How to Protect Rails of SUP Surfboard from Paddle Blade

The Banging of the Paddle on the SUP Surfboard is Notorious for Chipping Away the Board's Rails, so Here are Some Solutions to Mitigate the Problem. 

Problem - Chipping of Rails

  BEFORE CHIPPING FROM PADDLE

  AFTER CHIPPING FROM PADDLE

One of the many problems that beginners face while toddling into the SUP walk is the banging of the paddle on the rails of the surfboard. Sonner than later, the rails are likely to be defaced beyond recognition at worst and slightly damaged at best. Beginners and surfshop owners are well aware of this problem. And even some intermediate and advanced surfers have had their share of experience in this matter. Here are two ways of mitigating the problem.

Solution 1 - Paddle Protection

The most popular way of preventing damage to the rails is taping the blade to make it blunt, so that, even if one bangs the rails, it is less likely to chip them. There are too many different tapes that can be used for this, so here is a short list for starters, somewhat in order of effectiveness and popularity.

1. Rubber Mastic Tape (1-inch)

 

This Scotch(R) 2228 Rubber Mastic Tape consists of Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) backing coated with a strong, temperature-stable mastic adhesive. Use this tape to insulate, pad, and seal bus bar and splice connections. Its temperature-rated at 194(deg)F (90(deg)C), and rated for emergency overload of 266(deg)F (130(deg)C).

 

 

 

  2. Door Edge Guard

 

This is a refined door edge guard product for all cars of trucks. It's crystal clear, easy to apply, and nearly invisible. It provides just enough protection against paint chipping or accidental dings.

 

 

 

 

3. Electrical Tape

 

A premium grade vinyl electrical insulating tape, its aggressive adhesive and elastic backing ensure easy, water-resistant conformation to irregular surfaces in low temperatures, yet will not ooze or melt in high temperatures.

Solution 2 - Board Protection

One least traveled path toward protecting the rails is by taping the rails themselves. The lack of popularity is not a surprise, since there's been difficult to find a tape that works, plus the looks on the board runs the risk of being quite undesirable if the wrong choice is made. A tape that has stood the test of time, without being an eye soar, is the Helicopter tape, and of these the Polyurethane type seems the most effective. So here are some options.

1. Helicopter Tape 

 

Helicopter tape can be of at least three types, Polyurethane, PVC, or Vinyl. But of all these three, the Polyurethane is allegedly the most effective at preventing damage to the rails and is usually transparent, so it can easily blend with any color of surfboard. Note, however, that there are two types of Polyurethane tapes, the indoor and the outdoor grade. The Outdoor grade provides excellent protection against ultra violet light, and extreme temperatures, so it will not yellow over time. But this can be a problem, since the rest of the board will likely yellow nonetheless. The indoor grade, then, might well be the better option, for it should offer the same protection but without the yellowing mismatch issue. Now there is a big difference in price between these two, so you make the call. 

a. Indoor Grade, Transparent Helicopter Tape

 

This Indoor Grade is an extremely tough conformable polyurethane tape and it provides excellent paint protection from punctures, tearing, abrasion and erosion. Note: If exposed to sun light, it may yellow over time.

 

 

 

 

b. Outdoor Grade, Transparent Helicopter Tape

 

This Outdoor Grade is an extremely tough conformable polyurethane tape and it provides excellent paint protection from punctures, tearing, abrasion and erosion. Note: If exposed to sun light, it wil not yellow over time.

 

 

 

 

2. Electrical Tape

 

JVCC EL7566-AW Premium Grade Electrical Tape is a premium grade, all weather PVC electrical insulation tape. It has a synthetic rubber adhesive and is flame retardant and cold resistant. 8 mils thick on a 1.5 inch diameter UL/CSA listed core.

 

 

 

These are some of the solutions that SUP paddle surfers have found to the problem of chipping rails due to the the paddle blade. If you know of any other effective solution that is not included above, please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or post a comment below, so that we may incorporate it to this guide.