An apparatus includes a slider having a projection extending therefrom wherein the projection includes a transducer formed thereon. The apparatus also includes a surface acoustic wave generator positioned to direct a surface acoustic wave toward the projection. The transducer may be structured and arranged for performing a data storage read and/or write operation. The surface acoustic wave propagates along a surface of the projection in order to provide for the projection to be in contact with a data storage media. A related method is also provided.