I should be suited and boarded this week so with any luck I'll be able to start dragging myself through the north sea shortly. Just wondering though, how many of you use leashes? I know elastic surf leashes are pretty lethal but is it worth using a reel leash bearing in mind I'll be falling in a lot? Or is it better to get used to body dragging back to the board from the start?

Don't do it!! There dangerous and they just get in the way. Spend the money on a helmet instead.

You will have to learn to body drag up wind - one of the most important skills to have. Also a more experienced kiter will more than likely get the board for you if you can't get to it. It's happened to me more that once!

I write my name and telephone number on the board with a CD pen just in case. I also offer a ?50 reward in case a non-kiter finds it.

Id wear a leash to being with, then once you can sail upwind just ditch it. Also, while you wear the leash you really should wear a helmet, had some close calls even with reel leashes.

Hell with it!!!

Learn to body drag upwind before you get on the board (your gonna be body draggin to start with so yo u mite aswell)

Youll have alot more confidence when your out! What happens if your sitting bobbin up nd down nd you start pullin your leash in and theres no bloody board on the end!

If this happens on your tack back in on a cross shore wind your gonna have your first lesson in it literally thrown in at the deep end

take your pick your head or ?400 deal or no deal

Ned

thanks for the replies - I think I'll give the leash a miss then. Got a lid and I've done some body dragging and board retrieval but am going to practice that some more as well as self rescue etc. Hope to meet some of you soon anyway, one more newb cluttering up the beach I'm afraid.

Joe

Ne bother more the merryer!

See ya out n about!

Dan