I used to wakeboard, and the handles have polyurethane floatation around the leads coming from each end. Inevitably, these floats tear.

What does this have to do with handlebar tape?

Well, I'd re wrap the torn poly floats with electrical tape like you'd wrap a bar. Now here's the trick:

Put a couple of drops of super glue at the finished end of the electrical tape. It will NEVER come undone, even after being dragged through water at 20 mph for years!!!