Futures Brewster 3-Piece Tail Traction Pad

Futures Brewster 3-Piece Tail Traction Pad

The 3-piece Brewster traction pad is designed to work with a wide range of tail shapes. The futures pads offer outstanding grip, and is ideal for those surfers looking for a reliable traction on their tail.

View our full traction pad range here

• 3 Piece
• 7 mm Arch Bar
• Grip² Traction
• Concave Kick
• Kick Height 26mm

Who Are Futures?

Futures Fins is a well-known brand in the surfing world. Founded in 1996 by engineer and surfer Greg Hatcher, the company revolutionized fin technology. Hatcher’s goal was to create high-performance fins with a unique, reliable system.

The brand’s key innovation was its tool-less, screwless fin system. This allowed surfers to change a surfboard fin quickly and easily. It quickly became a game-changer for surfers who needed convenience and customization. Futures Fins also introduced the “Futures Box,” which is used in surfboards today.

Over the years, Futures Fins has built a reputation for a quality and precision surfboard fin. They have created  fins for every type of surfboard, from shortboards to longboards. Their fins are designed to improve speed, control, and maneuverability in the water. 

Futures Fins has worked with professional surfers worldwide. Surfers like John John Florence, Kelly Slater, and Stephanie Gilmore have used Futures fins in competitions. These partnerships have helped push the brand forward in the sport.

The brand has continued to innovate by developing new materials. They now offer fins made from carbon, fiberglass, and even eco-friendly materials. Their fins are tested rigorously to ensure performance in all conditions.

Today, Futures Fins is a leading brand in the surf industry. They remain committed to helping surfers achieve the best possible performance. With their advanced technology and focus on quality, Futures Fins has earned its place in surfing history.

Traction Pads: History and Evolution

A surfboard traction pad is a non-slip surface applied to a surfboard to enhance grip. It provides extra control for surfers, particularly in the back foot area, where more pressure is exerted during maneuvers. Traction pads are typically made from foam or rubber and are placed on the tail of the board. They are used in place of, or alongside, wax to ensure surfers maintain their footing while riding waves.

The history of traction pads dates back to the 1980s. Before that, surfers relied primarily on wax for grip. Wax was applied to various parts of the board, but it often required frequent reapplication. The idea of using a traction pad emerged as a more permanent solution. Early traction pads were basic, often consisting of simple rubber strips or foam pads. They were first popularized by professional surfers seeking consistent performance in all conditions.

The first major innovation in traction pads came from the development of the “deck grip,” which provided a larger area for grip than traditional wax. This was especially beneficial for aggressive surfers who needed to keep their feet firmly planted while executing powerful maneuvers. The pads gradually evolved into more intricate designs, with raised patterns and textured surfaces to maximize traction.

As surfing grew in popularity, so did the demand for more customizable and high-performance pads. By the 1990s, manufacturers began offering a range of traction pads with different configurations. These included multi-piece pads with various angle cuts and kicktails. The kicktail feature, a raised section at the back of the pad, became a standard in modern designs. It helped surfers maintain their foot position during sharp turns and aerial tricks.

In the 2000s, traction pads became more specialized. Companies experimented with different materials, including EVA foam and more durable rubber blends. Customization options increased, allowing surfers to choose pads that suited their style and board shape. Some traction pads even incorporated environmentally friendly materials, reflecting the growing awareness of sustainability within the surf industry.

Today, traction pads are a standard piece of equipment for many surfers. They continue to evolve with advancements in materials and design, offering enhanced performance and comfort. The simple yet effective traction pad has come a long way since its inception, helping surfers gain better control on the waves.