The reality is that the guidance isn't contradictory. It's about understanding the environment, the risks involved, and the difference between personal paddling decisions and the responsibilities of coaches, leaders and providers. 

First Things First: Leashes Save Lives 

In many situations, your paddleboard is your primary flotation aid. If you fall off and become separated from your board, it can quickly drift away, particularly in wind, current or tidal conditions. A leash helps keep your board within reach and is a vital piece of safety equipment for most paddleboarders. 

For the majority of paddlers on flat water, wearing a leash remains one of the most important safety measures you can take. 

The Environment Matters 



Not all water carries the same risks. On lakes, canals and sheltered coastal waters, the main risk is often becoming separated from your board. In these environments, ankle or calf leashes are generally considered appropriate. However, once water starts moving, the risk picture changes. 

Rivers, estuaries and moving water can contain hazards including: 

• Fallen trees and branches 
• Underwater debris 
• Fencing and wire 
• Weirs and structures 
• Moorings and ropes 
• Natural entrapment hazards 

In these environments, it is possible for a leash to become snagged. This is why quick-release waist systems were developed, allowing paddlers to disconnect more easily if necessary. 

The key message is simple: The safest leash is the one that is appropriate for the environment. 

Why Is White Water Different? 

White water introduces additional complexity. Unlike flat water, where the primary concern is keeping hold of your board, white water environments can contain powerful currents, obstacles and increased entrapment risks. 

Recent research into quick-release leash systems found that they did not always perform as expected in testing. While improvements were seen when systems were correctly fitted, concerns remain around the reliability of release systems in certain circumstances. 

As a result, Paddle UK and BCAB have adopted a cautious position regarding leash use during formal white water SUP training and assessment. That does not mean every experienced white water paddler makes the same decision during their own personal paddling. 

Which brings us to the most important distinction. 

Recreational Paddlers and Experienced Individuals 

Many highly experienced SUP paddlers spend considerable time assessing risks, understanding white water hazards and making informed decisions based on conditions, venue, rescue cover and their own competence. 

These individuals may make personal choices about leash use based on their experience and their assessment of the risks present at that time. Personal paddling decisions involve personal responsibility. 

Coaches, Leaders and Providers Have Different Responsibilities 

When a club, coach, leader or provider delivers activity to others, the situation changes. They are no longer making decisions solely for themselves. 

They have a duty of care towards participants and must consider: 

• Participant experience 
• Group management 
• Emergency procedures 
• Foreseeable risks 
• Equipment selection 
• Organisational policies 
• Governing body and awarding body requirements 

The threshold for acceptable risk is understandably different. 

A provider may therefore adopt a more cautious approach than an experienced individual paddling independently. This is not about one group being right and another being wrong. It is about recognising that different responsibilities require different decisions. 

What Does This Mean for BCAB Courses? 

One area where the position is clear relates to official BCAB courses and assessments. Current BCAB requirements do not permit the use of SUP leashes in white water environments during formal white water SUP training and assessment courses. 

This requirement reflects BCAB's responsibilities as an awarding body and is based on the evidence currently available. Importantly, this is a specific course requirement. It should not be interpreted as a blanket statement that applies to every experienced paddler in every white water setting. 

The Key Reminder 

If you've seen recent conversations online and are wondering what you should take away from them, remember: 

✅ Leashes remain an essential safety tool for many paddleboarders. 

✅ The type of leash should match the environment. 

✅ Flat water, moving water and white water present very different risks. 

✅ Experienced individuals may make personal decisions based on their own judgement and competence. 

✅ Coaches, leaders, clubs and providers have additional responsibilities and duties of care. 

✅ BCAB white water SUP courses currently do not permit leash use during formal training and assessment. 

The discussion around leash safety will continue as more evidence becomes available. For now, understanding the environment, recognising the risks and making informed decisions remain the foundations of safe paddleboarding. 

Further Reading 

• Paddle UK: Choosing the Right SUP Leash 
• Paddle Scotland: SUP White Water Safety Guidance and Leash Use 
• BCAB Guidance for Quick Release Leash Systems in White Water 
• Paddle UK SUP Leash Research