SUP Leash Coiled vs Straight - Best SUP leashes review 2022

Table of content

1.Importance of an SUP Leash
2.Parts of Leash
3.SUP leash coiled vs straight
5.Quick release sup leash
4.Five Best SUP leashes Brands 2022

Does every SUP leash the same but the price and design? Certainly no! SUP leashes have different length and types which you should choose the right SUP leash for you. Let’s take a look at this blog which I will give you some advice to choose the best SUP leash for you.

Importance of an SUP Leash

Leashes are incredibly useful and you will want to use them in most situations. For example, wind or waves can quickly move your board away from you if you fall off. In this situation, a SUP leash allows you to attach to your board and be able to hold on and get back on your board easily.

Therefore, a SUP leash is of vital importance for your safety when things don’t go to plan.

SUP Leash Length

Most belts that can be found today are between 5 and 12 feet in length. Generally speaking, the length of the leash is determined by the size of the board, meaning that the leash used is about a foot longer than your paddleboard. Most paddle boarders have no problem at all using leashes in the 8 to 10 foot range.

Parts of Leash

(1)The Cuff

The cuff is the part of the leash that attaches to your dominant leg. When choosing a leash, pay special attention to the comfort and safety of the cuff. A high quality cuff will have multiple layers of neoprene ankle padding to ensure your leg is comfortably protected in the event of a fall.

Some cuffs may have a small key pocket inside, and a pull tab for easy removal is also a handy feature, especially if your hands are wet. Pay attention to how many Velcro straps are on the cuffs as well. This is what secures the cuff to your ankle and keeps it there at all times.

(2)The Swivel

The swivel is the part that holds the cuff to the cord and is the one feature that you can really distinguish between a substandard quality belt and a high quality belt. Swivels allow the belt to rotate and twist to avoid tangles. Many of today's best leashes have swivels on both ends of the rope to ensure your leash doesn't get tangled after a spill.

(3)The Cord

The cord is the most critical component of any belt. It needs to be designed to have considerable stretch, yet be thick enough to not break under pressure. Generally speaking, a thicker rope is heavier and will be stronger.

The trade-off is that thicker ropes create more drag in the water, which can slow you down. A rope that is about 8mm thick will provide the ideal strength and minimal drag for stand up paddle surfing in most situations.

(4)The Rail Saver

The rail saver is located at the other end of the rope and cuff. It is the attachment point for attaching the rope to the board. It should have at least 2 layers of Velcro to keep you secured to the SUP at all times.

The leash is designed with long, wide guardrails for optimal protection. If you attach it properly, it should hang behind your SUP and run around the tail of the SUP to protect your board from any damage after a fall. A longer and wider guardrail provides the best protection for the tail and rails of your stand up paddleboard.

(5)The Leash String

The leash is attached to your surfboard by means of a pre-installed leash plug on your surfboard. The leash is usually about 10 inches long and made of lightweight nylon rope.

It is important to keep your leash stinger short enough to ensure that it does not hang up on the back of the surfboard when attached. If there is enough tension, your thin rope may cut into the tail or rail of your board when you fall.

SUP leash coiled vs straight

There are two types of leashes: straight sup leash and coiled sup leash. 

The former is commonly used for flat water or oceans, and the latter is commonly used in surf and other general paddling.

Coiled Leash

These belts are characterized by being rolled into a neat bundle. Stretch out when there is tension and roll up compactly when paddling. Coiling helps control the rope and prevents it from dragging in the water. It's used mostly for flat water paddling on touring paddle boards or all-around boards.

Cons: Coiled ropes can get tangled, especially if you're surfing or riding rapids on a river, coiled leashes can cause the board to quickly recoil back at you when you fall off, so be ready.

Straight Leash

A straight rope is a long rope without any coils. When you fall off your board, they don't get tangled like coiled ropes causing your board to bounce backwards violently.

Cons: It's easier to drag behind you in the water than a coiled rope, which can slow you down.

Quick release sup leash - What does it used for?

There are, however, also situations where you do not want to be attached to something that can trap you or pull you under the water, such as tree branches, rocks, buoys or other snag hazards. In the white water SUP paddling community, there is plenty of debate about when, where and even if you should even wear a leash.

Still, if you do, everyone agrees that there must be a quick-release mechanism so that you can quickly and easily detach yourself from the leash and board. However, there is a general lack of awareness of anything other than ankle or thigh attachments for leashes within the general SUP paddling community.

Even on a canal, there are plenty of snag hazards, everything from tree branches to shopping trolleys; some of these hazards hide underwater, and you may only find them if you fall in and get caught up.

When touring on rivers, estuaries, or coastlines, there are plenty of hazards, including trees, moorings, and buoys. It only takes a gentle current, wind or the tide, and you could easily be in a situation where you cannot quickly release yourself from your board. Except in very calm conditions, you will not be able to reach any attachments that are on your ankle or leg.

5 Best SUP leashes Brands 2022

It is essential for you to choose a perfect SUP leash for the environment and conditions you are paddling in.

Failure to do so may result in the leash getting snagged or caught in an obstacle and thus getting tangled. Here are 5 best SUP leashes on the market

(1) Goosehill 10' coiled SUP leash

Features

• Quick-release tap - easy to put on and take off.
• Padded Neoprene Cuff - comfortable to wear.
• Coiled Leash - strong, durable, and lightweight and avoids leash drag.
• Stainless steel swivels - provides maximum safety.

(2) BPS 'Storm' Premium Surf SUP Leash 10 Foot

Leash features

(3) Codinter Surfboard Leash, 12ft Coiled

Features

• Tangling Avoid: SUP leash with double stainless steel 360-degree swivels to stop a lot of tangled around your feet and other items
• Comfort Knee Cuff: High-density neoprene padded 2.5" Knee Cuff is against your skin for an irritation-free fit for long days in the water, adjustable strap for a perfect fit with strong extra length Velcro
• Excellent Elasticity: The paddleboard leash can stretch up to 5 times the coiled length easily, Just undo the leash string, tie it onto your board’s leash attachment point - then you are ready to go
• Premium Material: 7mm diameter rope, made of strong urethane cord to handle the longest and heaviest of the board, connection hardware made of durable marine-grade stainless steel which can be able to resist the seawater corrosion for a long time
• Safe Surfing: The 12 feet coiled leash will absorb wave impact to minimize drag and keep the board close when you are surfing. It is also great for general flat water paddling

(4) Pelican Sport - SUP Leash - 10 ft Long

Features

(5) Dakine SUP Coiled Calf Leash 10'

Features