Shabadoo said..
What sort of tape is best for the paddle??
3M Helicopter tape, but it is quite expensive.
A cheaper solution is to use quality vinyl electric tape (the plastic ones, not the cloth ones). Quality brands like 3M will have a much better glue.
If possible, take one that is close to the color of your rails: black tape can leave black marks on the rails: it washes off easily, but...
The famous DJ Howto is here:
www.seabreeze.com.au/News/Stand+Up+Paddle/How-to-protect-your-paddle-blade-with-tape_7770254.aspx