World-renowned ultra-distance sup racer, explorer starboard team rider Bart de Zwart gives us this important safety-first sup expedition tip: always wear a leash!
So why wear a leash? the leash is the most essential piece of gear to have on before we get on the water for a stand up paddleboarding (SUP) paddle, whether it’s in the oceans, or on flat water lakes and dams.
1. STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR BOARD
A leash keeps your body connect to the board at all times in any unexpected in any unexpected conditions.
2. YOUR BOARD IS A FLOTATION RAFT
The board serves as a life raft in an emergency. The leash helps you to pull the board back to you and get back on easily.
3. AVOID INJURING OTHER SURFERS
Without a leash, you could easily lose control of your board in the surf – potentially harming others in the water like other surfers or bathers.
LEASHES SAVE LIVES! ALWAYS WEAR A LEASH!
Note: There are many types of leashes especially designed for each SUP discipline. For example, a lightweight bungee leash for recreational SUP, heavy duty surf leash, coil race leash and river leash with a waist harness. Learn more about the different leash types here.
STARBOARD SUP LEASHES
