How to Use a Kayak Paddle Leash (and Why You Probably Shouldn’t)

There is very little in the world of kayaking that could be considered controversial.  Some people enjoy sit-on-top kayaks, others prefer a sit-in style.  Some people like the orange ones, others like the yellow ones. There really isn’t much to fight about.

But join a kayak forum and say anything, I mean anything about a paddle leash, and watch the waters divide.  Like the two sides of the red sea that Moses (legendarily) parted.  Like the crips and the bloods.  Like the Democrats and the Republicans.  People are passionate about paddle leashes.  Some love them, others hate them, but everyone seems to have an opinion that they want you to hear.

Using a paddle leash is simple enough and can be distilled into the following steps:

  1. Determine whether you actually should use a paddle leash,
  2. Attach one end of the leash to your kayak or personal flotation device, and the other end to your kayak,
  3. Paddle as if the leash isn’t even there,
  4. Use the leash to keep your paddle floating close after you capsize or when you are simply taking a break.
How to use a kayak paddle leash and why you probably shouldn't

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Do you actually need a paddle leash?

Whether or not you should use a paddle leash depends a lot on the type of kayaking you are planning to do. The rule of thumb is this: if the consequence of a lost paddle is significant, or even catastrophic, use one.

Some people dislike paddle leashes for good reasons. Many years hence, paddle leashes were constructed to look like industrial telephone cords with equally industrial attachment mechanisms.  The chords were heavy, always in the way and made tons of noise as they banged against the outer walls of the kayak. 

Not to be outdone, the huge clips created a ruckus of their own as they slapped the hull with every paddle stroke.  Paddle leashes have a history of spoiling the serenity of nature.

Paddle leashes also have a reputation for tangling up kayakers – particularly in emergency situations. If you capsize your boat, the last thing you want as you struggle to get your head above water is to fight with a giant telephone cord that is trying to hold you under. Paddle leashes have been known to make a dangerous situation even worse. (Read my article about the hazards of whitewater river kayaking here.)

Consider the consequence of losing your paddle. If you are setting out on a leisurely paddle down a lazy river, then the consequence of dropping and losing your paddle is minimal.  If you find yourself daydreaming as you look up at the clouds and your paddle drops, it’s not a big deal.  Your paddle is not going anywhere and, if it does, you can probably paddle your boat with your hands to catch it.

If however, you are embarking on a multi-day sea expedition that will take you through wind, deep-water waves and mischievous currents, then the consequence of dropping and losing your paddle is dire. The wind and waves will flip your kayak and you will not be able to get back to shore on your own.

If being paddle-less in your kayak places you in significant danger, consider using a paddle leash.

Perception Kayaks manufactures a good paddle leash that you can learn more about here. Wilderness Systems also makes a good one that is available here. (Amazon Affiliate links.)

How to attach your leash

A paddle leash is usually a cord that stretches to about six feet in length.  At one end of the cord is a fixed loop or carabiner clip.  At the other end of the cord is another loop or cuff that attaches to the middle of the paddle.

Where to attach the paddle leash. There are several places to attach your paddle leash.  My preference is to attach it to the bungee cord rigging on top of the front deck (if your boat is so equipped).  This positions the chord in the middle of your boat allowing you to paddle with very little interference from the cord.

Alternatively, you can attach the paddle leash to a D-ring on the side of your kayak.  I prefer to avoid attaching the leash to the side of the kayak because it creates paddle interference that can get really annoying over the course of a single or especially, multi-day trip.

A third solution is to attach the paddle leash to your PFD.  I am not a fan of this solution either because, if you capsize your kayak, you find yourself immediately tethered and tangled in the cord of the leash with your paddle flopping around your head and body, all while trying to get your head above water. This is something I prefer to avoid.

Yet another solution is to tether the leash to your wrist.  The argument is that the length of the tether cord is shorter, reducing the risk of entanglement.  Also, in the event of a capsize, you don’t risk a situation in which you are separated from both your kayak and your paddle. The risk is that, if your paddle gets caught on an obstacle at speed, you will be on the fast-track to a dislocated shoulder.

Where to attach the other end of the paddle leash. One end of the paddle leash attaches to either your kayak or your PFD and the other attaches to the paddle. Depending on the model of the leash, the paddle end of your leash will attach in one of two ways:

  1. Loop over a paddle blade with a mechanism to cinch the loop to the shaft or,
  2. Attach by velcro cuff – perhaps requiring that the paddle first be dismantled in the middle in order to properly position the cuff.
Paddle Leashes from REI.com

How to use your paddle leash effectively

On a perfect day, the role of your kayak paddle leash will be one of convenience rather than necessity.

Use the paddle leash to create more room in your kayak. If you are taking a break but remaining on the water, drop your paddle in the water to create more room in your boat.  It is easier to twist and maneuver your body around the cockpit when your paddle is out of the picture.

Don’t worry about your paddle when entering and exiting your kayak. Getting in and out of your boat is typically a less-than-elegant experience, made even worse by having to do it with a paddle in your hand. Simply place the paddle in the water and concentrate on the task at hand.  When you have entered, or exited your kayak, collect your paddle and be on your way.

What if your kayak capsizes? The first thing to do is get your head above water.  Next, secure yourself against your kayak.  Your boat is the priority, not the paddle. Once you have secured your kayak, then worry about the paddle.

There is a slim chance that your body could get tangled up in the paddle leash such that you can’t escape.  Hopefully this will never happen.  However, you should always carry a knife in an accessible pocket of your PFD. If necessary, use this knife to cut the cord away and release your body.

Remove the leash when entering a surf zone. If you are paddling with a leash in the ocean, plan to remove the leash when entering and exiting the surf zone.  There is significant risk of entanglement if you capsize in a surf zone.  Best to keep safe by paddling with an attached leash only when beyond the surf zone.  Approach your launch and landing without a paddle leash.

Consider a paddle leash at night. If your expeditions last deep into the night, consider a paddle leash.  Should you nod off and your black carbon paddle drops in the water, you may not be able to find it again in the pitch dark.  Keep the leash attached to avoid losing your paddle at night.

Carry a back-up break-down paddle. If the consequence of losing your kayak paddle is dire, consider bringing an extra break-down paddle and securing it inside your kayak. Still use a paddle leash, but be confident knowing that you have a back-up paddle just in case.

DIY alternatives to the store-bought leash

Kayakers that spend time on sea water expeditions often have strong opinions about kayak paddle leashes.  In fact, their opinions are so strong that they choose to go the DIY route and construct their own.

Remember that a kayak paddle leash is simply a six foot-ish stretchy cord with a mechanism to attach one end of the leash to the boat or kayaker and the other end to the paddle.

Also remember the bad things about paddle leashes that kayakers want to improve.  Commercial leashes are often too long, too heavy and too loud.

The DIY solution is to construct a leash of custom length out of thin shock cord with a fixed loop or lightweight carabiner to attach to the kayak and a lightweight Velcro cuff to attach to the paddle shaft.

The weakest links in the system are the attachment points. 

The Velcro straps need to be long enough to wrap two or three times around the paddle shaft in order to keep from undoing.

Also, the Velcro cuff tends to want to slide along the shaft as you paddle.  To remedy this, apply a rubber or silicon spray to the inside of the Velcro to keep the leash stable.  You will need to reapply this spray coating periodically.

Plastic carabiners and snap clips tend to fatigue and break over time. If your kayak has a dedicated attachment point, consider threading a short section of cord through this attachment point and knotting a loop that can be clipped to by the paddle leash. This will allow for a strong attachment while keeping the stainless steel carabiner from slapping the hull.

Parting thoughts.

In summary, I suggest considering a paddle leash when the probability of losing your paddle is high, the consequence of losing your paddle is dire and the risk of entanglement is low.

Experienced kayakers tend to think more favorably about paddle leashes in open sea expedition-type environments and less favorably in white water situations.

Be thoughtful about where and how you intend to kayak and the consequences (and remedies) of losing your paddle.  Make your decision based on thoughtful, sound counsel.  Don’t decide based on negative peer pressure or a witty one-liner that you read in a paddling forum.

If you decide to use a paddling leash, find or construct one that is appropriate for your needs. The best leashes are the ones you forget are there until you absolutely need them.