Surfski Knowledge Base

Grip on paddles

Casey Palmer-McGee Jun 26 #31860

Anyone have any suggestions for adding grip to a paddle shaft?

Thanks!

Casey

swellrider62 Jun 26 #31861

Surfboard wax

Rick Lingbloom Jun 26 #31862

Bicycle handlebar tape

Larry Bussinger Jun 26 #31863

Handlebar tape has worked for me for years. Just electric tape the ends. And/ or rescue tape.

Larry Bussinger

Nicholas Cryder Jun 26 #31864

Personally not a fan of wax. Gets messy on hot days or during transport.

Recently (6 months ago) started using a 2.5” 3M heat shrink wrap found at electrical supply stores. It is the perfect blend of grip and durability.

Put your electrical tape underneath for texture and hand markers, and then slide the section of heat shrink wrap over the top of the shaft. Use a heat gun to slowly ad temp from the middle of the segment first and watch it shrink into place as you work your way around and out to the sides.

Breaking it in; Depending on your hand toughness, keep your first few paddles with it relatively short (30 minutes) so you don’t go raw.

samtaylorpdx@… Jun 26 #31865

I’ve had good success with this stuff;

https://www.amazon.com/Burnwater-Fusion-Paddle-Grip-Tape/dp/B00S23KZD4

For me one roll is enough for both grips, and usually lasts 10-12 months. I tapes the edges with electrical tape but it adheres to itself very well, and not as thick as bike tape.

Sam

gsouthstone Jun 26 #31866

That type of silicon tape is common at local home centers. I know Hardware Sales has it. Simple Strap is another alternative- their thinner variety- it is some type of polyurethane, it also is at Hardware Sales upstairs at the top of the stairs. They both work really well.

G

Casey Palmer-McGee Jun 26 #31867

Thanks for the great tips! I like the sound of the shrink wrap! I’ll hit up hardware sales tomorrow.

-Casey

David Scherrer Jun 26 #31868

You know after all these years and different materials, I am now using gorilla duct tape and it works great! And it has lasted at least 4 seasons!

D

Reivers Dustin Jun 27 #31869

I don't like any kind of grip on the paddle. Gorilla tape works for the folks who tend to drag their knuckles when they walk. The exercise nuts who spend time on the Peletons at the gym probably do best with bike handlebar tape. But I like it when the paddle is nekked. It's exciting.