A grip pad assembly (10) including an outer pad member (12) having an upper surface defining a non-slip surface and an insert (18) within the pad member (12) having on its upper surface, a hook and loop material (20) and a central ridge (22). The pad assembly (10) may be used on a surfboard, or other watercraft, or in any other application where enhanced grip is required, in combination with an article of footwear (40). The article of footwear (40) comprises a first retaining portion (45, 46) adapted to extend over and be secured to the foot of a user, a second retaining portion (43, 44) adapted to extend over and be secured to the ankle of the user and a complementary hook and loop fastener (47) on its undersurface. The footwear may have a means (51) for securing a leg rope for connection to the surfboard.
A contact system for a sport board allows a rider to maintain contact between her feet and the sport board while performing aerial maneuvers. The boarder wears magnetic footwear such as a bootie (for surfing), sheath (for surfing), or shoe (for skateboarding) with an affixed magnet. The board has a contact patch that includes a plate of ferrous metal or another magnet oriented such that it attracts the magnetic footwear. The contact patch is positioned such that it will be stood on by the boarder. During normal boarding and aerial maneuvers, magnetic attractive forces between the footwear and the contact patch will maintain contact between the boarder's feet and the board. However, when the boarder falls, the magnetic attractive forces do not bind the boarder's feet to the board.
