Why is the leash the length it is?

[Motion]

It is kind of in the way. Is there a reason why it has to be as long as it is?

It is a very good question - and you got the answer: It is for handle passes and unhooked use

As I ride hooked most of the time, I can and will not use such a long leash - would be a total mess to have "flying around", and in the way.

So I have a very very short leash instead, it actually only has to be 1 or 1½ foot long - much better and not in the way

Apart from the days where I dont use a leash - as at many wavespots it makes no sense and you can choose to ride without the leash (when hooked, and not having a push release - so you dont accidentally unhook)

Peter

Thanks everybody, it's obvious now. I am new to the sport and would like to shorten it, but not endanger myself, so now I know what I am working with.

So I guess that ditching the kite by releasing the leash would be in the case of an out of control kite. Maybe a broken line etc.

No QR is for that situations.

Ditching the kite is the last resort when your life is in danger. (being blown to open see with no way of getting back ,....)

[Peter_Frank]

Snip...

No QR is for that situations.

Ditching the kite is the last resort when your life is in danger. (being blown to open see with no way of getting back ,....)

I dont understand that one at all

Holding on to your gear, is the most dangerous solution most often IMO.

If the kite is pulling you towards shore or a pier or similar, after the QR has been engaged - it is extremely dangerous.
If you are a "cheapskate" and think the kite is expensive - and you hold on when surfing at spots where you could be towed around a point so it will be offshore - you can also lose your life especially in cold winter conditions.

As almost every kitesurfer rides quite close to shore - either for flat water and freestyle, or for waves, it will be way safer to ditch the kite and swim ashore.

And even if some kited in offshore wind, or it turned while on the water - I would still ditch the kite and swim ashore, instead of letting me be dragged out to open sea and in REAL danger


So I would say that flyyboyy is very correct, in saying that releasing the leash is EXACTLY for the situation with an out of control kite, no matter what wind direction

Peter

[Motion]

If you think your life is endangered then by all means cut it loose. But it should be the last resort.

Hard to describe it in few words, but i'm sure we meant the same think.

[unbob]

Anyone have any suggestions, comments or instructions on how to modify a "normal" kite leash to shorten it's length? In my case, I have a North leash.

Thx, Rob

[Motion]

I would look around to see which brand has the shortest leash. Some are very elastic and are very short when not loaded.

Don't cabrinha IDS system uses very short leash or link as they call it. Dont know about it compatibility with othed bars though.

[murph68]

I'd much prefer a belt of a nice soft leash in the face, rather than any part of the bar or chicken loop assembly

[Phil]

No Handle Pass for me ... hence a short leash setup, with front connection

Here is my setup (Cabrinha leash shortened and fixed on the harness bar)

Phil
Have Fun & Ride Safe

[joandani]

It is kind of in the way. Is there a reason why it has to be as long as it is?

normally, they are long because off the double handel passes, i thought that one year ago because in my naish leash 2010 for exemple, is long enought to do a simple handle pass, but not so much to do a double, but i have no problem until i could do double handle passes
I think the reason is that one

[tomatkins]

Here is a mod I did to my Cabrinha leash...

[Yeeeharrrr]

the leash is Also there to act as a shockabsorber, when a violent release is made, shit hit fan moment, then the boing in the elastic is very important, or you may snap the weakest bit in the system, also if you release in waves then the elastic softens the pull of a wave hitting the kite,
I remember many years ago having a leash without elastic and the violent pull pulled me over and kept yanking me all over the place, the soft boingy pull is important.