated cutout pattern visible across the pad face. This design serves two purposes: it reduces overall weight while maintaining structural integrity, and it adds a secondary texture layer that bites into the foot contact zone. The center strip runs a tightly ridged grooved profile, creating a spine reference point that helps you find your natural stance by feel rather than by looking down.
3-Piece Universal Fit
The pad ships as three pieces: two wide outer panels and a narrow center bridge strip. This construction lets the pad conform to virtually any board width, from narrow high-performance shortboards to wider fish or funboard platforms. You position each piece independently to match your exact stance width and foot placement preference before pressing down the adhesive.
Application and Care
Clean the board deck surface thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before applying. Peel the backing, position each piece, and press firmly from the center outward to eliminate air pockets. Allow the adhesive to cure before paddling out. To clean the pad, rinse with fresh water after each session and brush lightly with a soft brush to clear sand from the groove channels. Avoid petroleum-based solvents, which can degrade EVA foam.
Shop the Gorilla Kick Mid Deck at Island Water Sports
Available in store and online at Island Water Sports. Questions about traction pads or surfboard setup? Call us at 954-427-4929.
Free Shipping, No Minimum for IWS Beach Club Members.
Returns are eligible within 30 days of receiving your order. Return shipping labels are FREE for IWS Beach Club Members. See more
Specifications
- Brand
- Gorilla
- Model
- Kick Mid Deck
- Pad Type
- Mid Deck (Front Foot)
- Pieces
- 3-piece
- Material
- Lightweight EVA foam
- Adhesive
- Ultra strength self-adhesive backing
- Surface Texture
- Gorilla Grooves + sanded surface
- Design Feature
- Perforated and textured panels
- Board Compatibility
- Fits all board widths (3-piece adjustable)
- Gender
- Unisex
- MPN
- itemMatrix-30405
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a mid deck traction pad used for?
- A mid deck traction pad goes under your front foot to replace surf wax. It gives your front foot a grippy, stable platform so you can apply drive and pressure through turns without slipping, and it stays effective session after session without reapplication.
- How does the Gorilla Kick Mid Deck attach to the board?
- The pad is self-adhesive. Each of the three pieces has an ultra strength glue backing. Clean and dry the deck, peel the backing, position each piece where you want it, then press firmly. Allow the adhesive to cure before getting the board wet.
- Does the 3-piece design fit different board widths?
- Yes. The three-piece construction lets you space and position each panel independently to match any board width, from narrow shortboards to wider fish and funboard shapes. You dial in the placement to suit your exact stance.
- What makes Gorilla Grooves different from a flat foam pad?
- Gorilla Grooves are machined channels cut into the EVA foam that physically cradle and lock the foot in position. Combined with a sanded top surface, they create grip in multiple directions simultaneously, so your foot stays planted under lateral load during turns rather than skating across a flat surface.
- Can I use the Gorilla Kick Mid Deck instead of wax on the front of my board?
- That is exactly what it is designed for. The Kick Mid Deck is a full wax replacement for the front foot zone. Once applied, you do not need to re-wax that section of your board.
- How do I clean and maintain a traction pad?
- Rinse the pad with fresh water after every session to clear salt. Use a soft brush to sweep sand and debris out of the groove channels. Avoid petroleum-based solvents or strong detergents, which can break down EVA foam over time.
- Is the Gorilla Kick Mid Deck the same as a tail pad?
- No. A tail pad goes under your back foot and typically includes a kick tail for control. The Kick Mid Deck is a front foot pad that covers the mid section of the board, providing front foot grip and board feel without the kick tail component.