Ocean & Earth Dakoda Walters Lite Trac Binding

Dakoda Walters' pad is a shape that nods to eighties and nineties surfing. His surfing is fast and sharp, and the geometry follows: 330 mm long by 300 mm wide, 7 mm arch, 25 mm power kick, multi-directional tread.

At 330 mm against the usual 305, there's an extra inch on which the back foot can sit differently depending on the manoeuvre rather than in one fixed spot. A multi-directional pattern holds the foot under sideways load too — the load that actually happens in a hard turn.

What separates this version is the Lite Trac construction. The material is compressed and the tread pattern is moulded into the mass rather than cut into the surface. The manufacturer claims two results: lighter than standard EVA and grippier. The second matters more — you barely feel pad weight on a board, but you feel grip immediately.

Who it isn't for. Anyone used to soft, plush EVA: compressed material feels firmer underfoot. Too narrow for a wide fish tail. And for relaxed surfing this geometry is more pad than the riding needs.