Page 30 - 2022-08-01 Paddling Magazine

PADDLEBOARDING

IN FOCUS
Unleashed

The most controversial piece of standup river gear explained by joe potoczak
A LEASH IS a plastic cord connecting paddleboard The ACA also takes a conservative approach to This is because it may be impossible for the paddler to
to paddler. It’s an essential piece of safety equipment leash use in moving water. It recommends leashes bend against the current and reach upstream to release
for flatwater paddling and ocean surfing, ensuring might be appropriate on large-volume rivers with the leash in an entrapment scenario. A leash used in
the paddler doesn’t become separated from their deep rapids and swift currents free of obstructions. A moving water must instead be attached at or above the
board in an upset. However, using a leash in the river swiftwater safety course is the best way to get educated waist, reachable by both hands, and on a quick-release
environment is a contentious topic. to judge the appropriateness of using a leash based system. Coiled leashes are preferred for river use to
That’s because any line in moving water is an on the river in question and its current conditions. keep the leash out of the water and prevent snagging.
entrapment hazard. If a leash catches on a rock or Those who use leashes on the river argue they’re Seiler encourages regular practice with the quick-
strainer, even a relatively minimal current can anchor potentially a lifeline, keeping a paddler connected to release system for extreme situations. “There has to
a paddler underwater. American Whitewater’s acci- their gear and board—which is an additional flotation become some muscle memory to make it happen in
dent database reports seven board-related fatalities device—and that a leash allows the paddler to swim a situation it’s designed for: You’re in rushing water
on moving water in the U.S. within the past five years. without worrying about board management. In some and pinned. Your eyes are closed, and your hand
Of those, four involved leashes. Anecdotally, there high flow situations or on remote trips, the risk of los- is finding the release mechanism and feeling how
are many more near misses. ing a board may also outweigh the risk of entrapment. hard you have to pull it and in what direction to get
“Avoiding entrapment is a key concept for white- “I always wear a leash. I see value in using it, and I it to come loose. All at a time you’d be freaking out.”
water paddling, and a long, dangling rope carries that respect it and am aware of its dangers,” says Melanie There are also a few circumstances where Seiler
risk, even when on a quick-release,” cautions Danny Seiler, a SUP instructor, former state director for the doesn’t promote leashes, such as when she teaches
Peled, director of Boreal River Rescue. “There are a American Canoe Association (ACA), and current beginner classes on flat rivers, or when the leash
lot of times where river paddleboarders shouldn’t executive director of Active Southern West Virginia. poses a significant risk of entanglement with others,
be wearing leashes, but they saw other people doing Seiler grew up on Appalachian whitewater and views as at mass start races.
it, or it seems acceptable. There’s no other situation leashes as essential gear allowing paddlers to quickly Standup paddleboarding isn’t the only board sport
where whitewater paddlers would have a long, dangly get back on their boards where they’re safest. making its way from the coast to interior whitewater
thing hanging. In many cases, the risks outweigh When using a leash on the river, it should never be over the past decade. River surfing continues to gain
the benefits.” attached to the ankle or leg, as is typical in flatwater SUP. popularity, especially as stationary waves take shape

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