Paddle leashes for OC-2?

A leash for any canoe or surfski isn't just a good idea it's mandatory by the Coast Guard (unless you wear a PFD) and it's required in any race. For a two man, attach the leash to the rear iako not some plastic bracket. Do not try to secure your $3,000 boat with a $9.95 boogie board strap from Wal Mart. Go to a real surf shop and spend the thirty bucks. It will be one your best investments ever. Also make sure you know it you have a ankle strap or a leg strap. If there isn't enough overlap on the velcro ( at least 4") the leash can pull apart under stress and then you have a long swim. Believe me, I speak from experience. Remember it's more fun when your safe!

#1 Mon, 06/08/2009 - 8:05am

In terms of a paddle leash for outrigger paddling, not really a good idea as most people instinctively tend to hold onto their paddle even when they huli. Even stand up paddlers surfing big waves try not to ever let go of their paddles when they wipeout.

Even then, the paddles shouldn't get too far away from you if you do let go of it that you can't get to it. Besides, the leash would get too much in the way just padling and worse when doing changeovers. Believe me, I tried it once and only needed to do one change over before taking it off the paddle. Double bladed paddles can easlily have a leash on them that won't interfere with normal paddling.

Best advice would be to carry a spare paddle with you tied to the rear iako. Doesn't have to be a really expensive one or even the right size either as it would just be something to use to paddle your OC-1 back around to get your primary one if you dropped it while on a run.

Since this is for an OC-2, you or your partner would feel better as well if you had an extra paddle tied to your iako should one of you drop theirs.

#3 Mon, 06/08/2009 - 9:53am

Just actually having a leash on the paddle shaft would make paddling awkward.

Having both on would be a bad combination and tangle you up on the boat and worse in the water.

#5 Mon, 06/08/2009 - 10:25am