'Safety leash designs need to evolve' finds first ever independent study
The research has been published ahead of a World-first meeting this Autumn bringing the industry, retailers and safety groups together
Last updated 11th Sep 2023
Quick-release waist belt systems could need to evolve, according to the first research-of-its-kind looking at how effective they are in fast-moving 'white' water.
The new Governing Body for stand up paddleboarding has tested the different types of leash on the market and found '42% of 130 test releases did not release as expected'.
The issue is expected to be discussed at a major industry summit later this Autumn - which it's hoped will see manufacturers, retailers, safety groups and Government representatives all coming together to agree on joint safety strategies and messaging for the Summer 2024 season.
Campaigners - including Sam Foyle who lost his best friend Simon Flynn in Cornwall's Camel Estuary three years ago - have been calling for paddleboards to come with both a quick-release and an ankle leash as standard. During Simon's inquest, the coroner called it an 'issue for manufacturers to look at' and some British brands such as FatStick, McConks and Sandbanks Style now supply both types with all new boards.
Other industry players have called for better education about water safety - as a posed to an enforced 'two leash at the point of sale' policy, with the industry still divided on the safety steps needed to prevent further drownings.
After seeing the latest research, Sam Foyle said: "For me the key is that there should be a solution - i.e. a belt with British Standards."
Sam said he feels there needs to be a consistent message.
Lee Pooley, British Canoeing's head of Director of Coaching and Qualifications, said: "We don't know where it might end up and the research might indicate that we have to put more time and energy into what people are wearing - whether that means a system is created to ensure that it's got fail-safe systems.
"This is very early stages of the research but it would be wrong for us as the national governing body to not amplify and tell the SUP community of our concern of those leashes in a white water environment."
The research by British Canoeing found: "Previous research into chest-mounted leashes highlighted the importance of the leash being an appropriate size and properly fitted to the individual. Further testing found that performance improved when the waist-worn leash was the appropriate size and properly fitted. These adjustments addressed some of the inherent issues associated with quick-release mechanisms, however, over 10% of test releases still encountered issues.
"In addition, a range of factors may compromise body-worn systems even when appropriately sized and properly fitted. For example, the release buckle may be compromised or lost around the waist as the system may move on the wearer. The leash may become snagged resulting in instability for the wearer and further disorientation when attempting to use the quick release system."
The Governing body is keen to stress that it still recommends the wearing of an appropriate leash in non 'white' water - and has produced a wide range of stand up paddling guides and information
Paddleboarding is the UK's fastest growing sport and the RNLI is rescuing more and more people on them - with the latest fatality just a couple of weeks ago.
Earlier this year British Canoeing and Surf England were formally recognised by Sport England as having joint governing body status for paddleboarding - after years of rows at international level over which sport has the right to claim SUP
In February, the family of North Wales woman Emma Louise-Powell who drowned welcomed a decision by the UK's biggest retailer to change the way it sells paddleboards - but warned more needs to be done. The 24 year old died within hours of buying a new board from Tesco at Conwy Morfa in North Wales in July 2022 - having sat and read through all the information provided before heading out and running straight into difficulty
This Summer brand FatStick called on Tesco to provide safety leashes as standard with all new boards.
Where can I find advice for buying or using a paddleboard?
Click here for a wide range of advice and articles about paddleboarding from the new joint governing body, which is a partnership between British Canoeing and Surf England