The VersaTraction™ Story and the Rise of Kahuna Grip
Eighteen years ago, on the sun-soaked Orange County beaches where surfers chase the perfect wave, a small team of innovators set out to solve a slippery problem. Today, VersaTraction™ stands as a testament to ingenuity, resilience and the power of a simple idea transformed through years of trial, error and relentless improvement.
From Surfboards to Safety: The Early Days
VersaTraction’s™ journey began in 2007, but its roots stretch back even further. The company’s original incarnation, Waxless Surfboard Systems Inc., was founded by Eric Deitch and Jason Neu after two years of experimenting with alternative traction solutions for surfboards.
“We manufacture a patented non-slip safety traction that helps prevent you from slipping on wet surfaces,” explains Co-Owner Harris Farber. “We have been in business for 18 years now, started back in 2007 as an alternative to waxing your surfboard. Back then we bonded resin directly to the deck of your board and worked our non-slip engineered process over the top once the resin cured.”
The team’s background in surfing gave them a unique perspective. “We all surfed so we knew how to work on boards, fixing dings and such, but really it was just one genius idea and a lot of trial-and-error,” says Harris. Their early solution was simple but effective: a resin-bonded, non-slip surface that eliminated the need for messy wax.
Evolution Through Experimentation
As the team refined their process, they realized the potential for their non-slip technology far beyond surfboards. The tragic loss of co-founder Eric Deitch, affectionately known as “Big Kahuna,” inspired a new direction. After Deitch slipped in his own bathroom, the team recognized the urgent need for safer surfaces in everyday environments.
The innovation of a peel-and-stick product marked a turning point, making their traction technology more accessible and versatile and led to the next natural iteration: Kahuna Grip bathmats.
Kahuna Grip, VersaTraction’s™ flagship bathmat, is more than just a product – it’s a tribute and a symbol of the company’s commitment to safety.
“Our engineered non-abrasive patent process and ability to do custom sizes, graphics and logos is really what sets us apart from your standard bathmat or abrasive safety treads,” says Harris. “Our safety traction is non-abrasive and so versatile, you can use it in your bathtub, on your boat or on the wake surfboard that boat is towing behind it.”
Kahuna Grip’s unique, non-abrasive surface provides secure footing without the roughness of traditional safety treads. It’s a product born from the surf, but designed for every home, boat or watersport adventure. Made with patented hydro hold material, which contains millions of microscopic surface fractures. When these fractures get wet, they grip feet like little suction cups to prevent slipping. VersaTraction’s™ non-slip properties double when wet and are family safe. The non-abrasive diamond embossed textured surface of VersaTraction™ is also soft to the touch.
VersaTraction’s™ innovative products have gained national recognition over the years: Kahuna Grip Mats have been featured on Good Morning America’s Steals and Deals, CBS Mornings Deals, and the Tamron Hall Show – Tam Fam Deals. Last year, Designing Spaces showcased the versatility of VersaTraction’s™ products, demonstrating their use both inside and outside the home – including inside the bathtub or shower, pool steps, garage floors, outdoor patios, stairs, entryways, walkways, mudrooms, boats, watercraft decks, watersports equipment and more.
From its humble beginnings as a surfboard innovation to its current status as a leader in non-slip safety solutions, VersaTraction’s™ story is one of evolution, passion, and purpose.
With products like Kahuna Grip, VersaTraction™ continues to honor its roots while expanding its impact – one safe step at a time.
