Rail Tape

[Johnny Mac]

Does anyone have any experience with the rail tape offered by Surfco Hawaii?  I am very new to SUP's and I have already had to have my board repaired because of the chip I took out of it.  I am considering rail tape as well as nose and tail guards.  I don't really want to look like the pocket protector kind of guy out there but I don't want to damage my boards anymore. 

After my skill level increases does this stuff come off easily or will I be stuck with the clear guards on there? Any advice helps

Thanks

[Spleen]

They sure help but $40 for tape is ridiculous!!!  Go with the Clear 3M Scotch plastic vinyl tape ($3 a roll)...they're thinner but works and very discreet.....don't notice them only up close.

[ehrawn]

Skip the rail tape. It not only looks awful, it only protects your board where it's been applied. Since your paddle is the most likely source of the dings, put something on the edges. Many people use a little padding and electrical tape. I went with the Surfco paddle guard: it works, is descrete, doesn't mark my board as easily as waterloged electrical tape and, after a year+ of use, it still looks as clean as the day I put it on.

[Johnny Mac]

I was thinking the same thing concerning price.  I understand the formed and shaped nose and tail guards being about $35.00 but a strip of clear tape 3"x72" is a bit over priced at $40.00.  I will check around for the 3M tape.  Thanks

[Johnny Mac]

I have just put the paddle guard on.  I didn't know if that would be sufficient or if I should add some tape to the board.  Thanks

[SoCalSupper]

paddle guard is the way to go. Rail tape looks lame and it comes off easily

[redfour]

I made the daft mistake of applying rail tape to my Starboard Blend. Use a good paddle guard tape instead.
It took me hours to carefully remove rail tape when it showed signs of failing (after 6 months) and I still managed to take most of the board's top coat off in the process.

[dalidali]

I use 3M helicopter tape. Lasts forever. M

[mik911]

I use 3M helicopter tape. Lasts forever. M

What is Helicopter tape, and where do you get it?

I was also wondering about the nose guard.  I have them on my surfboards, and they work great.  The tail guard is kinda a waste, and was so small on my surfboard that it came off.
It's the nose of the board that takes all of the pounding, not the tail.

[mik911]

  I don't really want to look like the pocket protector kind of guy out there but I don't want to damage my boards anymore. 

LOL

[JL USA]

Rail Saver by Puka Patch is the best thing I've seen so far.
It's super thin, clear, UV resistant, doesn't peel, doesn't yellow.  visually and hydro-dynamically undetectable. 

I hate paddle guards because they cause the blade to vibrate through the water.

[Marc996]

never mind the tape, those chicks look hot

[DavidJohn]

never mind the tape, those chicks look hot

I agree.. Just what is holding that board up.. 

DJ

[DavidJohn]

I agree on the paddle guard effecting the paddle and I'm not a big fan of rail tape.. This is all you need.. http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=4084.0

And stop hitting those rails..  .. Often a good small blade light weight paddle will help if you're  rail whacker.

DJ

[Johnny Mac]

Yeah I was hoping to not continue whacking away at the rails.  That is kind of why I was looking for some insight on removal.  I don't want my boards to look like rentals. 

I think JL USA posted a pic of rail guards?? I didn't even notice there was a board in the shot.