Another option for surf rod handles is, Polyolefin Heat Shrink Tubing, it shrinks 50% and comes in multiple sizes and colors
including clear. Shrinks with a heat gun. Google Polyolefin Heat Shrink Tubing see what you think. I have tried it on two rods without an issue
and have found some vendors on line who sell by the foot. It seems to be slightly thinner than the x-wrap shring tubing that also works well.
Just an FYI.

Thanks,

Dan Grulke

Great subject. PVC heat shrink is very similar and all of it is uv resistant, the clear being pretty water clear. One problem, it's glossier than some would like.
Only black was recommended outside in the polyolefin, at least in the stuff I was around.

I used black heat shrink tubing on my last surf rod build. It's a really secure non-slip grip which also adds protection to the blank.
Very easy to replace if it becomes worn. So far it's my favorite grip material for surf rods.

I'm in the process of building a monster, Gatorglass, Shark Unlimited blank, With the rod diameter being so large, I had to come up with something different than EVA for a set of grips. Rope was out of the question.
After a lot of searching, I decided to try some of this material, even though I was skeptical of the end result.

I applied this to the blank, and I have to say, this stuff is awesome.
I used blue, and will be doing wraps in blues, so it's gonna look sharp. I'm very pleased with the way it looks and feels.