A traction surface for a water board has been developed comprising: a traction pad formed of a molded clear thermo plastic elastomer (TPE) material, and an upper surface of the pad having a roughened texture. The upper surface of the pad may include a center ridge extending a length of the pad and substantially parallel to a centerline of the board. Further, the upper surface may include a back step at a rear of the pad and a plurality of interlaced ribs and grooves extending substantially parallel to a centerline of the board. The grooves may be spaced apart at substantially the spacing of the toes of a foot of an adult male. In addition, the pad may include a bottom surface having a lip extending around a perimeter of the bottom surface. Moreover, injection molding may form the pad.