There has been much depate about using a board leash on http://www.kiteboarder.co.uk/kitesurfin ... 72#p273105
I have always used a reel leash but am seriously thinking about dumping it on most occassions, and practicing more upwind body dragging. I would add that I generally use a helmet with the leash

I wore a leash when I first started and it gave me alot more confidence when i was out on the water, You didnt have to worry about loosing you board and that gave me more time to concentrate on the kite.
I have never been hit by the board when I used to wear a leash and it doesent spring back at you like alot of people say. Im not saying you cant get hurt using a leash but I have never been hurt.

As I gained more confidence I started disconnecting the leash when in lagoons or at paddies and it felt much better and free. Eventually I ditched the leash completely and up to now I have never lost a board.

But I'd say if your out kitesurfing with competent kitesurfers then theres no need for a leash..........if you cant body drag back to the board flag someone down and ask them to ride and get it.

I think there are times when leashes would help (if your new to the sport or out by yourself) :
In big swells where it is hard to bodydrag and spot your board
Somewhere where there is a strong current/tide like budle

So if you do where a leash and are thinking about ditching it, Id say do it.........body dragging really easy anyway and a good skill to have

oh yeh forgot to say

ive got a reel 'eel' leash for sale if anyone wants it

jamie501 wrote:I wore a leash when I first started and it gave me alot more confidence when i was out on the water, You didnt have to worry about loosing you board and that gave me more time to concentrate on the kite.
I have never been hit by the board when I used to wear a leash and it doesent spring back at you like alot of people say. Im not saying you cant get hurt using a leash but I have never been hurt.

As I gained more confidence I started disconnecting the leash when in lagoons or at paddies and it felt much better and free. Eventually I ditched the leash completely and up to now I have never lost a board.

But I'd say if your out kitesurfing with competent kitesurfers then theres no need for a leash..........if you cant body drag back to the board flag someone down and ask them to ride and get it.

I think there are times when leashes would help (if your new to the sport or out by yourself) :
In big swells where it is hard to bodydrag and spot your board
Somewhere where there is a strong current/tide like budle

So if you do where a leash and are thinking about ditching it, Id say do it.........body dragging really easy anyway and a good skill to have

Totally agree with these comments Jamie. They are not the killers some people try to make out and are damn useful in many situations. The worst things that have happened to me whilst kitesurfing have not had anything to do with wearing a leash but I also agree with you, if you can go without it then ditch it whenever possible. Leashes have and will contribute to some accidents (but have never caused them) but so has strapping yourself into a huge kite and going out to sea with it, and I won't be giving that up any time soon.

I also agree with Jamie's points, I was using a reel leash up until recently when it snapped. I decided not to get another and go without and see how I get on, I didn't have any problems for around three months.

This Monday just gone I was kiting North Bay in Scarborough and got wiped out by a big wave and my board came off my feet. As soon as I got my head out from under the wave I couldn't see my board and had no idea which way it went. I assumed the waves would have taken into the shore, but it turned out as the tide was going out and the current took it further out. I don't think I would have found my board if my mate wasn't kayaking close carried it back to shore, it was also pretty difficult to body drag upwind when the white water was 4ft+ with short intervals.

I would not use one again in flat water but would be tempted to use one when the waves head height+

Tom