Does anybody know where I can get some mastic tape for putting a protective edge on my paddle as per this post www.kenalu.com/2008/03/29/do-it-youself-paddle-protector/ I'm in Oz and i'm not talking about ordering it over the net but somwhere I can walk into locally and buy it. I've tried Bunnings, Supercheap Auto and Repco with no luck so far. Any help appreciated.

Cheers

Th0m0

Mastic tape is a heavier stretch electrical tape. You might try electrical supply stores. As DJ says though you can just use more regular electrical tape.

Bill has also changed how he does his paddles. I just did the same (he actually left behind a big roll of this orange tape last time he was here...) and so far I have to agree. http://www.kenalu.com/2008/12/27/prepping-a-paddle/

What he calls hockey tape is just a heavy cloth adhesive tape. Adding the wax over the top is what I think really makes the difference. Great grip on the shaft and it makes the blade edging really last

There are different types of electrical tape and different ways to stick it on.

I found 'Nitro' brand the best and you can buy it from most petrol stations.. If you look close at the top right of my first pic you can see the 'Nitro' brand.

When you stick it on start running it down the shaft about 4" above where the blade starts but as you stretch/peal the tape let it relax before sticking it down..and as you work your way around the blade just pull it enough to go on without wrinkles and try and keep it 50% each side as you go around the blade..and again as you get back up the shaft to where you stared from on the other side make sure the tape is relaxed before sticking it down.

Once you've done it a couple of times it gets easy.. Here's a couple of pics of mine.. You won't need to worry too much about rail bashing the Naish because they're so tuff.

DJ

I think you might find that brand is called Nitto, not Nitro.

Guys I know in the auto electrical trade use it as well.