5 Tips To Wearing SUP Leashes

“Leashes save lives”

In our last blog, we discussed why paddle boarders in NSW do not need to wear lifejackets while paddle boarding. As we discovered, it is not currently a legal requirement to wear a life jacket while paddle boarding, however, we do recommend you wear a leash (also known as leg rope!)

In today’s blog, we discuss the 5 tips to wearing SUP leashes, supported by information from the ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors):

1. Be leash savvy. 
   The ASI recommends all paddlers wear leashes at ALL times during regular supping activities. The leash is your lifeline to your floating board. You may find that some hire locations don’t provide a leash. This may occur if you’re restricted to paddling in a safe environment under the eyes of the hiring company and therefore they can always rescue you and the board if separated. However, if you’re paddling away from the hire location, you should always ask for a leash from the provider.

2. Use the correct leash type for your board and conditions.
   Use a fully coiled leash when paddling in flat water locations. A coiled leash keeps out of the water and reduces the risk of being tangled on objects.  Use a long leash when in the surf to minimise recoil.

3. Wear your leash on your dominant leg.
   Regardless of the leash style you are wearing, the rule of thumb is to attach it to your dominant leg. Your dominant leg is your back leg when riding a skateboard, snowboard, wakeboard, or surfboard (you may have heard this referred to as being ‘goofy’ or ‘regular’ in surfing). Now, this isn’t so important for beginner paddlers, but as you progress your skills and move into pivot turns and SUP surf, it becomes vital to ensure you don’t trip yourself up! If you are unsure which leg is your dominant leg, ask your SUP instructor for some quick exercises to quickly establish whether you’re ‘goofy’ or ‘regular’. And if you’re still a little confused, know that 70% of SUP riders and surfers attach their leash to their right ankle.

4. Be 360 Degree Aware.
   As always with paddle boarding, stay away from super busy locations, with lots of water activity users.  You can collide into others and your leash could get tangled. We often see leashes getting tangled or stuck around the fins of a paddle board when paddlers leave the beach/launch location in a hurry, so remember to take it slow and always check in when you set off (ideally before you’re standing) so you can reach down and untangle the leash in a safe environment before paddling further.

5. Know Your Leash.
   Every leash is different, so when you attach your leash for the first time, get to know it. Take time to ensure it is attached correctly onto your board and that you understand how to use the quick release mechanism (normally a loop you can grab with your finger and pull to release the strap). A quick test to ensure you’re set and ready to go is to run your hand down your leg and without looking at the leash, find the quick release mechanism and have a go at undoing the leash without looking. This ensures in an emergency you can release yourself from your board if needed - even if your vision is obstructed.

If you’d like more information on wearing a leash/ leg rope or which leash is right for you and your board, feel free to get in touch!