What is a Stomp Pad?

If you are learning how to snowboard, you could find yourself struggling in certain areas. Getting off the lift is one of the key areas new boarders struggle with.

If the lift run-off areas are compact and slippery, then it can be a real challenge to get off the lift with confidence rather than falling as your board gets away from you.

Luckily, snowboard stomp pads can help here and in other areas, so in our guide, you can learn more about what you need to know about how you get a stomp pad and fit it, and most of all, how to use a stomp pad in the right way. (Read Can You Wear Rain Boots in the Snow)

How Do You Use A Stomp Pad?

Before learning how to use a stomp pad, you need to know a few other things. Not every rider will really need a stomp pad, and it can be you see many without one. However, it can make things easier when you have a snowboard stomp pad fitted to your board.

Here we’ll run through the basics about stomp pads.

What is a Snowboard Stomp Pad?

A stomp pad or deck grip or traction pad is a grip sticker that you stick on your snowboard to help keep your board’s control when getting off the lift or if you have one foot free from the board bindings.

It sits in the middle of your board alongside the binding of any foot you remove from the boar when not riding. You use your stomp pad to control your board when it’s not possible to clip into your binding.

Types of Stomp Pads?

While you don’t necessarily need a stomp pad, you can find they have uses more than getting off the lift. They can be ideal for removing snow or when shooting around flat surfaces.

Here are the different types of stomp pads you can find:

Rubber Stomp Pads

Rubber stomp pads work well and are the easiest type to find. The upside of rubber stomp pads is they flex with your board.

Foam Stomp Pads

You can cut foam pads to any shape you desire as it is easier to cut than rubber or metal. Foam stomp pads will be cheaper as they are not as durable as rubber pads.

Metal Studs

Some riders like to use metal studs in place of a stomp pad. You find these come individually, and you stick them in a design to suit you and meet your board and boots’ needs.

Skate Rails

Skate rails are an alternative, and unlike studs, skate rails are two thin “rails” you place next to the binding on your board. Skate rails offer the same traction as a stomp pad, so they are a viable option. (Read Five Simple Snowboarding Tips for Beginners)

Can You Reuse a Stomp Pad?

No, once a stomp pad snowboard combination is mixed, you can’t remove it and adjust the position.

Can You Take a Stomp Pad Off a Snowboard?

If you want to know if you can remove a stomp pad, you’ll also need to know how to install a stomp pad.

The position needs to be as close to your back binding as you can get it. Doing this makes it feel like your regular stance, and you can lean your foot against the binding for stability.

Ensure you position your stomp pad on the inside of your back binding but leave around an inch from the bottom of the binding to give your boot space. The steps here offer the best placement of your snowboard stomp pad.

Put your snowboard on the ground and pull on your boots.
Place your back foot on your board on the inside of the back binding. Make sure the side of your boot touches the side of the binding.
Mark where the inside and outside of the top sheet where your boot touches the board for your back foot.
When placing your stomp pad, it needs to sit inside the marks.
Installing Your Stomp Pad
Clean and dry your board where you will stick the stomp pad.
Make sure the room is warm as it will help the bond. You can also heat your board with a hairdryer or heat gun.
Remove the stomp pad backing to reveal the adhesive. It is advisable to heat the adhesive for better adherence to your board.
Place the stomp pad in position and press down as hard as possible. Hold the pad in position for a few minutes.
Wait for 24 hours to let the adhesive dry. It might be a good time to place something heavy on top of the snowboarding pad to make it stick better.

Can You Take a Pad Off a Snowboard?

In a certain way, removing a stomp pad is like fitting one but in reverse. You need a hairdryer or heat gun that you can move back and for to melt the glue or at least make it soft enough to begin peeling back the used stomp pad.

As you peel, direct the heat under the old pad, and you can lift it without leaving too much glue on your board. Once removed, spray WD 40 on the boards surface and wipe away with a cloth to remove the final residue.

Where Do You Put a Stomp Pad on a Surfboard?

Stomp pads are also a key part of the surfers’ tool kit. Like snowboards, you’ll find you can apply a traction pad once. If your surfboard offers lots of stickiness, good quality adhesives mean your stomp pad will be firmly fixed forever.

First, you’ll need tissue paper, glass/hard surface cleaner or wax remover, and a knife.
Remove dirt, dust, and wax by cleaning your board’s tail using the glass cleaner and towels.
Cut the plastic around your new surf deck to keep the manufacturer’s original shape. Some surfers spread the pads.
Line up the pad before you stick it to your board, and make sure to put the grip a bit above your leash plug.
Peel the backing and align the center of the pad with the stringer. Don’t push in case you need a few adjustments.
Once happy with the final result, push everything down to get the glue working between the pad and the surfboard.
Leave for a while, or even better overnight.