Securing Your Paddle

How are you guys/gals securing your paddle on your yak on or off the water?  Are paddle clips the way to go?

I use a paddle leash

Thanks Mooch-

I have  a paddle leash also, but won't the paddle be cumbersome (tipping/moving around) with just the leash?  Yes - I'm a newbie and haven't gotten my yak on the water yet

nah, I don't seem to have any problems with it. I simply toss the paddle in the water when I'm not using it. Sometimes I'll secure the paddle on the side of my kayak . Almost all Ocean Kayaks comes with paddle holders on each side of the yak. Just remember to unleash the paddle when surf launching or landing - you don't want to get tangled with the leash if and when you flip your kayak on the surf.

Got it-

Didn't think about tossing it in the water.  Thanks for the tip on surf launching.

I've used a paddle leash for many years.  Now though, unless it's very windy, I have stopped using my leash.  I am one with my paddle.  I always balance it on my lap when I let go of it, naturally.  I quickly transfer the paddle from its natural lap-balanced position to a position parallel with my leg when I am anticipating landing a fish. 

I always have a paddle leash along, but I only use it when I need it.  I don't feel that my M.O. is advisable for anyone prior to becoming one with the paddle.  I wasn't going to post this because it no doubt comes off as over the top and possibly irresponsible, but I really feel that becoming one with the paddle is that important.  Paddle alot over several years, and you should be able to become one with your paddle.  Use a leash in the meantime.   

Again - thanks Mooch.  A picture is worth a thousand words; I recognized that little bungie and went and secured the paddle to the yak.  Lots to learn yet and appreciate the assist.

LoletaEric - agree.  Seems logical and yes - I'll be using a leash for some time I'm sure

Newbie Question...

Do you leash your rods too?  Even the ones not being used?

I purchased a 5 pack of leashes because I'm worried about loosing gear.  I may just be paranoid.

I put flotation on my rods vs. leashing them, unless I'm trolling and then I have a leash.   Normally I have a few leashes in my box for just in case.   When I started out I had every thing leashed but that was a mess and now its only my paddle.   And my fish clips of course.. .     Rod floatation is just a 2 or so foot piece of pool noodle wrapped around my pole from just above the reel to about the first guide and it has worked very well so far. 

I will add tho that in the ocean, I am using mostly ugly stiks paired with shimano or penn reels and none of it is overly expensive.. 

   Rod floatation is just a 2 or so foot piece of pool noodle wrapped around my pole from just above the reel to about the first guide and it has worked very well so far. 

Awesome.  I'll try this to alleviate some of the tangled mess.  Thanks. 

Newbie Question...

Do you leash your rods too?  Even the ones not being used?

I purchased a 5 pack of leashes because I'm worried about loosing gear.  I may just be paranoid.

Leash only the ones NOT being used.  The other one is in my hand.

If the boat turns turtle, you don't lose your rods.....


Allen

Leash only the ones NOT being used.  The other one is in my hand.

+1, I have flotation on all rods and leash the ones behind me in the holder when not being used.

While you're thinking about leashing that paddle, visualize being a mile out in the bay with an outgoing tide  and having it break,  I now stow a spare in the hull, it never comes out, always there if I need it.

And I didn't even need to learn that one the hard way, just took some advice of this site!

While you're thinking about leashing that paddle, visualize being a mile out in the bay with an outgoing tide  and having it break,  I now stow a spare in the hull, it never comes out, always there if I need it.

And I didn't even need to learn that one the hard way, just took some advice of this site!

+1 on the spare paddle.. I always have one tucked up in my hull and also got that from reading this site.   Since Ive been doing this Ive seen one paddle lost otw, another almost lost in the heat of a nice fish, and I think even recently someone lost half a paddle or broke one.     I wonder if someone makes some kind of super lightweight emergency paddle.. kind of like how you have an emergency tire anymore which is only good for getting to a service station.

While you're thinking about leashing that paddle, visualize being a mile out in the bay with an outgoing tide  and having it break,  I now stow a spare in the hull, it never comes out, always there if I need it.

And I didn't even need to learn that one the hard way, just took some advice of this site!

+1 on the spare paddle.. I always have one tucked up in my hull and also got that from reading this site.   Since Ive been doing this Ive seen one paddle lost otw, another almost lost in the heat of a nice fish, and I think even recently someone lost half a paddle or broke one.     I wonder if someone makes some kind of super lightweight emergency paddle.. kind of like how you have an emergency tire anymore which is only good for getting to a service station.

Snapped one @ Willapa WA couple weeks ago...was being swept out in a rip...had a half spare tucked in storage...but would never have worked...whole spare is the only way to go... did a MaGyver on my paddle with some duck tape and rope...still no help, if the wind is blowing and your headed west...FULL SPARE PADDLE...and I now have flares vac sealed on my ride...also considering adding yellow  and Red smoke flares...  Lots of Sage advice from NCKA!!! 

My leash for yrs has been a piece of rope... bought a leash with my new CARBON FIBER paddle!!! they say I'll never break... love that leash!!!  and I use floatys now...lost $600.00 in gear few weeks ago from a turtle maneuver leashs, floatys it's all good...just don't be me...I've read and talked to fellow members who have lost gear from not having it secured...ya think "that wont happen to me" and BAMB!!! to the bottom it goes