River SUP Leash System

To leash or not to leash when running whitewater on a paddle board is a common question by those getting into the sport.
The general answer is, IF YOU DO WEAR A LEASH USE A QUICK RELEASE SYSTEM WORN ABOVE THE WAIST.
The typical ankle/leg leash worn by ocean surfers and open water paddle boarders is not recommended for swift water/river/whitewater SUP.
An established community of river paddle boarders will be quick to call out the dangers of you showing up to the river with an ankle leash. (They will also remind you of the importance of wearing a helmet and river specific PFD.)
There have been fatalities due to leashes on the river. Getting tangled by the leash is a real threat, especially if the paddler is unable to release the leash.
I choose to wear a leash on a reliable quick release system. It keeps me connected to the board when swimming through rapids, reducing the need from assistance from other paddlers. I practice releasing my system regularly, and I make sure it is in good working order every time I hit the river.
This video highlights the features of one such system of quick release leash worn above the waist. It's the SUP Core Safety Leash by ION. www.ion-products.com/water/su...
** Note, I have not personally used this leash and am in no way affiliated with the ION brand.
Clothing worn in video: BEYOND CLOTHING: tinyurl.com/y86fjpow
Thanks for watching.
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Paul Clark is SUPPAUL chasing adventure from the perspective of a paddle board.

[@rickydrawhorn7682]

Nice system. I’m on the fence with leashes. I rarely wear one because in swims it ends up wrapped around my leg 75% of time which is not a problem in a pool recovery but when it upstream of the next big drop/rapid it sucks. Also in creeks with wood can be scary. Paul, please share your thoughts on leashes.

[@SUPPAUL]

I hear the concern about getting caught up in the leash. There are techniques to practice to avoid getting caught up and releasing yourself/gear once wrapped. However, sometimes you are just tangled and all you can do is release the leash if you are caught up above a technical rapid.
In creeky and woody rivers, it may be best not to wear a leash.
They are prohibited in many river races, especially boarder cross style head to head events.
Many of my European colleagues opt for no leash.
With all that said, I almost always wear my quick release system. I practice with releasing it, and with the techniques to avoid getting entangled.
Without a leash you are swimming without a board. Which may require the assistance of others to rescue you and your gear, prolonging your exposure to hazards and risking your partners safety for your assistance.
Paddling without a quick release leash in fast moving big water is just reckless, I think.
As always, if a leash is worn on a river, it needs to be on a reliable quick release system worn above the waist.