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safety_leashes
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| - | * [[:stories:more_leash_tails|Leash failures 3/12/2007]] | + | * [[:stories:more_leash_tails|2 Leash failures & 1 Leash save 3/12/2007]] |
| * [[https://www.surfski.info/forum/2-announcements/19688-more-leash-failures.html#35209|Broken leash end 2019]] | * [[https://www.surfski.info/forum/2-announcements/19688-more-leash-failures.html#35209|Broken leash end 2019]] | ||
| * [[https://www.surfski.info/forum/2-announcements/19688-more-leash-failures.html?limitstart=20#36833|Another broken leash end 2020]] | * [[https://www.surfski.info/forum/2-announcements/19688-more-leash-failures.html?limitstart=20#36833|Another broken leash end 2020]] | ||
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| * **Regularly Check Leash Strength and Condition**. | * **Regularly Check Leash Strength and Condition**. | ||
| - | * **Replace **any leash if it **has much Age, signs of Weakness, or any significant Wear**. How often you replace your leashes should depend on their quality of construction, how much wear accumulates, and how well you have cared for them. You will have to decide when to replace older leashes that appear to still be in good shape. | + | * **Replace **any leash if it **has much Age, signs of Weakness, or any significant Wear**. How often you replace your leashes should depend on their quality of construction, how much wear accumulates, how well you have cared for them. You will have to decide when to replace older leashes that appear to still be in good shape. If your paddling is on the riskier side (super cold, big conditions, etc.) replace earlier than the condition of your leash may indicate just to be on the safer side. |
| * **Prioritize Security over Economy**, particularly if you engage in higher risk paddling. | * **Prioritize Security over Economy**, particularly if you engage in higher risk paddling. | ||
| * **Disable Retired Leashes **if you don't throw them away. You may be able to re-purpose old leashes if practical, but make sure that they can't inadvertently be used again for safety. | * **Disable Retired Leashes **if you don't throw them away. You may be able to re-purpose old leashes if practical, but make sure that they can't inadvertently be used again for safety. | ||
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| * If you **connect your leash to** your **foot straps**, **regularly check** to make sure your **foot strap connections** are strong and free of [[:repair#corrosion|excess corrosion]]. | * If you **connect your leash to** your **foot straps**, **regularly check** to make sure your **foot strap connections** are strong and free of [[:repair#corrosion|excess corrosion]]. | ||
| * **Watch Out for Leashes with Multiple Segments** because the connections between segments can be covered and hiding decay which can cause failure. | * **Watch Out for Leashes with Multiple Segments** because the connections between segments can be covered and hiding decay which can cause failure. | ||
| + | * Example of swivel failure at hidden point: [[:stories:more_leash_tails#broken_leash_swivel|swivel failure]] | ||
| * A really **good idea** is to remove connection covers if possible (shrink wrap that can easily be taken off?) so that inspection is easy at any time. | * A really **good idea** is to remove connection covers if possible (shrink wrap that can easily be taken off?) so that inspection is easy at any time. | ||
| * An **even better idea** is to use a leash that is basically one continuous piece and is not divided into different components that are connected to each other. In our opinion, the advantage of simplicity and potential bombproof-ness of one continuous leash made from strong material far outweighs any perceived advantages of rotating swivels, etc. | * An **even better idea** is to use a leash that is basically one continuous piece and is not divided into different components that are connected to each other. In our opinion, the advantage of simplicity and potential bombproof-ness of one continuous leash made from strong material far outweighs any perceived advantages of rotating swivels, etc. | ||
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| Whatever type leash(es) you choose you have to have **thoroughly practiced** using them, remounting with them, **before using them in conditions that are challenging** for you and/or involve significant risk. Some problems may only fully express themselves in rough conditions. But reduce that likelihood with plenty of practice in calmer conditions and if and as soon as you discover new/greater problems in rougher conditions you need to immediately address them before your next outing. Is there **any tendency to tangle** (tangling a leg leash around your legs is not unusual particularly in rough conditions and forceful upsets - but if you find such tangling too frequent or too difficult to extricate yourself from then you need to look at changing the leash style or length to fix the problem), or more importantly if you are using multiple leashes is there any significant tendency for them to become inter-tangled which is something you really want to avoid either by changing leash styles and/or lengths so they can co-exist without interference. Example: [[https://youtu.be/rSbYwIK46FM|youtube video of leg-wrap interference]] Note also in this video how much the mid-boat leg leash anchor keeping the surfski sideways pulls on the paddler and makes all operations more difficult in the water in this very strong wind. Cause to consider an end-anchored leash? | Whatever type leash(es) you choose you have to have **thoroughly practiced** using them, remounting with them, **before using them in conditions that are challenging** for you and/or involve significant risk. Some problems may only fully express themselves in rough conditions. But reduce that likelihood with plenty of practice in calmer conditions and if and as soon as you discover new/greater problems in rougher conditions you need to immediately address them before your next outing. Is there **any tendency to tangle** (tangling a leg leash around your legs is not unusual particularly in rough conditions and forceful upsets - but if you find such tangling too frequent or too difficult to extricate yourself from then you need to look at changing the leash style or length to fix the problem), or more importantly if you are using multiple leashes is there any significant tendency for them to become inter-tangled which is something you really want to avoid either by changing leash styles and/or lengths so they can co-exist without interference. Example: [[https://youtu.be/rSbYwIK46FM|youtube video of leg-wrap interference]] Note also in this video how much the mid-boat leg leash anchor keeping the surfski sideways pulls on the paddler and makes all operations more difficult in the water in this very strong wind. Cause to consider an end-anchored leash? | ||
| + | |||
| + | ---- | ||
| ==== Discussions ==== | ==== Discussions ==== | ||
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| * [[:stories:should_we_have_been_out_there|Record Storm Recap, Leashes]] | * [[:stories:should_we_have_been_out_there|Record Storm Recap, Leashes]] | ||
| * [[https://www.surfski.info/forum/17-equipment/19401-why-not-a-waist-leash.html|Surfski.info waist belt discussion 2017]] | * [[https://www.surfski.info/forum/17-equipment/19401-why-not-a-waist-leash.html|Surfski.info waist belt discussion 2017]] | ||
| + | * … | ||
| + | |||
| + | ---- | ||
| ==== Leg ==== | ==== Leg ==== | ||
| <WRAP indent> | <WRAP indent> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ---- | ||
| Leg leashes use a wrap that usually goes around your lower leg just below your knee, typically secured with velcro. The other end typically uses a **leash anchor** built into the ski **under your legs or** possibly **attaches to your foot straps** (but see comments about [[:repair#corrosion|foot strap attachment corrosion]]),or sometimes surfskiers **attach them on the bow **- e.g. to a front handle - affording the benefit of aligning the ski **with** the wind during a [[:terminology#outrigger_terms|huli]] (as rear anchors described below in the waist leash section also cause skis to align). On many leashes this end of the leash may be velcro too. But it can also be something stronger, like a locking carabiner, or a sewn-in loop of spectra. In respect to wet velcro making weaker reconnections, leg leash designs that allow you to unhook from your leg wrap without disconnecting the velcro may be superior to those that require leg wrap velcro separation, but [[:safety_leashes#quick_releases|beware quick releases that can self-disconnect]]. | Leg leashes use a wrap that usually goes around your lower leg just below your knee, typically secured with velcro. The other end typically uses a **leash anchor** built into the ski **under your legs or** possibly **attaches to your foot straps** (but see comments about [[:repair#corrosion|foot strap attachment corrosion]]),or sometimes surfskiers **attach them on the bow **- e.g. to a front handle - affording the benefit of aligning the ski **with** the wind during a [[:terminology#outrigger_terms|huli]] (as rear anchors described below in the waist leash section also cause skis to align). On many leashes this end of the leash may be velcro too. But it can also be something stronger, like a locking carabiner, or a sewn-in loop of spectra. In respect to wet velcro making weaker reconnections, leg leash designs that allow you to unhook from your leg wrap without disconnecting the velcro may be superior to those that require leg wrap velcro separation, but [[:safety_leashes#quick_releases|beware quick releases that can self-disconnect]]. | ||
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| </WRAP> | </WRAP> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ---- | ||
| ==== Waist ==== | ==== Waist ==== | ||
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| <WRAP indent> | <WRAP indent> | ||
| - | As an alternative to the leg leash, some assemble a **leash** that attaches to a **belt** around the paddler's waist **with a line** that runs/attaches **behind them**. Some **attach** to **existing or added** mounting **holes or pads** directly **behind** their **seats** while others **attach** to a **line** that stretches **between the stern** handle **and the storage straps** on the back deck, while **others** just have a **long leash **that **connects** near the** stern end**. The preference for an attachment running all the way to the stern is based at least in part on preferring a surfski to **line up parallel with the wind** after a dump in big conditions in preparation for your remount. A sidewise remount from the upwind side works well in all conditions, given adequate remount technique and practice, although it is possible that the surfski may need to be turned or swum under in order for the paddler to get to the upwind side after a "huli"((See [[:terminology#outrigger_terms|huli]])) . Having the **ski line up downwind** after a fall can make it easier to turn the ski for an upwind mount without having the leash wrapped around the boat. It also **presents the narrowest aspect** of the boat to the wind thus **decreasing the likely pull** of the boat against the paddler and their boat leash. (For what it is worth, we have heard of at least one rare incident where a built-in leash anchor failed and was pulled loose by a leg leash in a particularly strong huli.) The back end of these stern lines is typically placed behind the rudder so that a rolling surfski is less likely to catch and wrap your leash with the rudder. | + | ---- |
| + | |||
| + | As an alternative to the leg leash, some assemble a **leash** that attaches to a **belt** around the paddler's waist **with a line** that runs/attaches **behind them**. Some **attach** to **existing or added** mounting **holes or pads** directly **behind** their **seats** while others **attach** to a **line** that stretches **between the stern** handle **and the storage straps** on the back deck, while **others** just have a **long leash **that **connects** near the** stern end**. The preference for an attachment running all the way to the stern is based at least in part on preferring a surfski to **line up parallel with the wind** after a dump in big conditions in preparation for your remount. A side wise remount from the upwind side works well in all conditions, given adequate remount technique and practice, although it is possible that the surfski may need to be turned or swum under in order for the paddler to get to the upwind side after a "huli"((See [[:terminology#outrigger_terms|huli]])) . Having the **ski line up downwind** after a fall can make it easier to turn the ski for an upwind mount without having the leash wrapped around the boat. It also **presents the narrowest aspect** of the boat to the wind thus **greatly ****decreasing the pull** of the boat against the paddler and their boat leash. (For what it is worth, we have heard of at least one rare incident where a built-in leash anchor failed and was pulled loose by a center anchored leg leash in a particularly strong huli.) The back end of these stern lines is typically placed behind the rudder so that a rolling surfski is less likely to catch and wrap your leash with the rudder. | ||
| * **Limitations on Rear Leashes** | * **Limitations on Rear Leashes** | ||
| * **In general, rear leashes** will **work better with clean rear decks**. | * **In general, rear leashes** will **work better with clean rear decks**. | ||
| - | * One potential limitation with a rear leash setup is interference between it and a** rear deck mounted camera**. | + | * One potential limitation with a rear leash setup is interference between it and a** rear deck mounted camera**. |
| - | * We also have reports of hulis with a rear leash catching and** popping out rear drainage plugs** on** Kai Wa'a surfskis**. | + | * We also have reports of hulis with a rear leash catching and** popping out rear drainage plugs** on** Kai Wa'a surfskis**. |
| - | * One solution to the rear leash/rear drain plug issue is to add a front hole as this paddler has done - [[https://surfski.info/forum/19-boats/20559-kai-waa-vega-arc.html?start=20#41218|surfski.info post with photos]] | + | * One solution to the rear leash/rear drain plug issue is to add a front hole as this paddler has done - [[https://surfski.info/forum/19-boats/20559-kai-waa-vega-arc.html?start=20#41218|surfski.info post with photos]] |
| * … | * … | ||
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| {{:equipment:safety:2linerearleashrun.png?direct&300x400}} | {{:equipment:safety:2linerearleashrun.png?direct&300x400}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | The NSI stick on loop pads that provide the rear end ties are quite strong if installed on a surfski deck that was clean and dry, and given the reduced pull that such a setup is subject to during upsets, we believe they are quite adequate. To our knowledge none of the paddlers in the Gorge and Bellingham Bay who use this setup have ever had a failure. | ||
| </WRAP> | </WRAP> | ||
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| ---- | ---- | ||
| - | If you employ a waist belt for your leash/body connection, **make sure** you have a **low enough profile buckle** so that it **does not interfere with remounts** **or catch and come open** during remounts. Some folks also remove the balls sometimes attached to such buckles - to minimize [[:waist_buckle_opening_2_2020|inadvertant opening]] if caught on something - beveling the buckle lever edge corners also can reduce the likelihood of catching and opening during a remount. **Side squeeze buckles** like the one on the Meta belt seem **less likely** to experience a **catching release**, but **judge, test,** and **make your own decision**. Some waist belt users recommend keeping the belt somewhat loose, so that if you rotate in the water the belt can slip instead of causing your leash to wrap around you. | + | If you employ a waist belt for your leash/body connection, **make sure** you have a **low enough profile buckle** so that it **does not interfere with remounts** **or catch and come open** during remounts. Some folks also remove the balls sometimes attached to such buckles - to minimize [[:waist_buckle_opening_2_2020|inadvertent opening]] if caught on something - beveling the buckle lever edge corners also can reduce the likelihood of catching and opening during a remount. **Side squeeze buckles** like the one on the Meta belt seem **less likely** to experience a **catching release**, but **judge, test,** and **make your own decision**. Some waist belt users recommend keeping the belt somewhat loose, so that if you rotate in the water the belt can slip instead of causing your leash to wrap around you. |
| - | <font inherit/inherit;;#c0392b;;inherit>Note also</font> that many surfskis do not come with any mounting points behind the seat or if mounting points are there all they have is bungie tied to those points. When renting or borrowing a surfski you may need an alternative leg leash when such a surfski has no adequate anchor behind the seat for a waist leash. | + | <font inherit/inherit;;#c0392b;;inherit>Note also</font> that many surfskis do not come with any mounting points behind the seat or if mounting points are there all they have is bungee tied to those points. When renting or borrowing a surfski you may need an alternative leg leash when such a surfski has no adequate anchor behind the seat for a waist leash. |
| + | |||
| + | <WRAP indent> | ||
| + | **Waist Leash Examples DIY & Commercial** | ||
| * [[https://www.surfski.info/forum/17-equipment/18946-can-anyone-recommend-a-leash-for-a-ski.html#28795|Example Waist Belt and Leash]] on surfski.info - this is basically the Northshore kitesurfing leash (see below) with a strip of bungee for holding a paddle sewn into it. | * [[https://www.surfski.info/forum/17-equipment/18946-can-anyone-recommend-a-leash-for-a-ski.html#28795|Example Waist Belt and Leash]] on surfski.info - this is basically the Northshore kitesurfing leash (see below) with a strip of bungee for holding a paddle sewn into it. | ||
| * [[https://foilboardcompany.com/product/wing-waist-leash/|Foil Board Wing Waist Leash]] Looks versatile, comfortable (no reviews). Foil Board says the waist belt can be used with a board leash so it should be plenty strong (specs definitely sound so). The wing leash component description makes it sound strong enough also (length??), but we need to get a closer look. Reviews anyone? We've only seen these available from UK shops so shipping outside of the UK is expensive. | * [[https://foilboardcompany.com/product/wing-waist-leash/|Foil Board Wing Waist Leash]] Looks versatile, comfortable (no reviews). Foil Board says the waist belt can be used with a board leash so it should be plenty strong (specs definitely sound so). The wing leash component description makes it sound strong enough also (length??), but we need to get a closer look. Reviews anyone? We've only seen these available from UK shops so shipping outside of the UK is expensive. | ||
| * [[https://imetalux.com/shop/metaleash-belt|Meta Waist Belt with side squeeze buckle release]] | * [[https://imetalux.com/shop/metaleash-belt|Meta Waist Belt with side squeeze buckle release]] | ||
| - | * [[https://paddle-lab.com/nelo-surfski-leash.html|Nelo Surfski Leash]] Magnetic (we don't have any experience or reviews of this leash, how strong is the stretch/bungie part and does it have a stronger inner core?) | + | * [[https://paddle-lab.com/nelo-surfski-leash.html|Nelo Surfski Leash]] Magnetic (we don't have any experience or reviews of this leash, how strong is the stretch/bungee part and does it have a stronger inner core?) |
| * [[https://youtu.be/J_cuz4Mb8Mw|video with Oscar]] | * [[https://youtu.be/J_cuz4Mb8Mw|video with Oscar]] | ||
| * [[https://www.northshoreinc.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=533&idcategory=86|Northshore Quick Release Belt]] w/ Leash - these are sold with 4' and 6' leashes | * [[https://www.northshoreinc.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=533&idcategory=86|Northshore Quick Release Belt]] w/ Leash - these are sold with 4' and 6' leashes | ||
| * [[https://northwater.com/collections/rescue-belt-tow-systems/products/eds-belt|Northwater Quick Release Safety Belt]] | * [[https://northwater.com/collections/rescue-belt-tow-systems/products/eds-belt|Northwater Quick Release Safety Belt]] | ||
| - | * [[http://www.fitnesslifestyle.com.au/safety-products/xm-surfmore/pages/calf-and-body-leash.html|Power Clip]] - review? there is velcro in the waist belt closure and in the leg wrap | + | * [[https://mustangsurvival.com/|MTI waist belt ]] Do a search for "SUP Leash Release Belt" or do a web search for "MTI SUP Leash Release Belt" - they are sold in multiple places. |
| - | * [[https://www.mtiadventurewear.com/jackets/accessories/weblrb1-sup-leash-release-belt|MTI waist belt]] | + | |
| </WRAP> | </WRAP> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ---- | ||
| ==== PFD ==== | ==== PFD ==== | ||
| <WRAP indent> | <WRAP indent> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ---- | ||
| Another **non-leg attachment alternative** is to **attach** your leash **to your life jacket**. With this setup, make sure it is reliably sturdy. It can have more than one point of attachment for security. Or you can sew a particularly strong attachment point to your pfd for this purpose. | Another **non-leg attachment alternative** is to **attach** your leash **to your life jacket**. With this setup, make sure it is reliably sturdy. It can have more than one point of attachment for security. Or you can sew a particularly strong attachment point to your pfd for this purpose. | ||
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| </WRAP></WRAP></WRAP> | </WRAP></WRAP></WRAP> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ---- | ||
| ==== Paddle ==== | ==== Paddle ==== | ||
| <WRAP indent> | <WRAP indent> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ---- | ||
| A paddle leash can prevent you from losing your paddle when you flip, accidentally lose your grip on your paddle, or want to let go of your paddle to free up you hands. They are easy to make with a piece of cord and a carabiner. Simply tie a loop in one end for the paddle and tie the other end to the carabiner. Attach the carabiner to your pfd. Make this leash long enough to not interfere with your paddle stroke, but no longer. Some paddlers wear a very short leash from wrist to paddle. << NOTE >> If you use a wrist leash you may be limiting which side you can easily remount on ([[:remount#remounts_and_wrist_leashes|See remounts]]) unless you have a quick release on the wrist leash (which will diminish your paddle security during a remount) - (the most common remount techniques involve holding the paddle with only one hand). Many paddlers only employ a paddle leash in higher winds when the wind significantly increases its ability to take a paddle far away in a moment of inattention, distraction, or flipped surfski. Carefully gauge how much risk you would be in if you lose your paddle. Some conditions may allow [[:self_rescue#prone_paddling_on_surfski|prone paddling]] if you still have your ski, while big enough conditions may make any kind of headway without a paddle difficult or impossible. Having a paddle leash also makes it much easier or just possible to use both hands temporarily for an occasional circumstance when needed such as adjusting/fixing something on your ski, or needing to call with a phone or radio. | A paddle leash can prevent you from losing your paddle when you flip, accidentally lose your grip on your paddle, or want to let go of your paddle to free up you hands. They are easy to make with a piece of cord and a carabiner. Simply tie a loop in one end for the paddle and tie the other end to the carabiner. Attach the carabiner to your pfd. Make this leash long enough to not interfere with your paddle stroke, but no longer. Some paddlers wear a very short leash from wrist to paddle. << NOTE >> If you use a wrist leash you may be limiting which side you can easily remount on ([[:remount#remounts_and_wrist_leashes|See remounts]]) unless you have a quick release on the wrist leash (which will diminish your paddle security during a remount) - (the most common remount techniques involve holding the paddle with only one hand). Many paddlers only employ a paddle leash in higher winds when the wind significantly increases its ability to take a paddle far away in a moment of inattention, distraction, or flipped surfski. Carefully gauge how much risk you would be in if you lose your paddle. Some conditions may allow [[:self_rescue#prone_paddling_on_surfski|prone paddling]] if you still have your ski, while big enough conditions may make any kind of headway without a paddle difficult or impossible. Having a paddle leash also makes it much easier or just possible to use both hands temporarily for an occasional circumstance when needed such as adjusting/fixing something on your ski, or needing to call with a phone or radio. | ||
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| </WRAP></WRAP></WRAP></WRAP></WRAP> | </WRAP></WRAP></WRAP></WRAP></WRAP> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ---- | ||
| ==== Combination Paddle/Leash Setup ==== | ==== Combination Paddle/Leash Setup ==== | ||
| <WRAP indent> | <WRAP indent> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ---- | ||
| [[https://tcsurfski.com/2013/09/23/surfski-leash/|Billy B's Leash System]] this is non-elastic leash system that secures the paddler and paddle to their surfski. It is easy to inspect for any wear or damage and employs no velcro. | [[https://tcsurfski.com/2013/09/23/surfski-leash/|Billy B's Leash System]] this is non-elastic leash system that secures the paddler and paddle to their surfski. It is easy to inspect for any wear or damage and employs no velcro. | ||
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