So you finally got a Kung-fu traction pad for your Slyde Wedge handboard to enhance your grip while bodysurfing. But how do you install it correctly onto your board? I have created this step-by-step guide to help you easily install your traction pad and should only take about 10 minutes or less to complete (feel free to watch my instruction video below instead of reading this entire article).
Here are the step-by-step instructions outlined for you to follow:
- Remove the adjustable hand strap by unfastening the screws with a Phillips head or flathead screwdriver.
- Remove any wax from the surface of the board using a wax scraper and then wipe down with a damp rag.
- Clean the deck of your board with denatured/rubbing alcohol and a rag to remove residue or sand.
- Place your kung-fu grip in the middle of the board so the nose of the pad aligns with the nose of your board and the indents of the traction pad are aligned with the screw holes.
- Trace your kung-fu grip lightly with pencil or chalk creating an outline on the surface of your handboard.
- Remove the adhesive paper and lightly place over the traced outline (adjust as needed) and then firmly press it down onto your board.
- Erase any pencil or chalk markings so you have a clean board.
- Reinstall your hand strap over your traction pad
Remember to take your time so you don’t have to go through the trouble of removing it and resetting your kung-fu grip. Having to remove the traction pad multiple times for the correct alignment could potentially compromise the integrity of the adhesive.
What you need for installation…
Here are a few items that you will need before installing your kung-fu grip traction pad. These items will make installation quick and easy:
- Wax comb / scraper (to remove wax)
- Damp Rag
- Denatured alcohol / isopropyl alcohol / vinegar (for cleaning)
- Phillips head / flat head screwdriver
- Kung-fu traction pad
- Your Slyde Wedge handboard
- Flat, hard, working surface (i.e. table)
Step 1 – Remove the Slyde Handstrap
It is best practice to remove your hand strap entirely so there is no interference during the installation process. You can read my detailed post on how to remove your Slyde handboard strap or you can follow the quick and simple instructions below:
- Pull back the screw cover flap with one hand.
- Use a Phillips / Flat screwdriver to unfasten screw.
- Repeat for the opposite side.
Pro tip: Keep the screw and washer inserted into the hand strap after unfastening so you don’t lose them.
Unfortunately, in my case, I was unable to remove the left side screw. So instead of completely removing the hand strap, I simply swung it around to the other side of the board so I could clean the surface and install my traction pad.
Hopefully, this does not happen to you but if it does you can use this technique as an alternative solution in case you are unable to unfasten one of the hand strap screws.
Step 2 – Remove any wax from your board
Having wax on your board when installing your traction pad will not allow it to bond properly to the surface of your board. Therefore you need to remove any wax before installing the kung-fu grip. I wrote a detailed article on how to remove wax quickly and effectively using warm water, a scraper, and a rag to help you with this step.
If you want the short version, simply use a scraper to remove excess wax and wipe clean with a wet rag. Make sure all wax is removed by viewing your board from different angles under bright light because it is easy to miss wax residue. Of course, if your board is brand new or has never been exposed to wax then you do not have to worry about this step.
Step 3 – Clean the board surface
It is imperative to make sure the deck of your board is free from grime and residue so your kung-fu grip can stick properly to the surface. Wiping your board clean using a rag and denatured alcohol creates a smooth, clean surface that is primed for strong adhesion. This will ensure adequate bonding to the deck surface so your traction pad never detaches while you are using it.
I found this Isopropyl alcohol on Amazon for an affordable price. It is 99% and has amazing reviews. This one is perfect for removing residue from your handboard.
Step 4 – Placement & alignment
Where should you place the kung-fu grip on your handboard? It is important to learn the proper location for 2 reasons:
- Easy reattachment of the hand strap
- Comfortable and balanced hand placement
The best board location for your kung fu grip is directly under the hand strap in the middle of your handboard. This is exactly where your hand will be placed while bodysurfing.
But how do you find the perfect placement?…
The perfect kung-fu grip placement:
A simple trick I use to make sure my traction pad is placed perfectly on my board is to align the indents on both sides of the pad with the screw holes on your handboard. I also make sure the nose of the pad is aligned with the nose of my handboard. Using this strategy will automatically place the kung-fu grip in the sweet spot of your handboard.
Make sure the placement of the traction pad DOES NOT cover the hand strap screw holes. You need to keep these openings clear in order to refasten the hand strap.
This centralized location will help keep your board balance while bodysurfing. It is a very comfortable placement for your hand. If you have long fingers, they may extend beyond the length of the traction pad, which may or may not be comfortable for you.
Step 5 – Trace your pad
Before installation, trace your traction pad lightly with a pencil or chalk onto your board. It will create an outline of the pad that will act as your guide when you stick it to the surface.
This will prove to be helpful for accurate placement and prevent you from having you to readjust the traction pad. Keep in mind that removing and readjusting the traction pad multiple times can ultimately weaken the adhesion.
Step 6 – Remove adhesive and install the pad
Now it is time to stick the traction pad to the deck of your handboard. Start by carefully peeling back the adhesive paper a few inches from the nose of the pad. Be careful to not touch the sticky side, which can compromise the integrity of the adhesive.
Next, place the nose of the traction pad over the nose outline you drew on your board previously. Slowly press it down directly into the surface of your board so it is aligned with the outline. Once you have the nose of the pad aligned, the remainder of the kung-fu grip should align perfectly with the rest of your tracing.
To remove the remaining adhesive paper, hold the nose of the traction pad down onto the deck while you peel it off towards the tail. Lightly place the rest of the traction pad on the deck in line with your tracing. Adjust as needed before firmly pushing the pad down to complete the surface bond.
Lastly, press firmly into the center of the traction pad and perform long, smooth strokes out towards the edges of the pad. This technique will help to remove any air bubbles existing between the pad and board surface.
Step 7 – Erase your tracing
Remove any visible pencil tracings or chalk marks using an eraser or damp cloth. If you have a black deck then the pencil markings will hardly be visible so you won’t have to worry too much about erasing them. However, chalk will be visible so remove it using a wet paper towel or rag.
Step 8 – Reinstall the hand strap
The last step is to reinstall your hand strap over the traction pad. Screw one side in first then the next.
You may need to use a little extra elbow grease to firmly secure the hand strap because the newly installed traction pad will slightly elevate your hand strap above the board. You will have to push the hand strap down flush onto the surface of your board in order to refasten the screws.
RELATED QUESTIONS
Are you able to use your handboard immediately after installing your kung-fu grip?
I do not recommend using your board immediately after installing your super kung-fu grip. You should allow your traction pad time to cure before exposing it to the ocean.
How long should you let your traction pad cure after installation?
Personally, I am conservative when it comes to curing time for adhesive applications so I follow the general recommended 3M tape curing rule explained below:
After application, the bond strength will increase as the adhesive flows onto the surface. At room temperature, approximately 50% of the ultimate strength will be achieved after 20 minutes, 90% after 24 hours and 100% after 72 hours.
3M.com
Treat your super kung-fu grip adhesive similarly 3M adhesives. So that means don’t use your kung-fu grip for about 3 days. This will allow optimal curing time for ultimate bonding strength.
Note that this is the recommended maximum amount of cure time needed but it should be fairly well bonded after 24 hours. So if you are impatient or can’t wait the 3 days, then allow your kung-fu grip to cure for at least a day before using.
What if I can’t get the screws back into the holes?
As I mentioned before, you need to push the strap down in order to screw it into the holes. This will work. Since the traction pad has raised your strap slightly above the deck of the board, you need to push it down so it is flush against the surface in order to securely fasten the screws.
What if I don’t like the grip?
If you don’t like your newly installed kung-fu grip then you can remove it. This will be a difficult task because it is very sticky. However, you can use your wax scraper to wedge the adhesive away from the board surface. Once you are able to remove one edge of the traction pad from the surface of the board you should then be able to peel off the rest.
Which Slyde handboard is the kung-fu grip used for?
The super kung-fu grip is designed for the Slyde Wedge handboard only. This is important to know so don’t order it if you have a different style Slyde handboard.
Can you install the kung-fu grip on other Slyde handboards?
No. The kung-fu grip is designed to only be installed on the Wedge Slyde handboard. It will not fit on other handboard styles.