Leash me to Yak

As every one says, it certainly seems like a bad idea to leash yourself to the kayak in the surf zone. But, I'm wondering if anybody leashes out in open water. I never have, but have thought it would be a good idea on the AI when sailing at a decent clip in rough conditions...

When I started, I'd leash. If I go out alone and plan to be a ways offshore, I would still consider doing so.  haven't in years, though.  And yes, always unhook paddle leash for surf lauch and landings.  Let that boat go.

I leash my rods while traveling with short bungees.  Knife is on my vest.  And it's very sharp.

Bushy

Surfers use leashes as much or more to protect other surfers from runaway boards as to be able to easily retrieve their own boards. 

Nowhere Man: Conventional sailboats (at least monohulls) will normally round up into the wind  when you let go of the tiller (search "weather helm"), which puts the boat in irons (making the sails luff or flap in the wind) even if the sheet is cleated, keeping it somewhere nearby for at least a short while so you can get back on board.  But on your kayak*, I imagine your rudder  stays where you set it until you reset it, so it could sail away if you fall off and your body weight isn't needed to keep it upright.  So if you need to cleat the mainsheet, it seems it would be much better to use a jam cleat where you can hopefully un-cleat with a jerk as you fall off.  Even better, there is a small winch for small boats,  that is the size of a door knob, it has a ratchet mechanism inside, and you can wrap the sheet around it to take a load off your hand, and if you capsize, the sheet goes free.

I used to use a surf leash as my bowline and I’d leash up to my ankle offshore.  There’s always dissenting opinions on this due to potential tangling hazard, which always seemed ridiculous to me.  If you wind up in the water, in a howling wind or ripping current, its gonna be your lifeline.

I fished on my own a lot and have had a few emergencies on yak and boat.  There’s always a holy shit moment when you realize there’s an issue. I’d rather have a means to save myself and not be so dependent on a handheld radio with some severe limitations. It’s gonna be utter despair when you’re broadcasting and realize that the cavalry isn’t coming.  Just my take on it, rather have it and not need it than vice versa.

I used to use a surf leash as my bowline and I’d leash up to my ankle offshore.  There’s always dissenting opinions on this due to potential tangling hazard, which always seemed ridiculous to me.  If you wind up in the water, in a howling wind or ripping current, its gonna be your lifeline.

I fished on my own a lot and have had a few emergencies on yak and boat.  There’s always a holy shit moment when you realize there’s an issue. I’d rather have a means to save myself and not be so dependent on a handheld radio with some severe limitations. It’s gonna be utter despair when you’re broadcasting and realize that the cavalry isn’t coming.  Just my take on it, rather have it and not need it than vice versa.

Hear, hear!

I have most of my stuff leashed and may change that soon. My rod, net, shark shield, and paddle are leashed. I may change my leashing habits at least with my paddle while launching and landing.

I always carry this with me just in case I get separated from my yak. I have it leashed inside of one of my PFD pockets.  https://www.acrartex.com/products/resqlink-plb

I bought the ACR when we used to go offshore for crabs in a Zodiac, sometimes we would be way out there. Cheap insurance if you ask me. The batteries are good for 5 years.

I don't see a downside in having an ankle leash while off shore (not in surf zone) if it's out of the way.  Easy to just hook one up near the bow. 

However, I don't really see the kayak getting out of reach if you fall out unless you can't swim for some reason. 

I've SUPd and surfed leash less and I've never not been able to swim to catch up to my boards when they separate from me. 

However, we've all seen the reports of kayaks floating around and the person missing so it does happen.

Yeah, I don't think being separated from the yak would ever happen. The ACR make me feel more comfortable if I am out by myself.

I have gone over and never had a problem getting back to the yak. But while I'm out there on my own and I may have lost my primary and backup paddle some how, or a shark bit the yak and it is taking on a lot of water at least I have a solid location device. Of course the best thing is to go out with other people but sometimes the conditions are right and you gotta go...

 

I always carry this with me just in case I get separated from my yak. I have it leashed inside of one of my PFD pockets.  https://www.acrartex.com/products/resqlink-plb

I’ve got one too. Worthwhile investment, IMHO, especially if you go solo.

Your yak can get away from you if wind is blowing hard enough or if swell and wind waves carry it away

I learned the hard way wind can blow my yak faster than I can swim

Ive had it happen twice, once at China Ladder and once a mile or so south of Pigeon Pt, not fun either time

Big difference between a leash and a line to your yak

I always put a fat yellow braided nylon line to the nose of my yak if conditions are even borderline

When things go south everything gets stowed and the loop on the line goes tight on my wrist

As far as getting through the surf zone if you come in and it’s breaking big you can jump in for the swim and control your yak w the line

Works like a charm

Big difference between a leash and a line to your yak

I always put a fat yellow braided nylon line to the nose of my yak if conditions are even borderline

When things go south everything gets stowed and the loop on the line goes tight on my wrist

As far as getting through the surf zone if you come in and it’s breaking big you can jump in for the swim and control your yak w the line

Works like a charm

Listen to this man.

Big difference between a leash and a line to your yak

I always put a fat yellow braided nylon line to the nose of my yak if conditions are even borderline

When things go south everything gets stowed and the loop on the line goes tight on my wrist

As far as getting through the surf zone if you come in and it’s breaking big you can jump in for the swim and control your yak w the line

Works like a charm

Listen to this man.

Always!

I have most of my stuff leashed and may change that soon. My rod, net, shark shield, and paddle are leashed. I may change my leashing habits at least with my paddle while launching and landing.

I always carry this with me just in case I get separated from my yak. I have it leashed inside of one of my PFD pockets.  https://www.acrartex.com/products/resqlink-plb

I bought the ACR when we used to go offshore for crabs in a Zodiac, sometimes we would be way out there. Cheap insurance if you ask me. The batteries are good for 5 years.

I like the thought of an ACR, I solo a Lot during weekdays when there’s not a lot of people around...

That and a shark shield will be my nxt big purchase...

Thx for info...

And as far as leash’s go... NOT 8’)


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Big difference between a leash and a line to your yak

 
I'm a new guy here & this is my first post other than my introductory post.

This may be a 'dumb question', but what is the difference between a leash to your kayak & a line to your kayak, or did I miss something?  Thanks.

Lash it down- as said. & timing is the rest,,,,,