A kayak paddle leash is relatively inexpensive, and they do not have to be purchased separately. A paddle leash is a small piece of webbing with a loop at one end. The other end has a knot or ring that attaches to the kayak’s paddle shaft near the blade.
Paddle leashes come in many different lengths and are often adjustable, so you can match the length of your kayak paddle shaft to suit your personal preference and style of kayaking.
You can purchase a paddle leash in accessory stores, outdoor recreational shops, and online. You can find them in many different colors.
Kayak paddle leashes are also used to help keep your paddle at hand if you need to use both hands for something else. For example, a kayaker who properly wears a PFD will free his hands to perform emergency rescues. A leash can keep the kayaker’s paddle nearby and help the paddler stay safe from accidental paddle loss.
Kayakers who use paddle leashes will often attach their leash to the kayak’s stern, where it is least likely to get caught on floating debris. However, the kayak’s stern is where a kayaker might need to use the paddle in an emergency, so it may be better to secure the paddle leash at a different location on the kayak.
Having your hands free while paddling can make a real difference in your comfort level and having more fun on the water.
The most common reason kayakers use paddle leashes is to keep the paddle nearby if they have to rescue.
The most common type of kayak safety rescue (which is sometimes referred to as the Eskimo roll) involves slinging your paddle into a loop of a bungee cord or elastic cord, which you secure around your deck lines. Your paddle can then be used as a flotation device in an emergency.
Other uses for paddle leashes include:
Paddle leashes can be used in tandem with PFDs to keep the paddle close at hand when a kayaker is wearing both a PFD and a paddle leash.
Paddle leashes may help keep the kayak from drifting away from the paddler, especially if the paddler falls into the water.
When a kayaker is ashore, the paddler can use the leash to attach the kayak to a fixed object such as a dock so that it is not carried away by wind or current.
Kayakers who prefer to tow small children and pets behind their kayaks may find that using paddle leashes in this way helps keep them near the waterline.
Just as you would use your PFD with a life jacket, you should always wear your PFD and paddle leash whenever you are in a kayak.
Some paddlers use paddle leashes to attach their kayak paddle to the front of their kayak. The leash helps keep the paddler’s paddle within reach, particularly if the paddler has an injury or medical condition that may put a hand or arm at risk of entrapment or injury if pulled underwater.
Paddle leashes can also help prevent undesirable situations, such as having a wayward paddle slice through your PFD, potentially putting you in two.
Kayakers who prefer to kayak in the bow of their boat may find that paddling in this location is uncomfortable or awkward if they don’t have a paddle leash attached to their paddle.
Kayakers who use paddle leashes will often attach their leash to the kayak’s stern, where it is least likely to get caught on floating debris.
Kayakers who choose to paddle with a paddle leash are wise to keep their paddle within reach whenever they are in the water.
Kayakers should always wear a PFD and paddle leash when in-line-of-sight is required on their trip.
Paddle leashes are designed to be short enough to keep the paddler’s paddle close at hand.
However, if you need a longer leash, it is possible to wrap up the excess length of the leash around your PFD and secure the whole thing with some tape or a small length of cord.
Paddle leashes are inexpensive accessories that provide essential safety features and make kayaking more convenient.
Improve your safety
You can improve your safety with a small investment of money and effort while also making your kayaking experience more pleasant.
A paddle leash is intended to help you keep your paddle near you in an emergency. A paddle leash can also be a helpful way of securing your kayaking equipment in place or keeping your kayak from drifting away from you.
Paddle leashes are used to improve safety and convenience for kayakers concerned about their ability to rescue themselves if they get into trouble.
Paddle leashes are easy to use, so there is no reason not to use them.
Here are some suggestions about paddle leashes that have excellent features.
PROYAKER Ocean Tough Kayak Accessories Set of 2 Universal Paddle/Fishing Rod Leash
Set of 2 leashes with swivels on each end to prevent tangles
Easy double side Velcro strap, attaches to fishing rods and paddles with ease
Injection-molded plastic quick release buckle and swivels
Inner stainless steel core, never loses it’s spring form
Best Marine Kayak Paddle Leash for Kayaks, Canoes and SUP Paddle Boards. Works with Aluminum, Fiberglass or Carbon Fiber Paddles. Nylon Bungee Leashes for Kayak Oars. Stretches to 7 Feet Easily attaches to your kayak paddle with simple velcro wrap. Works great with all makes and models of kayak paddles
WONITAGO Stretchable Kayak Paddle Leash, Coiled Rod Leash Tool Lanyard for Kayak and SUP Paddles, Fishing Poles Rods, 1Pack/2 Pack, 3 Colors
Nylon and Elastic Rubber
Durable Material — This kayak paddle leash has special reinforcement with a super strong 6mm elastic rubber to make sure the best quality, the fixed elongation won’t over stretch and loose elasticity, and the nylon fabric greatly increase it’s anti-corrosion performance and longer service life
Stretchable Design — The paddle leash can be extended from 49inch (124cm) to 75inch (190cm), which is long enough for most usage, 26 inches of elongation keeps you reach what you need when paddling or reeling to a large extent
Easy to Use — This rod leash is very easy to use and attach, all you have to do is to tie the adjustable velcro end to the paddle or fishing rod and attach the other end to your life jacket or your boat
Multiple Use — More than just one kayak paddle leash, this paddle leash can also be used as a Rod Leash, Gear Leash or SUP Paddle leash for wading the creeks or flats to ensure your paddle or rod doesn’t drift away
Seattle Sports Multi Leash – Secure Stretch Lanyard Leash for Paddles and Fishing Poles
SECURE – Keep From Losing Your Paddles and Fishing Rods By Securing Them With The Multi Leash
STRETCHY – The Multi Leash Stretches to 48″ in Length and Retracts to 32″
MATERIALS – Internal Bungee Sheathed in Heavy Duty High Visibility Green Tubular Webbing
FEATURES – Quick Release Buckle With Velcro Closure to Attach to Paddle or Fishing Rod and a Snap Hook to Secure to PFD or Kayak
FIRINER Stretchable Kayak Paddle Leash 2 Pack 3.6ft Coiled Rod Leashes with D-Shape Carabiner Bungee Cord for Kayaking Canoe Surfboard Fishing Pole
Easy to Use This paddle leash is easy to use and attach. All you have to do is to tie its one end to the paddle or fishing rod and attach the other end to your life jacket or your boat with the carabiner
Stretchable Design The kayak leash paddle can be extended from 44.8 inch to 59 inch, which is long enough for most usage. 14″ of elongation keeps you reach what you need when paddling or reeling to a large extent
Durable This kayak paddle leash is made of 6mm super strong elastic rubber to make sure its service time, the fixed elongation won’t over stretch and loose elasticity. And nylon outer greatly increase its anti-corrosion performace and longer service life
Widely Use More than just as kayak paddle leash, can also be used as a Rod Leash, Gear Leash or SUP Paddle leash for wading the creeks or flats to ensure your paddle or rod doesn’t drift away. And it can as a safety strap for you when you on a boat
Lightweight You can get 2pcs kayak paddle leash, 2pcs D-shape carabiner and 2pcs straps.This rod leash is very lightweight, easily put into your pocket or backpack
