Protecting the ski from paddle blows

Guys, I wanted to ask for Your views on using stickers or tape etc to protect the ski color/gel coating from paddle blows.

I sometimes hit the ski while paddling, but mostly get long scratch-like lines on the ski when holding the paddle pressed to the ski while carrying it on my shoulder, putting it in the water and especially while remounting.

What are some of the practices that You experienced people use?

Thanks a lot in advance

Here is an old post on this topic. It's called helicopter tape.
www.surfski.info/forum/17-equipment/1284...tive-tape.html#12845

I use the following helicopter tape from Amazon: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TR6EW2/ref...ilpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 .

The tape is a pain to apply dry. I've found it's easiest to put the tape on wet. First, clean the area to be applied. In a small container, mix water and just a touch of dish-washing soap. Wet the surface and back of the tape with the water/soap and apply the tape. This will give you some time and allow you to slide the tape exactly where you want it and work out any bubbles, etc.

Use SUP rail tape. It's designed to protect a SUP form paddle blows and works for the same purpose on a ski. One set of tape will probably be enough for 4 skis.

I've been using electrical tape; inexpensive and it works well.

I bought a length of Keel Eazy tape and put is on the rails at the catch and I put a little on the bow in case I ever beach the boat or something. www.kealeazy.com

Comes in a lot of colors. Sticks pretty well unless there is a compound curve (like at the front of the catch when it starts widening out) because the tape is pretty thick and is made of pvc so it is somewhat rigid too. Does a great job, obviously it prevents scratches on the boat but doesn't leave a mark on my carbon paddle either when they come in sudden and direct contact.