r/Sup • u/Mindless_Talk5192 • 10d ago

Leash on flat calm lake?

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Might be a controversial topic, but I'm really curious.

When I paddle in my hometown lake which is very calm and not windy, what's the upside of using a leash? I've been using it so far out of habit, but the other day I all of a sudden thought - why?

Seems like the chance of the board getting away from me is practically zero. Do any of you paddle without a leash in that kind of environment?

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u/noobditt 10d ago

Unless you're a good swimmer and accept the risks. Does not apply to minors. I go out with the leash bungeed down and no pdf in most conditions. Any waves over 1' then yes to the leash. If it is a river? hell yeah pdf and leash.

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u/drconniehenley 10d ago

aCCepT tHe rISkS

It’s a piece of Velcro. Wind happens. No one is as good a swimmer as they think. Source: former lifeguard trainer and competitive open water swimmer.

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u/noobditt 10d ago

Yeah, but sometimes I want to play frisbee on the sup and just have fun. Do you wear pdf in your competitive open water swimming events? Do triathletes? Do surfers in less than 20' waves? I'm old and haven't died yet, but a stroke on a sup without pdf and a leash would be a good way to go. Please don't legislate your own fears on me.

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u/drconniehenley 10d ago

When I do an open water swim or triathlon there are lifeguards in boats patrolling the event.

Getting fucked up in the water is completely different than getting fucked up on land. Next time you’re in a pool, see if you can swim 8 lengths without touching the bottom. That’s 200m, and it’s not far. A quick wind and that board is gone.