Standup Paddleboard (SUP) Leash Safety from Barefoot Paddle

Written by WPA certified instructor Heather Zak-Malcolm

Always follow Transport Canada’s regulations for safety equipment on the water – failure to do so may result in fines. And YES - the "water police" are out there!

Although leashes are only recommended (not required) by Transport Canada, when standup paddleboarding a leash can be your best friend.

Recommendations

• Use a coiled cuff leash for beach, deeper water, lakes, bays, canals, surf and slow moving deepwater rivers. These are the most common leash, they often comes with a rental SUP or your board if you buy a package. They are easy to wear and to fit. Most cuff leashes are worn on the ankle, however, if they fit (or you prefer to buy a knee cuff leash) they can be worn just below your knee. fits just below your knee. They may be easier to attach to the knee and also may be easier to detach if you get into difficulty.

• Use a straight ankle leash for surfing.

• Using a quick release waist-belt leash for fast flowing water or shallow weedy water. Suitable environments for use: fast moving/flowing water such as white water rivers or any river during spring runoffs. A waist leash is connected to a waist belt with a quick release fastener. It can be easily reached if you come off your board and are caught or held by the force of the water. When fitted and used correctly it releases you from your board and leash attachments freeing you from any dangerous entanglement. It is normally worn around your waist and below your pfd. It can also be worn on top of your pfd if fitted high on the chest.

Wondering why you should use a different leash for different water conditions??? While coiled ankle leashes are the most common and comfortable, if you fall in shallow, weedy, or fast flowing water the leash can become tangled or hooked onto an obstacle. If this drags or holds you below the water, obviously you can drown unless you can free your leash from the obstacle or free yourself from the leash.

In short...

1. Choose the right leash for you for the water condition.

2. Wear a leash when you SUP. Always. A leash is the simplest way to stay with your SUP, no matter what happens.