Should You Use a Leash on a Paddle Board?

Should You Use a Leash on a Paddle Board?

When it comes to paddle boarding, safety is just as important as having fun. One essential safety accessory is the leash—a strap that connects the rider to their board. But should you use a leash on a paddle board? The short answer is yes, but the type of leash and when to wear it depends on several factors. Here's a detailed look at why using a leash is crucial and how to choose the right one.
 
WHY USE A LEASH?
The leash is often an overlooked piece of equipment in paddle boarding, yet it’s one of the most important for ensuring your safety on the water. Understanding why you should always wear a leash and how it contributes to a safer, more enjoyable paddle boarding experience is crucial. Below are the key reasons why using a leash should be non-negotiable in most paddle boarding situations.
 
STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR BOARD
Your paddle board is not only a mode of transportation on the water but also your primary flotation device. In the event that you fall off, which is common even for experienced paddlers, the leash ensures you stay connected to the board. Without a leash, your board can easily drift away due to wind or currents, potentially leaving you stranded in open water.
 
One of the most important reasons to wear a leash is the risk posed by environmental conditions. Even in seemingly calm conditions, wind and currents can carry your paddle board away much faster than you can swim. In such situations, it becomes impossible to retrieve your board without assistance. For instance, a moderate wind of 10-15 mph can push your board far enough within minutes that swimming back to it becomes a challenge, particularly if you're already fatigued.

PREVENT DANGEROUS SITUATIONS
While paddle boarding may seem like a low-risk water activity, certain conditions can quickly escalate into dangerous situations if you are not adequately prepared. For example:

• Cold Water Shock: If you're paddling in colder waters, falling off your board can induce cold water shock, which can impair your ability to swim effectively. Having a leash ensures that even in this disoriented state, your board is nearby to help you climb back on and recover. Without the board, cold water immersion can become life-threatening in a matter of minutes due to hypothermia or panic.

 

• Strong Currents: In areas with strong tidal or river currents, being without a leash can lead to serious trouble. If you lose your board in these environments, it could be pulled away faster than you can reach it. In some cases, the current may carry the board to shore while you are left stranded in open water, at the mercy of the elements.

 

• Rogue Waves or Boat Wakes: Ocean paddlers, in particular, face the risk of unexpected waves or the wakes of passing boats. These can knock you off balance, sending you into the water. Without a leash, you could be left far from your board, making it difficult or impossible to reach it in turbulent conditions. The board, which is more buoyant and affected by these forces, may drift away faster than you can swim, leaving you vulnerable.

 
ENERGY CONSERVATION
Paddle boarding requires energy, especially when you’re in the water and need to swim. Without a leash, retrieving your board after a fall can be physically exhausting. Each time you have to swim after your board, you expend valuable energy that could be better spent enjoying your paddle or, in a more serious situation, conserving for survival. A leash eliminates this issue by keeping the board close by, making it easy to hop back on and continue paddling without unnecessary physical exertion.
 
For beginners, who may fall off more frequently while learning to balance and maneuver, the leash becomes even more critical. Not only does it save energy, but it also helps build confidence. Knowing your board is always within reach allows you to focus more on learning techniques and improving your skills without fear of getting stranded.
 
PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF WEARING A LEASH
While the physical safety advantages are clear, there are also psychological benefits to wearing a leash while paddle boarding. When you're attached to your board, you paddle with more confidence and less anxiety, knowing that your board won’t leave you stranded. This mental reassurance allows you to enjoy the experience fully, helping you stay relaxed, focused, and immersed in the activity.
 
In summary, the leash is an indispensable part of paddle boarding safety, offering a wide range of benefits from preventing dangerous situations to conserving energy and providing peace of mind. Whether you’re paddling in calm lakes or challenging ocean environments, staying connected to your board with a leash should be a top priority.

The Wappa leash is a straight leash that is 10 feet long.

TYPES OF PADDLE BOARD LEASHES
There are several types of leashes, and choosing the right one depends on the environment in which you'll be paddle boarding:
 

• Straight Leash: The is the classic and strongest style of leash. Typically used for surfing or fast water activities, this leash is best for ocean paddle boarding or when you're likely to fall frequently. A straight SUP leash is commonly used for surf-style paddle boarding. It allows more freedom of movement and is less likely to tangle around your legs or body during falls. However, it can drag in the water, which might slow you down a bit. Not great for racing, it’s better suited for surf conditions and all-around paddling, where a bit of drag is less important, and you need more space for maneuvering.

 

• Coiled Leash: Often preferred for flatwater paddling and racing, this leash stays coiled up on your board until you fall, reducing drag in the water. It’s ideal for lakes, rivers, or calm ocean paddling where you need minimal interference with your movements. Coiled leashes tend not to be as strong as straight leashes and should be used in calmer waters.

 

• Quick-Release Leash: For those paddle boarding in fast-moving water, such as rivers or areas with strong currents, a quick-release leash is a must. This leash allows you to quickly disconnect from the board if it gets caught in dangerous situations like rapids or obstructions.

 
LEASH PLACEMENT: ANKLE OR WAIST?
Another decision paddlers need to make is where to attach the leash. The two most common locations are the ankle or the waist.
 

• Ankle Leash: This is the traditional placement, especially for surf-style paddle boarding. It offers a secure connection, but it may pose a risk in fast-moving rivers where entanglement could be dangerous. Straight leashes are always attached at the ankle.

 

• Waist Leash: For river paddle boarding or situations where you might need to disconnect quickly, a waist leash is safer. It allows for easier detachment and doesn't get in the way as much. Typically, coiled leashes are used for waist attachment.
  

Paddle boarders in Italy going through rocky rapids with quick release waist attached leashes.

WHEN NOT TO USE A LEASH
While a leash is vital in most cases, there are a few situations where it may not be appropriate. For example, when paddle boarding in fast rivers or waters with obstacles, getting caught on debris or rocks could be dangerous. In these cases, wearing a leash with a quick-release mechanism or not using a leash at all might be the better choice to prevent entanglement in rough waters.
 
FINAL VERDICT: SHOULD YOU USE A LEASH?
Yes, you should almost always use a leash while paddle boarding for your safety. However, the type of leash and how you use it depends on the environment in which you’re paddling. Flatwater, ocean paddling, or river paddle boarding all have different safety concerns, and choosing the right leash helps mitigate the risks.
 
By understanding the type of water you’ll be in and the risks associated with that environment, you can make an informed decision that keeps you safe and connected to your board.