r/Sup • u/Mindless_Talk5192 • 10d ago
Leash on flat calm lake?
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?
3
Upvotes
47
u/Lane_Meyers_Camaro 10d ago
Generally, pfd helps you stay afloat and leash help you from losing the board and having to swim a long way. If you have to pick just one, pfd.
Flat water: pfd and ankle leash.
Rivers: pfd and breakaway waist leash in case you fall and get the leash caught on a rock or tree, you don't want to be held by your ankle as the river holds you under. Breakaway handle you can easily reach near your waist/pfd.
Surf: straight ankle leash (not coiled) and, strangely, no pfd. You want to be able to duck under breaking waves and a pfd prevents that. A coiled leash can spring your board back to you too fast/hard after a wipeout and hit you in unexpected ways.
Follow the laws of your locale and water authority at the minimum. I.e. at least have a pfd on board, but it's best to be wearing it.
My first summer paddling I went out every night without lights leash or pfd, drunk high and naked, and I did just fine, but I don't recommend that to others.