Hi there,

in a previous post I had mentioned that I was using a paddle leash and SUP the creek thought that perhaps this may not be a good idea. I come from a kayaking background where the mantra is never let go of your paddle. When open ocean coastal kayaking especially when alone I always wear a paddle leash. About a year ago I had a long swim in difficult conditions surfing after breaking my board leash and I was very glad that I still had my paddle as it helped alot on the swim back to shore. It got me thinking about making a leash for my paddle and I came up with this. It does not seem to interfere with changing sides when paddling and bracing. It seems that my left had is my control hand And this hand does not lose contact with the paddle. I am interested in comments. are there situations where it might be a reasonable idea and are there situations or conditions where it is a bad idea being attached to your paddle. I will post this on the Standup Zone site also.

this is a great site where I have learned alot and if this is an unwise practice I would like to know about it.

All the best in the new year!

Cheers

Bob

I've been on SUP's for a few years now in all types of conditions and can honestly say I've never ever let go of the paddle even after some decent poundings...

Seems to me that you might be more inclined to let go of your paddle during a big wipeout because you have a leash.
I'd hate to be tumbling inside of a wave with a loose paddle that you can't get away from, those blades can be scary.

I'd advise using some bright orange/red tape or paint on the paddle to find it easier the rare cases where you let go.

Also, you may bothered with this issue because you wear gloves and thus may let slip the paddle more easily? Try pre-formed gloves (like said in another thread), or ones with an open palm, or wax on the shaft, ...

I let go of my paddle once a few months ago. I got pounded and the paddle seemed to twist around and I could not hold on. But the difference between kayaking and SUPing is that it is easier to get back on the board and prone (or knee) paddle after the paddle. As Colas says, the next challenge is finding it. In my case I caught a wave and rode over the top of the paddle??which damaged the blade...

It looks like a good design though. If the length of the tether is correct then you won't accidentally grab it when changing sides - that's what I would fear.

Just curious, how does a paddle help to swim ashore if you lose the board?

Hi Grump,


Swimming with a paddle, for me on the long swim in challenging conditions I rolled n my back, choked up on the paddle up to the blade and oared/stroke with the blade. I could see approaching waves and for me was much more efficient than swimming prone. Creek has mentioned that he has used the same techniqe on a long swim when his board leash broke. On the surf zone site a few suggested carrying a line that they could attach to the paddle and the ?leg? And let the paddle drag behind and swim prone.in general the response on the surf zone site was that being attached to your paddle in the surf is not a good idea. The only positive response was from a down winder who thought either that or a spare paddle inbig winds off shore in cold water might be one level of backup for the rare event of losing a paddle.

colas I like the idea of adding some bright tape to the paddle.

Can't surf enough, yes the tether is only about 5" in length and does not seem to interfere with changing sides.

I think I will likely persist with the leash for a few more months until the spring. When looking at risk mitigation I suspect that the very small risk of losing both the paddle and board at the same time is likely out weighed by the risk of getting tangled up with the paddle in surf. The most important lesson for me however is not to go out in conditions that far exceed my ability.

cheers

bob

You live in an incredible part of the world. For six years I lived south of you on Bainbridge Island and visited up your way often. It is cold water with the occasional log just under the surface ready to take you out. As with STC, safety precautions are more important there than where I surf here.