How to choose a stand-up paddle (sup) leash?

This type of straight leash generally comes with an inflatable stand-up paddle board. It must be long enough to allow you to move on the board without it getting in your way. That is why it is generally between 8 and 9′ long (measured in feet like for surfing, i.e. between 2.40 and 2.75m)

The small velcro fastener loops through the ring at the back of the board.

The big velcro fastener attaches around your right ankle if you are "regular" (right foot behind in surfing or skateboarding) or left ankle if you are "goofy" (left foot behind). To determine if you are regular or goofy, stand with your feet together and let yourself fall backwards slightly. The leg that moves back to stop you falling is your back leg, the one that you will position at the back if you surf or skate. You need to attach the leash to the bottom of this leg, even if your feet are positioned on either side of the carry handle of the SUP when you paddle. If you occasionally stand in the surfing position on the board to turn while raising the nose of the board, you will not step on the leash.

Important: this type of leash must not be used in waves larger than 50 cm.

In waves more than 50 cm, the leash must be designed for SUP surfing because the leash is under heavy strain when you fall in the waves and this could cause it to break. It is not very nice to then have to swim towards the beach through the breaking waves holding your paddle. And the unleashed board could hit and injure other surfers.

A SUP surfing leash is straight and strong. Its length must be chosen carefully because the board must be able to move away from the surfer when they fall, to avoid colliding with it. Like when surfing, you must choose a leash that is almost as long as the board.

There are two ways to attach the SUP surfing leash to your leg:~- at the ankle like the majority of surfers. This is also recommended when the waves are big because it is less uncomfortable to be pulled from the ankle. The paddle is less likely to get tangled up in the leash if it is attached at the ankle.~- under the knee like a longboarder so that you can move forwards and backwards on the board without stepping on the leash. But also to be able to pull on it harder to bring your board back to you and head off to the break faster (point where the waves are breaking).