Dangers of board leashes (reel type)
 

Long version:

http://www.kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2348931

Short version:

http://www.kiteforum.com/download/file.php?id=19575

Dude, that picture is B.R.U.T.A.L., BRUTAL!!!

Wow

I know right... yeeeeeouch! $20K worth of mouth damage there to save a $500 board. Just doesn't seem right. Poor girl got jacked.

Nothing quite drives it home like a picture!

I have been using a 6' static leash....is that safe?

I don't think anyone on here will tell you that a board leash is safe. Even a static board leash, I'm assuming one with no stretch, still poses the risk of the sling shot effect... If you are being dragged and suddenly stop you board will still be moving, until it gets stopped by something which can sometimes be your face!

Its physics, one of newton's laws of motion...

No, it is not safe, my advice is DITCH IT.

I have been riding for over 3 years now (not saying that is long) and have NEVER lost a board. The reason is because body dragging is easy and even while falling or getting dragged I am making note of my board's location.

If you are concerned about loosing your board in the gulf, use a gojo (is that what it's called? I can't remember) instead of a leash. Could save your life or at a minimum your teeth!

Write your name and phone # on your board.

Yeah, I agree with Danny and Tom, DITCH YOUR BOARD LEASH!!! You can hurt yourself or someone else dragging a board behind you when you crash. The way I look at it is #1 - you have NO NEED for a board leash in this sport - like Tom said, I too have been riding for just about 2 1/2 to 3 years now and also have NEVER lost a board. Even if you did, $500 - $900 to replace your board is a lot less expensive than physical damage to yourself, others or even death... #2 - you will gain a LOT...and I mean a LOT more respect from the rest of the locals NOT using a board leash as most of us out here see it as dangerous to yourself and others when you use one and basically as someone just being too plain lazy to learn to body drag upwind. #3 - as Tom stated, you have other safer options such as the Ocean Rodeo Go-Joe. If you are interested in a Go-Joe, PM bayflite and I am sure he would be more than happy to sell you one. Toss that leash bro...

Just wanted to weigh in one more time. If you are concerned with not being able to body drag back to your board in the gulf I suggest this:

#1 I'm always trying new stuff which means I'm always getting seperated from my board.

Sometimes in the gulf I too have ahard time getting back to my board. Like Tom said though, I am consistently spotting my board as its falling off.

If I am having a hard time getting back to it, I just body drag back to shore, locate my board in the water, and walk up or down the beach to a position where I can body drag back to it.

Plus learning to body drag to your board is a must know skill for a self sustaining kiter.