User Tools

Site Tools


safety_leashes

Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revision Previous revision
Next revision
Previous revision
safety_leashes [2025/07/08 02:14]
pstureavley
safety_leashes [2025/10/07 11:52] (current)
pstureavley
Line 52: Line 52:
  
   * **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,​ 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 condtions, etc.) replace earlier than the condition of your leash may indicate just to be on the safer side.+  * **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.
Line 221: Line 221:
 ---- ----
  
-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]]
       * …       * …
  
Line 239: Line 239:
  
 {{:​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>​
Line 244: Line 246:
 ---- ----
  
-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 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. <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.
Line 255: Line 260:
   * [[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>​