Just put tape on your paddle, don't worry about the rails. Save your money

go to clark rubber and get a thin rubber protective strip. wrap it around the edge of the blade .... I just tape it on with a bit of electrician tape. If you bang your rails a bit you may have to replace it now and again

matt18 said...

Just put tape on your paddle, don't worry about the rails. Save your money

Totally agree! I've tried a few different tapes and all have prob done more damage when you change it over than what the paddle would have done. Rubber strip around the blade is definately the way to go imo

Beg do differ

Over many years we have found that you cant beat rail tape if you have a chipping issue. Good rail tape (which we cant get enough of) is half the cost of getting your board repaired.

Rule number one though, dont use it if you don't need it.
Everyone is different and some 'stab' more than others with their paddle and some boards mark easier than others.

Rule number two: Dont put rubber stripping on your paddle. You wouldn't put it on your fin and it has the same affect each time you stroke. It really kills the efficiency of your blade.

We have found that two layers of Electrical tape (sorry Bnacca's) around your blade has minimal impact on the performance of your paddle and will help with scuffing on your rails. Just replace it as it wears.
It wont stop the big knocks though and if you are getting more than your fair share of chips you need good 3m rail tape.

Each to their own of course but this is what has worked for us over many years.

AA said...

Beg do differ

Over many years we have found that you cant beat rail tape if you have a chipping issue. Good rail tape (which we cant get enough of) is half the cost of getting your board repaired.

Rule number one though, dont use it if you don't need it.
Everyone is different and some 'stab' more than others with their paddle and some boards mark easier than others.

Rule number two: Dont put rubber stripping on your paddle. You wouldn't put it on your fin and it has the same affect each time you stroke. It really kills the efficiency of your blade.

We have found that two layers of Electrical tape (sorry Bnacca's) around your blade has minimal impact on the performance of your paddle and will help with scuffing on your rails. Just replace it as it wears.
It wont stop the big knocks though and if you are getting more than your fair share of chips you need good 3m rail tape.

Each to their own of course but this is what has worked for us over many years.

For racing I understand the efficiency of the paddle could be effected by a paddle guard, but surfing I'd rather the paddle be effected than my board. Rail tape would effect board performance. Also surfing you are more likely to really crack your board hard so I guess my opinion is more surf based.

But I still say, smash your left shin with your paddle without tape and you will scream like a girl and break the skin. Then try it on the right shin after you put 2 pieces of electrical tape around it and see if the outcome is any different. Make sure it's Nitto brand cos that apparently works better! Then....have another go with the paddle guard and all you will get is a bruise! Same goes for ya board.

i bought the Naish kit about a year ago just put it on the paddle, Have not used the rail tape, plan to cut it up and just use it for the paddle (should last me for about 10 years, $4 dollars a year good for the consumer not so good for naish)
just my thoughts
cheers matt

Hi Peeps,

We recommend rail tape for most new boards. The 3M stuff is practically invisible, sticks like sh1t to a blanket and does a fine job of protecting the rail. As Vee said, placing your board on the rail whilst you change grip to put the board on the roof or whatever is invaluable. A small gust of wind if the board is on it's rail against a pole and the gelcoat cops a nice scratching.

Paddle strikes are practically inevitable even on experienced paddlers boards. Correctly positioned rail tape prevents damage to the shiny gelcoating on the board. Light scratched can be buffed out with some cutting compound, but only the light ones.

We recently traded an old Starboard Whopper which had been badly mauled along the rails, but it's previous owner had the rails taped. I removed the old rail tape, gave the whole board a good cut back and polish and re-rail taped the board, and fixed a couple of minor chips. When it came in, it had a resale value of about $600, after the two hours of polishing, cleaning and repair work, we were able to sell it immediately to a "walk in" for $800.

Is $50 worth of rail taping worth it? Absofriggenlutely! You can use paddle guards and blade tape too on the paddle, but it does effect the hydro dynamic efficiency of the blade in the water.

I guess at the end of the day it comes down to how much trade in you want to get on your board when you are looking to upgrade. $50 of rail tape will add about $100-$200 when it's time to trade or sell.

DM

Just don't hit your board with your paddle.. It's as easy as that..

DJ

I got a new board today. Where can i get the 3m stuff in sydney?

Geez...A video on how to apply tape. I learnt tape skills in grad 1

Just be more careful with that paddle

^^^^^^^^makaha knows his sh1t

DavidJohn said...

Just don't hit your board with your paddle.. It's as easy as that..

DJ

Thats easy on flat water for even beginners...surf is a different story though once you start
throwing the board around a bit.

jet01 said...

I got a new board today. Where can i get the 3m stuff in sydney?

Jet01 , after being a paddler for a few years & only using electrical tape occasionally on blades I have finally been convinced by using & testing RAILSAVER Pro (rail tape) that this product definitely has a place & purpose !!
(This is not 3M tape , this has been designed for efficiency in the water & protection of your board .)
I've made a decision to offer this product to paddlers here in Australia so if anyone would like to purchase RAILSAVER Pro pls private message me here for immediate delivery !
I hope to be supplying it to all the local SUP shops ASAP & then you can slip down & grab it from them.
If they don't have it yet ask em to contact me to get it in ..
Jet01 , I hope this answers your request of where you can grab some quality Rail Tape.
Cheers Pete

Rail saver pro.