Outdoors - Recreation and Sports

The Best Kayak Grip Tape to Improve Your Paddling Experience

A comfortable, secure grip on the paddle gives you better control over your kayak and allows you to react quickly to changes in water conditions.

Deborah Clarke
Jun 19, 2023
12 min read
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Very happy Woman Kayaking
Best Kayak Grip Tape | FavReviews.com

Using a paddle grip when kayaking is important for ensuring proper control and form while paddling. A good paddle grip helps to create an efficient and effective stroke, which will help you move through the water quickly and efficiently. It also helps reduce strain on your arms and shoulders, minimizing the risk of injury or fatigue.

Having a comfortable and secure grip on the paddle also gives you better control over your kayak and allows you to react quickly to changes in water conditions.

Lastly, a good grip will help you maintain proper posture while paddling so that you can stay comfortable and enjoy your time out on the water. A proper paddle grip is essential for kayakers of all skill levels.

KAYAK GRIP TAPE vs KAYAK PADDLE GRIPS

Grip tape, or grip material, offers several advantages over pre-formed kayak paddle grips. Grip tape is much more versatile and customizable, providing a universal fit, over preformed grips.

You can cut grip tape to any size and shape you need, allowing you to customize the non-slip grip on your paddle exactly to your preferences. Also, if you ever want to change the design of the grip on your paddle, you can simply remove the old tape and reapply new tape.

Grip tape is also more affordable than preformed kayak paddle grips, making it an ideal choice for those on a budget.

Lastly, grip material tends to have better traction than preformed kayak paddle grips, allowing you to maintain a secure grip and superior performance especially during outings when you get wet.

Choosing the best kayak grip tape

Choosing the Best Kayak Grip Tape

When it comes to choosing the best kayak grip tape, there are a few important factors to consider.

First, you should choose a material that is durable and will resist wear from frequent contact with water and sun exposure.

Second, you want a grip tape that has excellent traction, so you can maintain a secure grip on your paddle even in wet conditions. If you've used any type of grip tape in the past, you know that most offer scratchy, rough surfaces to ensure non-slip traction.  This is a problem for something like paddling, because repeated paddling motion causes blisters on your hands, making it difficult to be out on the water for any length of time.  So if your goal is to prevent blisters look for a grip tape that has traction but is also a smooth, ridge-free grip and it's not sticky on the hands.

Lastly, you may want to consider the color and design of the tape. Many grip tapes come in bright colors, allowing you to customize the look of your paddle and add some personal style to your kayak.

No matter what type of kayak paddle you have, with the right grip tape you can improve your paddling experience and get more out of every trip.


We've Done The Research For You

When it comes to kayak grip tape, there are a variety of types available. All tapes provide excellent traction, but some are made from different materials and come in different colors and textures.

We've done the research for you and we've discovered the Cat Tongue brand provides all the grip you need, without scratching everything that comes into contact with it.

Cat Tongue is one of the most popular brands of grip tape that you can use for kayak paddles. This type of tape is designed for all kinds of watersports, and it is made from environmentally safe materials. It comes in black or clear colors, and it can be purchased as a single roll or package of strips.

Review from Cat Tongue Client about grip tape
Review from CatTongue Customer | Shared by FavReviews.com

Cat Tongue offers excellent grip and comfort when installed correctly onto your paddle, making it ideal for kayakers who want to improve their performance on the water.  It can also be used for SUP paddles and canoe paddles or take apart paddles, two-piece paddles and even metal shaft paddles.   The slip-proof tape provides extra safety, as it prevents your hands from slipping while paddling.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced kayaker, Cat Tongue grip tape is an excellent choice for improving your performance and increasing the overall enjoyment of your time on the water.


BEST KAYAK GRIP TAPE BY THE ROLL

Non-Abrasive Grip Tape by CatTongue Grips (Rolls)

Gription multi-purpose grip tape
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WHY ITS ONE OF OUR FAVS

We like Cat Tongue Grip Tape for all different paddles because it's a durable non-abrasive grip tape that has been designed with the best materials to be grippy and not sticky.  It provides a secure and comfortable hold for your paddle and won't leave your hand sticky.

These rolls of recyclable HDPE plastic provide superior gripping power with lightweight flexibility and impact resistance. Plus, it's an eco-friendly material that won't end up in landfills.

So get a better grip with Cat Tongue Grips!

FAV FEATURES

We like the rolls of this grip tape, to make it easier to wrap areas of your paddle where you want better grip.   Unlike traditional friction tape, this soft grip tape won’t scratch or damage any surface or equipment and will never leave behind any gummy residue.

Whether you need clear or black grip tape, Cat Tongue Grip Tape Rolls has you covered. Enjoy the ease of use, comfort for your hands and peace of mind knowing you will be able to keep a firm grip on your paddle.


BEST KAYAK GRIP TAPE STRIPS

Non-Abrasive Grip Tape Strips by CatTongue

Cat Tongue Grips non-slip grip strips

WHY ITS ONE OF OUR FAVS

Non-Abrasive Grip Tape Strips by Cat Tongue are an ideal solution for adding extra grip and stability to everyday items like home goods, hardware, electronics and your kayak paddles.

They are one of our favs because they won't scratch or leave behind any sticky goo like traditional friction tape, ensuring maximum comfort, stability and control.

The strips are pre-measured for convenience, but can easily be cut into smaller custom sizes as needed.

FAV FEATURES

CatTongue Gription tape is designed to be durable enough for an active lifestyle. Its waterproof, dust and dirt-resistant properties make it perfect for use outdoors or in any environment where protection against the elements is needed.

The proprietary grip material makes for a strong grip, more insulation and more comfort that won’t let you down even under the toughest paddling conditions. Additionally, the Recyclable HDPE Plastic construction makes it lightweight, flexible and impact resistant for long-lasting use.

Best of all, this low maintenance, weather resistant material is recyclable so it won’t end up in landfills like most other plastics and adhesive materials. Enjoy superior grip strength with CatTongue Gription tape.


Benefits of Using Kayak Grip Tape: Traction, comfort, and performance

Installing kayak grip tape on your paddle can provide a number of benefits, including improved traction, comfort and performance. With the right installation technique, you can ensure that your paddle provides maximum grip and stability when out on the water.

The extra traction provided by kayak grip tape reduces hand fatigue by promoting efficient paddling, as it prevents your hands from slipping or sliding around the paddle. This reduces the risk of injuries and makes it easier to maintain a comfortable grip throughout your entire outing.

Editor of Article Kayaking at Sunset in Lake Huron
Kayaking Lake Huron at Sunset | Photo by FavReviews.com

The extra comfort provided by the tape is also beneficial for those who are out on the water for long periods of time, as well as those who may have weakened hands or grip strength. The improved grip and stability provided by the tape make it easier to stay in control and keep your paddling technique consistent.

In addition to improved comfort and performance, kayak grip tape can also help protect your paddle from wear and tear. This can significantly improve the life of your paddle, making it last longer and saving you money over time.


How to Install Grip Tape to Your Kayak Paddle

There are two techniques to install kayak grip tape on your paddle shaft, the spaced spiral wrap technique or the tight spiral wrap technique.

The spaced spiral wrap involves wrapping the tape around the paddle shaft, leaving a few inches of space between each rotation of tape. This creates an even layer of coverage and provides a good grip.

The tight spiral wrap is a more secure method which involves wrapping the tape around the paddle shaft tightly and overlapping each rotation of tape. This will create an even more secure grip than the spaced spiral technique.

Two different wrap styles for Kayak Grip Tape

When installing Cat Tongue Tape, it's important to make sure that you cut the pieces from the roll with sharp scissors, press down firmly on the tape to ensure that it adheres properly, and make sure you wrap the tape around the entire paddle.

With these simple steps, you can install kayak grip tape quickly and securely for improved performance on your next kayaking adventure!


Kayak Paddle Grips FAQs

Why use a paddle grip when kayaking?

Using a kayak paddle grip is important for ensuring proper control and form while paddling. A good paddle grip helps to create an efficient and effective stroke, which will help you move through the water quickly and efficiently. It also helps reduce strain on your arms and shoulders, minimizing the risk of injury or fatigue.

Having a comfortable and secure grip on the paddle also gives you better control over your kayak and allows you to react quickly to changes in water conditions.

Lastly, a good kayak paddle grip will help you maintain proper posture while kayaking so that you can stay comfortable and enjoy your time out on the water. A proper paddle grip is essential for kayakers of all skill levels.

What are the rubber rings on kayak paddles for?

Most paddles, whether multi-piece paddle or solid shaft kayak paddle, will have rubber rings.  The rubber rings on kayak paddles are used for grip. They provide a comfortable and secure way to hold the paddle throughout your outing.

The rubber rings also help reduce hand fatigue by absorbing some of the shock of each stroke, making longer outings more comfortable.

Overall, the rubber rings on kayak paddles help to create an ergonomic and comfortable grip for optimal performance and control out on the water.

What is the best grip tape for kayaking?

The best grip tape for kayaking is Cat Tongue Tape. This tape is designed specifically for water activities and provides excellent grip, comfort, and durability in warm or cold weather conditions, without leaving a sticky residue on your hands.

The tape also comes with a strong adhesive backing that will keep the tape secure on your paddle even when wet. Cat Tongue Tape can also be easily removed from the paddle shaft without leaving behind any residue, making it perfect for those who like to switch up their grip tape depending on the conditions.

Overall, Cat Tongue Tape is the best kayak paddle grip tape solution for any paddler looking for improved performance and comfort out on the water.

Why use Kayak Grip Tape instead of Kayak Paddle Grips?

Kayak Grip Tape offers more protection and grip than Kayak Paddle Grips. Unlike pre-formed paddle grips, which are made from rubber and offer only minimal protection against wetness, kayak grip tape is made from a highly durable material that provides superior protection against moisture, abrasion, and UV damage. This means that you can prevent blisters to your hands, no matter how long and hard you’re paddling.

Overall, Kayak Grip Tape offers superior protection and grip compared to Kayak Paddle Grips, making it the ideal choice for kayakers looking for a better overall experience.

Final Thoughts: So There You Have It!

Everything you need to know about preparing your kayak paddle for your next adventure.  Kayak paddle grip tape is an excellent way to improve your performance and comfort while paddling. With its improved traction, stability,  water resistant and extra protection for your paddle, grip tape can be a great help in improving your kayaking skills.

Installing the paddle grip tape correctly using the spaced spiral wrap or tight spiral wrap technique takes just a few minutes, making it easy to get the maximum benefit from your paddle.

With the right installation techniques and tools, you can ensure that your paddle provides maximum grip and stability while out on the water!

We're with you - We love water sports!

Happy Paddling!

Your FavReviews Team

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