The sea is very powerful. When swimming after a capsize, the sea can rip a semi-flooded kayak from your grip with relative ease. I've seen that enough in surf.

While I agree with Doug's concern about possible entanglement with a personal tether, we need to acknowledge that good advice is very situation-dependent.

Some of us kayak in open water where separation from a kayak could mean hours or days in the water, or death. Possible entangement with a teather? I'm very okay with that unless it's around my neck.

The remote possibility of life-thretening tether entanglement is a small price to pay for eliminating the dire consequences of being separated from a kayak in open water with unfavorable winds or currents.

I admit I don't normally use a tether. This forum thread is convincing me that when solo I should.

John
Rakiraki, Ra, Fiji

What points would you tether from the kayak to body ? Thanks!

By all means leash yourself to your kayak: just be aware of why you feel the need to do it. I hate to see entry-level paddlers concocting personal leashes as an alternative to paddling with companions or risking rough-water outings without other skills and equipment being in good order - such as practicing wet exits in controlled, jobbly/windy conditions while retaining contact with your kayak and paddle (and reboarding to the point of an empty bilge and skirt re-attachment for a typical sea kayak); or having perimeter deck lines, ideally.

Correspondingly, intermediate paddlers often have a habit of aquiring a large amount of safety gear not neccessarily commensurate with other developing skills, adding tethered bail-out bags, tethering a bunch of other stuff, and adding possibly ill-concieved (in design) personal leashes. Is there a risk of entanglement? Well, yes. Is it worth the risk. Possibly. Is this assement correct? Possibly not. What IS the correct answer? It will always be an individual answer as many have stated.

My concern with entanglement derived from both personal experience and the absolute frustration of decreasing dexterity issues in cold water and the feeling of hopelessness that compounds those frustrations as you try to de-tangle gear. The point was, make sure the things you have tethered are initially suitably stowed and relatively secure in a tumble; the tethering, with the tethering lanyard, should be stowed with the item and/or coiled in a secured fashion.

The perponderance of risk isn't with the notion of tethering and leashes, but how it is achieved (and when/by whom perhaps being the more subjective matter).

Not being seperated from one's kayak at sea, especially far-offshore, for long crossings, or where there is signifigant risk with off-shore wind should you bail, are times when I've certainly employed a personal leash. A kayak can be blown from your grip in a heart beat. At least if you still have your kayak at the end of a leash, you still have your kayak. A solo paddler especially has to do somthing to even the odds. I don't recall saying otherwise. Just make sure your leash is a backup and not an excuse to venture further than perhaps is advisable (choose your adjective). If that's repetative, good.

For attachment points, bow-to-belt is good (takes care of coiling extra line issues), using your belted tow-line by attaching to your bow-painter line can work, or even a dedicated line or webbing-length coiled in a tight pouch that attaches to a quick-release belt and a deck-line or cleat that is accessible can work.

There's enough experts out there recommending against personal leashes as there are those remaining relatively neutral with recommendations for others thinking of leashing done so with logical caveats as discussed (and usually with a personal bias revealed either way in terms of what they do personally).

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

It's compulsory in most sea kayak clubs in australia to have a paddle leash ,so if you have to carry out a rescue or any other reason let go of your paddle ,it stays with you .All so if you do come out of your boat it will act as a sea anchor to slow your boats departure from where you are.I don't recommend those coiled ones as they will drive you insane hitting on your deck every paddle stroke, just some 4mm shockcord will do the trick.Just remember to disconnect it when doing a beach landing as you approch the beach so you can throw your paddle up the beach while you get out or you could end up with a broken paddle.

I love the paddle leash idea as it serves so many purposes; it also acts as a boat-to-person leash if you bail out (AND STILL HOLD ONTO YOUR PADDLE). The coiled leashes do tend to slap the deck (annoying).

As always, try to have deck lines, learn to brace and roll, outfit loose cockpits with a more secure fit, learn good bail-out form if you do blow your roll, then add these leash arrangements for convenience and backup. No, not necessarily in that order, but do order your thinking in a priority of first-things-first importance. Safe paddling!!

Some one need to make a leash with a quick disconnect that you can use easily with gloves. Something along the lines of how a dog collar clips in with the plastic snaps. Something with a certain break strength you could just pull apart in a emergency.

I started surfing as a kid. I am 49 now. We surfers started using leashes attached to our surfboards starting in the 70's and haven't looked back. Surfers use leashes with no problems surfing big waves getting tumbled around underwater. I think kayakers are exaggerating the fear of becoming entangled and being strangled by a leash. If you have anything other than yourself leashed to your kayak like a paddle than some tangling may occur. Once you are in the water I doubt any tangling(with a leashed Paddle) if it even occurs will prevent anyone from getting back in their kayak. You should carry a knife on your PFD. I have been using a paddle leash and a leash attached to me. No issues. I'd rather not lose my boat in frigid icy waters. When conditions deteriorate(wind comes up) I immediately attach the leashes and initiate other safety procedures and gear.
I recommend a surfboard leash 10 foot. $25.

I use a paddle leash in high wind conditions, it's the coiled variety and it's attached to my wrist, but that's about it, including open coast paddling.

Regarding coastal paddling in the surf zone and tethered boats, it sounds like a good way to get thrashed by your own boat. In most cases you'll be better served making the practice of holding onto your equipment reflexive with copious amounts of practice, including in rough conditions.

You say that perhaps us kayakers are overly concerned with the risks of entanglement, but we have the paddle and boat to hang onto and any extraneous equipment that one may have lashed to the fore or aft decks. If you get that tether wrapped around something it could complicate your ability to recover from the capsize leading to prolonged exposure to frigid water (46f last weekend).

Are there conditions and situations that I'd consider it? Perhaps; but as a general practice I don't recommend it or teach it.

If you get separated from your boat in open water you are going to be spending a lot more time in frigid waters. It's Always best to stay with your boat. Anything that facilitates that such as a leash is a safety benefit. A leash is also easily quickly removed by simply pulling the velcro tab should there be some tangling but as I mentioned that is highly unlikely to happen in any way that impedes reentry into the kayak. I highly recommend using one in open water on the ocean or lakes particularly in cold water situations where separation from ones boat and immersion in cold water would result in hypothermia in a short period of time.

I solo kayak/flyfish the CA Sierra's half frozen lakes into December till they ice over(been doing this for close to 30 years),,,water temps are near freezing a few degrees above feeezing,,,, separation from ones boat is likely not survivable. I paddle Pyramid lake, NV throughout the winter after other lakes freeze over. Pyramid does not freeze, it is a large body of water with consistent winter water temps around 42 degrees from december through march, air temps can be below zero at night to 40 or 50 degrees on warm days during the day. Winds can come up unexpectedly and go from 0 to 50+ in seconds blowing offshore with gusts often exceeding 50+ mph. Swimming 4-8 miles(depends on the angle of the wind and where you will wash up) across this lake in the dark does not give me a pleasant warm fuzzy feeling. A shockcord/leash is a must have piece of safety gear.

If you paddle cold waters or open waters I highly recommend purchasing a Surfboard shockcord in a 10 or 12 length attached to either the bow or stern of a kayak. It's a great piece of inexpensive safety gear you don't want to be without.

As an ACA L4 instructor and professional instructor I am going to disagree with the unequivocal nature of your statement. Your best bet to avoid separation from your boat is to not get out of it.

A must have piece of equipment is a bilge pump. A paddle is must have piece of equipment. a tether to your boat is not and for most I don't recommend it and will discourage it actively on trips that i run - not that I've ever had to, no one has ever tried it due to proper training regarding wet exits and holding onto your equipment.

This technique could be incredibly dangerous in a tide race, WW, or other dynamic environment where the turbulent nature of the water would likely wrap the line around you before you know it.

I also don't believe that experience equals expertise. Proper training and perfect practice equal expertise. Your 30 years kayak fishing in lakes does not equal expertise in the dynamic coastal environment.

LOL nice slight there questioning my "expertise"....But I'll just jab right back.
I grew up IN/ON the ocean as a kid. My 40+ years of surfing and paddling experience, time on and in the water on both coasts has built my experience and knowledge of the open ocean and coastal environment. I started surfing as a 7 year old and having grown up right on the beach spending my days in the water, raft riding, surfing, paddling, sailing, diving etc. Surfing(with a leash) up and down both Atlantic and pacific coasts, Hawaii and around the planet in several oceans. Ocean kayak fishing off baja,CA,Hawaii,East Coast/Stripers/Bluefish and kayak diving all over the planet. So 4+ decades of open ocean paddling surf boards and kayaks in extremely large swells. All That would be in addition to 30 or so years of paddling lakes for the purpose of flyfishing, where I am once again at for the moment. SO I am a very accomplished waterman in a variety of areas.


Since you're a kayaking newb with less understanding and experience in the ocean I'll share my experience and expertise and try and help educate you a bit here and help you to be a better kayaker especially as far as open ocean and understanding of the ocean.
First off, Like I said, Your false idea of somehow becoming entangled in a shockcord/leash is way way over exaggerated. People do have all sorts of ridiculous irrational fears and phobia's based on what ever ideas they get in their head and not on fact or reality. A leash is not some sea monster that's going to entangle you and drag you to your death. If you can't get past that then you are just going to be stuck down where you are. ONE MO TIME ...Surfers ride the largest of waves(Mavericks, Waimea, Todos Santos, etc) far larger than any kayaker will ever encounter and they have been doing so for decades using leashes with no issues. The leash IS NOT GETTING WRAPPED/ENTANGLED around them as you suggest will happen. It just doesn't happen. That is a false premise and a fallacy of those that just don't have much experience in the surf. I have never ever been entangled by a leash. A surf board differs from a kayak and a kayak may very likely have snag points that a surfboard doesn't have. A kayak(Sea/Dive/Fish) may have various deck rigging,dry bags, cleats, dive tank, cooler, milk crate, fish finder etc Regardless of even all that there is Still no issue with entanglement. A Sea Kayak won't have the same sort of numerous snag points like a Sit on Top for fisherman or a kayak for diving(tank/gear). I have done countless wetexits from my different kayaks and never had a problem where I couldn't get back in/on the kayak because of a leash. If you're off shore kayak fishing or paddling a sea kayak far from an easy swim Use a leash.
""""Your best bet to avoid separation from your boat is to not get out of it."""" <<<Did I say anywhere that it wasn't? But that brings up....>>>
Second, it is not always possible to remain in the boat in rough seas. If you have ocean experience you would be well aware of this. A wet exit WILL happen at some point to any paddler No matter how good you think your roll is and how good your LOL>>"expertise" is. A swell can have you upside down and out of your boat and YOU can be separated from your boat and that leash will be your last lifeline to safety. It's just more insurance of survival. You can be tossed upside down by a white cap and your spray skirt pops off and your cockpit is flooded and the wind is blowing 20+ and there are 5+ foot whitecaps breaking on your head. That slick surfaced kayak slips out of your hands while you are miles off shore you aren't swimming back. You are going where the winds and tides take you. When that boat is drifting/blowing away that shockcord/leash will be your lifeline to safety and save your life. Your arms aren't going to remain in their sockets Trying to hold onto that boat when the whitecaps/swells/waves become large, the force of the water/wave is way more than ANYONE can overcome trying to hold onto the cockpit or a bow or stern handhold. You will have a broken arm or separated injured shoulder and then you are in even an even worse situation. If waves/white caps aren't severe you hold on as best you can.

Third, holding onto a boat is not going to happen when You get hit with a 4-5-6+ foot white cap or wave you are not holding onto a kayak. Flat out plain and simple I'll put your idea to rest right there. No matter how strong you think you are that kayak will be ripped right out of your hands and then washed away. Trying to hold onto a boat(or surf board) will get you pummeled and injured real quick as that boat is ripped out of your hands and then smashed back into you. It is better to be momentarily separated from the boat and then when the next lull in waves/swells/white caps stops bashing you you can attempt reentry into the boat. So when that boat ends up 10-20 feet away from you with the winds gusting a solid 20-30+ with higher gusts. It is doubtful you will be able to swim after it. You'll be watching that boat of yours float and blown away while you are miles from land. That's not a situation you want to find yourself in. No matter how good you think your roll is, or how strong you are and capable of holding on YOU can be separated from your boat and that leash will be your last lifeline to safety. It's just more insurance of survival. Hell, You may not even be able to get back in that boat and be able to stay in it if the white caps/winds/swells come up. You may be hanging on that boat for dear life getting washed off it every few minutes or so. here again the value of a leash is invaluable. If you think any of the above with regards to what a tiny little kayak will be like in the ocean then you just don't have much understanding of the ocean.
If you read AND actually comprehend what I wrote you would have realized that I am advocating using a leash in open water situations, Not whitewater in a river or while surfing a kayak. AND nowhere did I say That would be in lieu of other safety techniques. When I teach open ocean kayak classes to beginners through advanced I show the advantages of staying with ones boat at all costs. And that includes using a valuable piece of safety gear a shockcord/leash.
LOL Bottomline, A leash won't turn into a Sea Monster and entangle you. Many ocean open water kayakers use them with no issues,,, as do surfers.

I didn't make this personal, that was all you.

You cited 30 years of kayaking on lakes, that was the experience I questioned. There was no mention of ocean experience at all. Even if there was I don't care. I don't generally tether myself to my boat. I don't and will not teach it as general practice no matter how vociferous you become.

While I may not be as special as you, I am hardly a newbie. As I said I am an instructor in the coastal environment, last I checked that is the open ocean. I do paddle in the open ocean, surf in the open ocean and teach in the open ocean. Additionally, I routinely paddle in 20kn+ winds and do rescue practice with others in that environment. I have held onto my boat in crashing waves larger than 5'. While I believe we are all between swims, I don't believe we are all going to lose out boat in a bit of breeze and wave action.

You want to dig at my experience/expertise, fine. I will tell you that your rant does not impress me and I care little for what you have to say when you're clearly foaming at the mouth. Your post mentioned lakes only and you also made an uncategorical statement about leashes. You do what you want, I don't really care, but your decades of experience leave you feeling awfully defensive in the face of one person picking apart one post.

LOL, You're clearly Upset and angry now....Hilarious.

No, that was you making this personal questioning My paddling "Expertise" since I mentioned a situation (large lake/winter conditions) where I currently paddle and why a leash is a very good idea in various open water situations. But I find all that amusing while You are now pouting.

You also haven't picked apart my post and reasons why many paddlers use a leash in certain situations particularly off shore open water. As all you have been able to do aside from upsetting yourself is to try and twist(that may be due to poor Reading and Comprehension Skills) what I am saying, trying to say that I am "Uncategorically" advocating the use of a leash in any and all circumstances like white water or surf zone etc. Which of course I never said.

Guy< TRY and READ and Comprehend and/or stop twisting what I post, it reeks of desperation,"""I don't believe we are all going to lose out boat in a bit of breeze and wave action""" Here again I did not say folks will lose their boat in a bit of a breeze and wave action. I stated clearly that conditions can unexpectedly arise where no matter how strong you are you are not holding onto a kayak. Comprende?????
You obviously Just don't comprehend the force of water and wave action and are to stubborn to listen. That is OK. But I hope you (ACA L4 instructor and professional instructor)don't endanger beginning kayakers by misleading them that they can and should try holding onto a kayak in 5+ foot surf. Anything more that a few feet of wave and You're going to get some man or woman, boy or girl severely injured with a broken arm or dislocated shoulder or worse.


If you can't have an adult conversation with opinions that may differ from yours without upsetting yourself and teetering on going batshit crazy then I suggest you refrain from posting on internet message boards.


....also BS to you holding onto a kayak in 5 foot waves/surf...

Here's some leashes that can work great for anyone that is looking for one. Go 10 or 12+ foot.

leash

....marky don't click the amazon link ......it'll just give you scary nightmares and bad dreams of leash sea monsters