Just purchased a surfboard with front pads I'd like to remove (without damaging the deck surface in any way) - but how? Any ideas or comments welcome!

Heat gun/ hair dryer. Keep your distance. Use goo gone/ lighter fluid for the remaining gook

Gracias amigo! I will give that a try.

Also, before the heat gun, try using fishing line and goo gone. Should slice right underneath it like a knife through butter.

I don't have fishing line ... how 'bout kite line? I do have Goo-Gone. Great idea anyway, thanks!

Kite line may work, especially since it's so strong. However, smaller will be better. How about dental floss?

Go buy some fishing line. Kite lines are way too thick and will not work. Then go to Home Depot and buy an eraser wheel. They come in 4" sizes and are easy to use. The eraser wheel work on a regular hand held rechargeable drill and you will use it to remove all of the adhesive left behind from the pad. And it will not harm the board. Goo Gone is good for small jobs but you will rub your fingers raw with that much adhesive. Plus the eraser wheel will make short work of it.

Search results on HD's web site: We're sorry, we could not find any matches for "eraser wheel"

What the heck is a "eraser wheel"?

Exactly that:

http://www.eastwood.com/vinyl-eraser-and-arbor.html

Thanks amigo!