{"id":10796,"date":"2022-05-05T10:13:53","date_gmt":"2022-05-05T08:13:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/matos-tarifa.com\/?p=10796"},"modified":"2026-04-10T11:23:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T09:23:33","slug":"kitesurf-board-leash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/matos-tarifa.com\/en\/kitesurf-board-leash\/","title":{"rendered":"Kitesurf Board Leash"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Kitesurf board leash<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Introduction:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

Kitesurf instructor for over 15 years, I have had the opportunity to teach at various spots across Europe, particularly in Belgium, Zeeland, and Tarifa, where I founded Matos Tarifa kite school<\/a><\/strong>, one of the major kitesurf hubs in Europe. Over the years, I have observed a constant: despite well-known risks, some riders still use a kitesurf board leash<\/strong>, and some schools still include it in their teaching.<\/p>

This article is not intended to repeat what has already been said elsewhere, but rather to share a field-based experience<\/strong> (RETEX)<\/strong> and offer a pedagogical perspective built on years of teaching: understanding the risks associated with board leashes, and above all presenting safer solutions and alternatives for learning and progressing in kitesurfing<\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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* The objective is not to sensationalize the issue with shocking photos, nor to discriminate against kiteboarders who use this accessory.\u00a0
The idea is to bring a constructive reflection on its advantages \/ disadvantages and solutions.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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What is a kitesurf board leash?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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The kitesurf board leash<\/strong> is a device used to stay connected to the board when you fall and the board comes off your feet.<\/p>

Most commonly it is a retractable type<\/strong> (with a spring-loaded return system) offering a cable length of a few metres, usually between 3 and 5 m. The board leash attaches at the fins of the board, while the kitesurfer wears the retraction system on their harness. It works a bit like a retractable dog leash.<\/p>

The price of a retractable board leash is usually around \u20ac70.<\/p>

More generally, a kitesurf board leash can be any system of rope, cable, elastic, or spiral connecting the kitesurfer to their board.<\/strong><\/p>

The main argument for using this accessory is that it allows you to avoid losing your board when you fall into the water<\/strong>, since a kiteboard is expensive (yes, really\u2026), and therefore avoids having to perform body dragging to retrieve it.

The appeal of this accessory is understandable for any beginner in kitesurfing who is not yet confident in consistently recovering their board quickly every time.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Kitesurf board leash: dangers\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The main risk of using a kitesurf board leash<\/strong> is the rebound of the board during a crash or an issue with the kite, caused by energy transfer that sends the board back toward its attachment point.

In the event of a crash, the distance travelled by the kitesurfer can be relatively large; it is not uncommon to see riders \u201cflying\u201d several metres before landing in the water. Although the fall height is usually low, what is more impressive is the horizontal distance travelled above the water surface. Without a board leash, this simply results in a \u201cplouf\u201d and a funny story to tell friends after the session.<\/p>

With a board leash, whether retractable or not<\/strong>, once the cable reaches its maximum length, it results in the board being catapulted back toward its origin. – RETURN TO THE ATTACHMENT POINT => THE KITESURFER –<\/strong><\/p>

Obviously, the resulting injuries are often severe, as a twintip kiteboard is a thin, relatively heavy and sharp-edged object.<\/p>

Other scenarios are also possible when the board does not result in a \u201chead shot\u201d. The board and its attachment system can end up entangled in the kite lines and bar, triggering the infamous death loop, which is equally dangerous.<\/p>

Scientific article on kitesurf trauma by m\u00e9decinedusport.com<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
DR IVAN PROTHOY (HEAD OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS \u201cMEDICINE AND WIND\u201d; POLYCLINIQUE DES ALPES DU SUD, GAP) – DR FRAN\u00c7OIS DUCHENNE DE LA MOTTE (NATIONAL MEDICAL OFFICER OF THE FRENCH FREE FLIGHT FEDERATION (FFVL) AND THE FRENCH SAILING FEDERATION (FFV))<\/em><\/p>

To complement and support these observations, here is a selection of reliable sources and scientific studies documenting injuries and risks related to kitesurf board leashes:<\/p>

Scientific sources and studies on board leash risks<\/h3>