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 paddle boarding (SUP) paddle, whether it’s in the oceans, or on flat water lakes and dams.
- Stay connected to your board: A leash keeps your body connect to the board at all times in any unexpected in any unexpected conditions.
- 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.
- 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 specially 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.