What Kind Of Leash Should I Use For My SUP Board?
One of the most important components of a stand up paddle board is the leash. It comes in two varieties – ankle or calf SUP leash.
Also read: How to transport stand up paddle board without roof rack
So, what kind of leash should I use for SUP? This is a very common question among SUP beginners. Today, we are going to look at it in detail.
Why is a paddle board leash important?
The leash is actually a safety component because it keeps you attached to the stand up paddle board. If you fall in the water when paddleboarding, it is possible for the board to float away if it is not attached to your leg by the leash.
Another reason why you need this leash is that it boosts your confidence on the water. Since it is for safety, it makes you feel safer and thus, you have peace of mind to learn how to SUP faster and easily.
Do not leave your paddle board at the mercy of the wind and the waves if you fall into the water. Rather, keep it attached to your leg.
That way, you just have to worry about the stand up paddle, which by the way floats on water.
If you have been asking: Do I need a leash for SUP? The answer is yes. This is the one thing that will ensure you go back home with your board. It is not an option. You must have it.
Usually, paddle board leashes come as standard with the SUP board that you buy. However, if you have to buy one separately, click the button below, to see various varieties on Amazon.com:
Types of paddle board leashes
When looking for a SUP leash, you will find that some come in straight design while others come in a coiled design.
Apart from that, some of the leashes are supposed to be cuffed to the ankle while others are for the waist, knee or calf.
The straight leash is mostly used for surfing. Thus, you are most likely going to find it on surfboards. The coiled leash on the other hand is shaped like a spring, and it is found on solid or inflatable paddle boards.
1. Calf Cuff/Knee Leash
The knee or cuff leash is not too different from the ankle ones. In addition, they work in almost the same way, so the only difference is where you wear them.
Some sources say that these leashes are best for open water stand up paddle boarding, but really, that is not an issue.
Whether you use this leash for paddle boarding in the river or in the open water, it is going to serve you just fine. The leash attachment is larger so that it can fit on the calf area of your leg.
2. Ankle leash
The ankle leashes are very common, and they come with most boards. Like their counterparts the knee leashes, even these are very useful in open water paddleboarding. The leash attachment is narrower because it is supposed to go to the ankle.
3. Quick-release leash
Today, we have the quick-release leashes that you can reach fast with your hand and release. It comes with a toggle release system that you can reach with your hand and detach yourself fast from the leash.
The most important thing about the SUP leash ankle or calf is that it comes with a quick release system. If the leash is snagged on debris in the water, you can reach it fast and release it.
It is recommended that you make a habit of wearing the leash on the same leg. That way, you know where to reach if you need to release it fast.
4. Waist leash
In some cases, you might find the need to wear a waist leash. This kind of leash is used in whitewater stand up paddle boarding. It is also used when surfing or paddle boarding in serious waves.
This leash comes with a speed release mechanism, so you can reach and detach yourself fast in case of an emergency. The waist leash can either be coiled or straight.
If you are wearing your personal flotation device, you will need to wear this leash over it.
What kind of leash should I use for SUP?
Usually, when people ask this question, they want to know what they should choose between a straight and coiled leash.
For sports SUP where every moment counts, you should get a coiled leash. The longer part of the coiled SUP leash stays out of the water, and it creates zero to minimal drag.
For casual paddle boarding, the straight-line leash that drags in the water should not be a problem. It can be either a calf or ankle leash.
Straight or coiled leash for SUP board: What’s best?
Choosing the right leash goes over and beyond choosing between ankle, waist, and calf leashes.
You will also find that largely, your paddle board leash can be coiled, or straight in design.
To know whether to choose the coiled or straight design, well, you need to read the pros and cons of each, and know what paddleboarding conditions require either.
Coiled paddle board leashes: Pros and cons
Pros: The coiled design makes the leashes more compact and there is reduced drag in the water. They are less likely to tangle around your feet, ensuring a hassle-free ride.
Coiled leashes are excellent for flat water paddling, where the risk of entanglement is minimal.
Cons: A coiled leash can spring back, potentially causing injury if you do not handle it carefully
This type of leash is also suitable for surf conditions due to the limited length and the possibility of recoil when riding a wave.
Straight Paddle Board Leashes: Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages: Straight leashes are known for their simplicity and reliability.
They provide a longer reach, making them suitable for various water conditions, including surfing. They are less prone to recoil, thus offering greater stability.
Disadvantages: Straight leashes can be more prone to tangling around your feet or the board.
Their increased drag in the water might affect your paddling efficiency in flat water environments.
Coiled or straight leash for a beginner?
For beginners, a coiled leash is generally recommended. It has a reduced length that minimizes the risk of entanglement.
This makes it a safer choice for those still mastering their balance on the paddle board, and their paddling techniques.
As beginners often start in calm waters, coiled leashes are well-suited to their initial SUP experiences.
Are coiled leashes ideal for river paddle boarding?
Coiled leashes are indeed ideal for river paddle boarding. The river environments come with varying water speeds and obstacles.
Therefore, the reduced length and minimized drag of coiled leashes help paddlers maintain control.
The risk of snagging on rocks or debris is lower compared to straight leashes.
Is a straight SUP leash good for ocean paddle boarding?
When you are going to paddle board in the ocean, straight leashes are better than the coiled ones.
You can also use the same leash when paddle boarding on lakes. The ocean and lake conditions are almost the same.
The ocean conditions often involve waves and currents, making straight leashes more suitable due to their extended length and enhanced stability.
They provide better maneuverability and control when navigating the unpredictable ocean terrain.
Coiled vs. straight leashes: What do professionals prefer?
Professional paddlers often have specific preferences based on their favorite water sport.
For instance, surfers tend to favor straight leashes for the ocean’s dynamic conditions. On the other hand, racers in calmer waters may opt for coiled leashes to reduce drag.
If you have a racing paddle board, get a coiled leash if you will use the board on rivers, lakes, and oceans. It is more versatile than a straight one.
If you do ocean and lake, or what is generally referred to as flat water SUP, get a straight leash.
Maintaining and caring for your paddle board leash
Whether you choose an ankle, calf, or waist leash, or a coiled or straight leash, proper maintenance is essential to ensure durability and safety.
In another article, we looked at how to clean and store your paddle board for winter. In the same way, you need to take care of your leash.
Rinse the leash with freshwater after each use to prevent salt buildup and corrosion. Make sure it is completely dry before storing it.
Check for any signs of wear or damage regularly, including fraying or weakened attachments.
Lubricate the swivel mechanism to maintain smooth rotation, and store your leash out of direct sunlight to prevent UV degradation.
Also read my articles on:
Which is a characteristic of type 3 life jacket for paddle boarding?
Can you go paddle boarding on Lake Dillon?
Can you paddle board anywhere?
Conclusion
What should you buy between the ankle or calf SUP leash, or even the waist leash? Well, it depends.
If you are taking part in an SUP race, you should go for the waist leash. You get to wear it on your personal flotation device and better yet, it comes with a fast release mechanism just in case you need to detach yourself fast.
For calm water and casual paddling, you should get the ankle or calf leash. Either is going to serve your needs very well. You just have to choose between coiled and straight leashes.