smart idea on the kayak paddle contact area. I get the angle of better grip when cold and wet.
Even though I do not play hockey, it's easy to find rolls of hockey tape, and the fabric aspect of it is great for tactileness, and it does toughen up over time and doesnt get weird/sticky like duct tape or electric tape over time, and is fairly easily cut off with an exacto if needed. Mine also turns grey over time.
Ye old winter commuter, this tape must be ten years old, maybe more, and on the tubbybike, this is maybe a year and a half.
