How to protect your surfski rails or kayak deck from paddle scuffs

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A cheap and effective way to protect your favourite composite kayaks and surfskis from expensive gelcoat repairs is to apply protective Chine Tape. The Wash Rider Chine Tape provides the thickest 14mil heavy-duty protection from even the hardest-hitting paddlers who scuff, chip, and dull the gelcoat shine of your K1, K2 or surfski rails.

To apply the Chine Tape to your kayak you can either watch the video below or follow the written instructions below:

What you will need?

Wash Rider Premium Chine Tape (Included in pack 2 x L40cm x W10cm)
Spray bottle filled with some water and a few drops of dishwashing detergent
Vinyl decal squeegee sticker applicator tool (or a credit card will do)
Sewing pin
Cloth

Preparation:

Clean the area intended for the Chine Tape, remove any dirt or unwanted marks
Remove any kayak pump plugs or other accessories from the Chine Tape area
Mix the detergent into the spray bottle with the water

Application to kayaks:

Remove the paper backing off the clear Chine Tape.
Spray the detergent and water mix covering the sticky side of the Chine Tape.
Place the detergent/sticky side of the Chine Tape on your kayak where you want it to protect from paddle scratches and adjust the position while the detergent and water mix allows you to place it exactly where you desire.
Hold the Chine Tape in place and use the credit card or squeegee tool to scrape and push out to the edges all of the air bubbles and water/detergent mix.
Let dry, then check for any remaining air bubbles. If it is not possible to push the to the edge of the Chine Tape and out with a squeegee tool then use a sewing pin to pop them and press down firmly to remove the remaining air in the bubble.
Repeat for the other side making sure to align the second piece evenly with the first.
If you have a kayak foot pump plug hole, cut through the Chine Tape and re-install the foot pump outlet plug making sure to connect the kayak pump hose inside to it.
Paddle hard and carefree because you know you won’t scratch your kayak anymore.

Application to skis:

Place the chine tape with the backing paper on to the area where you want it on your surfski. If there are extreme bends or curves you may want to cut slits in the chine tape to allow it to sit flatter on your surfski rails.
Remove the paper backing off the clear Chine Tape.
Use the spray bottle to spray the detergent and water mix cover the sticky side of the Chine Tape.
Place the detergent/sticky side of the Chine Tape on your ski where you want it to protect from paddle scratches. Adjust the position of the chine tape while the detergent and water mix allow you to move it to exactly where you desire.
Hold the Chine Tape in place and use the credit card or squeegee tool to scrape and push out to the edges all of the air bubbles and water/detergent mix.
Let dry, then check for any remaining air bubbles. If it is not possible to push the to the edge of the Chine Tape and out with a squeegee tool then use a sewing pin to pop them and press down firmly to remove the remaining air in the bubble.
Repeat for the other side making sure to align the second piece evenly with the first.
Paddle hard and care free because you know you won’t scratch your surfski anymore.

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