Grip tape
Grip tape, also referred to as grip, is a coarse, sandpaper-like material with an adhesive backing used on the deck of a skateboard or longboard for traction, to give the rider more friction to control the board.
In skateboarding
The most common type of grip tape is a solid black color with a texture that resembles sandpaper. When a skateboarder does a trick, the grip tape allows skateboarder's feet greater control over the skateboard.Skateboard grip tape comes as smooth sheets that are slightly longer and wider than an average skateboard deck. Grip tape is typically applied by a skate shop employee or by the customer.
Grip tape is sometimes used decoratively, since it can come in many different styles and colors. Some skaters choose to decorate their grip tape in a unique fashion. Alternative materials to the traditional sandpaper style grip tape have been proposed but not widely adopted.