SURFING QUESTION On a scale from 1-10 (10 being highest 1 being lowest) read on please?

It's not important at all, unless you are really big (and have a big, wide stance) and keep your back foot planted firm on the tail while doing radical maneuvers. Traction pads are always matters of personal preference, but they are really of no value on anything other than short, performance boards. temperature appropriate wax is the right traction fix for funboards and long boards.