Wakeboard traction pad

Abstract

A wakeboard traction pad for a wakeboard providing greater traction and a variable traction-surface geometry for more technical wakeboard riding and increased fun. The wakeboard traction pad is provided to give a high-friction, high-surface area surface upon which a wakeboard rider's feet may constructively engage and control the attached wakeboard. Often used in pairs at opposite sides of the wakeboard, the wakeboard traction pad of the present invention may also be used alone in conjunction with a single binding oppositely opposed to it on the wakeboard. The wakeboard traction pad has a gently tapering foot bed area, a more significantly sloped kicktail, and a center arch support that helps to define two concave depressions between the sides of the wakeboard traction pad for engagement by the heel and/or ball of the foot. By providing a variable geometry, the wakeboard traction pad provides more contact surface area. By generally accommodating the geometry of the sole of the rider's foot, more contact surface is established between the traction pad and the rider for greater control and fun. The wakeboard is made of waterproof, lightweight, soft, and slightly compressible materials to better enhance the traction pad's engagement with the rider for greater traction. A cushiony, but rough, surface is generally provided on all contact areas with the rider for greater traction. The wakeboard may be mounted by attachment means such as bolts or screws or integrally incorporated into the wakeboard.