On 9/4/2023, the British Canoeing Awarding Body (BCAB), as the UK National Governing Body for Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), strongly recommend that SUP paddlers DO NOT use any leash system while paddling on white water.
Furthermore, BCAB no longer allows for any SUP leash system within a white water environment they are involved in such as competitions, training, etc.
HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO RIVER SURFING?
This is the second time quick release leashes have ben banned. First being Bend Wave in Oregon after the death of a river surfer in 2022 at their wave. In both instances, all leashes are not permitted be they regular board leashes (ankle for example) or quick release leashes of any type.
Once again, the supposed safety of quick release leashes has come into serious question.
BCAB’S REASON FOR BANNING QUICK RELEASE LEASHES
The British canoeing organization recently commissioned research into the use of quick release leash systems in a white water environment. Results showed an unacceptable rate of quick release leashes that did not release as expected. Therefore, the organization has reversed their prior recommendations of promoting using quick release leashes to now, a total ban of leashes in white water including all quick release leashes.
Here is a link the to BCAB news release “Guidance for quick release leash systems in a white water environment” https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/news/2023/guidance-for-quick-release-leash-systems-in-a-white-water-environment
PENDING FURTHER RESEARCH
The complete research report on quick release leash systems was not published by BCAB and their news release is confusing as to what exact type of quick release system(s) were tested; however, their news release appears to have initially focused on waist-worn belt style attached quick release leashes. The news report also references pending further research on quick release leashes.
BELT QUICK RELEASE LEASHES DANGERS
BCAB reported that research into waist-worn leash systems in a white water environment found that 42% of 130 test releases did not release as expected. Even after adjusting the belts (did not specify how adjusted), the failure rate improved but still did not release as expected with a failure rate of 10%.
REASONING FOR FAILURE OF QUICK RELEASE LEASHES
BCAB stated that, “….. 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.“
CONCLUSION
There needs to be a complete culture shift in river surfing to part ways from SUP and kayak (and at times ocean) with their promises of safety that is actually proving to be misleading, dangerous, and deadly for river surfers. Prime example is the SUP style quick release leashes that are currently considered the gold-standard of the best way to attach your board to your person in the river, but in reality has never been proven to work as claimed. Research now is showing that these SUP style quick release leashes that sell themselves as safe are in truth a considerable danger to the users.
River surfing specific gear and methodology needs to be developed. For example; leashes that self-release as a back-up to quick release; vests designed specifically for river surfing; swift water training for river surfing that is free (no fee’s for training). etc.
LBK
Comments section once again is left open.
The Denver Surf Report 
As someone in the health and safety field, I agree 100% that gear needs to be made specific for river surfing along with free training to stay safe. I’d rather wear a leash than no leash as I’d rather not lose my board too.
I am certainly glad that my quick release leash worked for me when I had use it river surfing. It was a text book entanglement. My leash snagged something on the bottom of the river behind Brennan’s wave preventing me from being able to reach the surface. After several seconds I was able to reach down and pull the release tab on my knee cuff, and swam to the surface. My board stayed down for a longer period after I surfaced. I was shaken up by the event, but I’m glad I frequently test my leashes for efficacy, and muscle memory. Luckily the water that I was entangled in was turbulent enough for me to reach my leash cuff. Several people witnessed the incident, and confirmed my board was tomb-stoning before being completely sucked under water by the tension on the leash and current. I remained remained under water for maybe 10 seconds tops. We don’t tend to make rules, and prescribe gear for river surfers here, and that is not what I am trying to do here. This is just an anecdote, and sharing of experience. Stay safe! 🤙
I’ve decided leashless is the way.
All the leash does is encourage you to be lazy. Going leashless, just like in the ocean, teaches to maintain focus on staying in control of your board. Lose control of your board and you risk smashing up your equipment and/or face.
It just looks better too.
I am certainly glad that my quick release leash worked for me when I had use it river surfing. It was a text book entanglement. My leash snagged something on the bottom of the river behind Brennan’s wave preventing me from being able to reach the surface. After several seconds I was able to reach down and pull the release tab on my knee cuff, and swam to the surface. My board stayed down for a longer period after I surfaced. I was shaken up by the event, but I’m glad I frequently test my leashes for efficacy, and muscle memory. Luckily the water that I was entangled in was turbulent enough for me to reach my leash cuff. Several people witnessed the incident, and confirmed my board was tomb-stoning before being completely sucked under water by the tension on the leash and current. I remained under water for maybe 10 seconds tops. We tend not to prescribe gear for river surfers here, and that is not what I am trying to do. This is just an anecdote, and sharing of experience. Stay safe! 🤙
Thanks for the share. Assume you had an XM calf quick release or DaKine calf quick release. We have all been told and lead to believe you need the quick release on your waist or pfd because you could never be able to reach down to even your calf. Your situation disputes that adage of not being able to get to ones knee/calf release. Though you do mention water being turbulent enough to do so… This is where real research is needed on how difficult would it be to get to your calf/knee… Glad you survived and again thanks for sharing your NDE experience.
Yes it was a XM calf quick release. It happened right behind Brennan’s wave (Missoula, MT) where the water is quite turbulent and loses lots of energy. I am not sure I would have been so lucky on some another waves with more powerful flow behind it. It will be valuable research indeed. Glad to see this discussion underway, and happy to share my story.