Duct tape is also great for medical use One time a kayaker stepped on some broken glass. Everyone had bandages but we used the duct tape over some sterile gauze to seal the wound (wrapped around the foot).

There's cheap duct tape and its worth getting the better stuff for a few dollars more. I just made my own roll around a cardbord tube since there was no need to cary 100 yards of tape.

Nothing wants to stick to a wet surface so you do need to dry the surface. I can testify to patching a punctured stripper with duct tape and it worked perfectly for a paddle back from a surf collision.

Nick, I think you did the wood repair later?

You may never need it but I have and its cheap insurance when you paddle regularly I feel no need to get highly expensive tapes. Actually most of those accidents will occur along shore, so, you walk back to your car or to a house. If you're an island camper, than hopefully you are well prepared for everything.