Imagine this scenario: you’re out on the lake in summer, paddling in your swimwear with a light breeze. All it takes is a wave from the side of the boat or a moment’s inattention – and you end up in the water. It might suddenly feel quite cold, and the shore is a long way off. Even a moderate breeze is enough to drift the board away from you quite quickly if it’s positioned unfavourably. With a leash (a tether between the paddler and the board), you’ll be back on board in three seconds.
Leash: Safety on the lake, danger on the river!
Nevertheless, accidents involving SUP leashes have already occurred. In particular, waterways with strong currents and obstacles such as rocks or branches/trees in the water pose a very real and significant risk of becoming snagged and then being unable to free oneself whilst underwater. When the current is strong, even fit people are often unable to reach the leash around their ankle to release it. Consequently, in such situations, you should paddle without a leash, or with a leash attached to a specially designed hip belt where it is easier to reach and can be released using a quick-release fastener.
Yes: in these situations, you should use a leash when SUPing
- On lakes and calm waters with no obstacles.
- General tips for touring in cold weather
- Paddling in windy conditions
- Paddling on a lake or at sea in winter
- Paddling in the wave (mandatory, as otherwise the board could injure other surfers and swimmers)
- Whenever the loss of the board would pose a serious safety risk and, at the same time, the following hazardous situations are ruled out.
No: in these conditions, you should avoid SUP none Using a leash
- In rivers with a current, where the leash could get caught on branches, rocks or other obstacles.
- In white water and rapids (unless you have special white-water safety equipment and the relevant training).
- In areas with weirs, locks or other hydraulic structures.
- In waters containing many submerged obstacles (trees, posts, metal objects, etc.).
- In places where the risk of getting stuck is greater than the risk of losing the board.
Advantages and disadvantages of hip leashes and foot leashes
Waist Leash
Advantages
- Can be undone very quickly in an emergency (quick-release).
- Significantly safer in rivers and in currents.
- Lower risk of getting your foot caught in the leash.
- Less of a nuisance when walking around on the board.
- Particularly suitable for touring, rivers and safety-conscious paddlers.
- The leash usually stays out of the water and creates less drag.
- Recommended by many safety organisations for flowing waterways.
Disadvantages
- Slightly more expensive than basic foot leashes.
- The hip belt is an additional piece of kit.
- Not every hip leash is equally suitable for SUP surfing.
Ankle Leash
Advantages
- Simple and straightforward to set up.
- Inexpensive and widely available.
- The standard solution for most SUP activities on lakes and at sea.
- Particularly well-suited to SUP surfing.
Disadvantages
- There is an increased risk of getting caught in rivers and currents.
- More difficult to address and resolve in an emergency.
- It can get caught on the board when changing trains or getting back on.
- The leash drags partly through the water and creates a bit of drag.
- In strong draughts, it may be difficult to reach the lock.
- Less suitable for bodies of water containing obstacles.
In a nutshell
Hip Leash
➕ Greater safety in currents and around obstacles
➕ Can be released quickly – using special quick-release fasteners
➖ Slightly more complex and expensive
Foot leash
➕ Simple, affordable
➕ Ideal for SUP surfing
➖ Safety concerns in rivers and white water
Advantages and disadvantages of spiral leashes (‘coil leashes’) and straight leashes
Coil Leash (spiral/telephone cable leash)
Advantages
- It barely cuts through the water.
- Less resistance when paddling.
- Less likely to get tangled round feet or fins.
- Particularly popular for touring and recreational SUP on lakes.
- Usually stays on the board rather than in the water.
Disadvantages
- It may spring back more forcefully when under tension.
- Generally less suitable for SUP surfing, as it is usually shorter and less tear-resistant
Straight Leash
Advantages
- A tried-and-tested standard for SUP surfing (also available in a thicker and more stable version).
Disadvantages
- It drags through the water more frequently, thereby creating more drag.
- It’s easier to wrap it around your toes or feet.
- A bit more of a nuisance on longer trips.
In a nutshell
Coil Leash
➕ Ideal for lake and touring
➕ Less likely to get tangled
➖ Not ideal for waves
Straight Leash
➕ Ideal for SUP surfing and waves
➖ Spends more time in the water and on the fin
Leash recommendations by discipline and intended use
Touring on lakes and at sea
- Spiral lead on the foot
- Spiral lead attached to the hip
SUP surfing in the surf
- A straight leash attached to your foot, about as long as the board and as strong as possible
River trips and white water
- Spiral lead attached to the hip with a safety release mechanism
- No leash
Racing
- Spiral lead attached to the hip
Fun in the water
- Spiral lead on the foot
- Straight leash at the foot
- In safe conditions (near the shore + shallow water + warm water + under adult supervision + no wind or only a light onshore breeze): Use a leash at your own discretion; it is not strictly necessary
Stephan Gölnitz
Deputy Editor in Chief surf
