Paddle leash ...

well the certain unfortunate individual doesn't have alot of need for a paddle anymore since he is the new owner of a Hobie mirage drive outback

ive always wondered about what i would do if i got away from my boat...i try to hold on to it as i fall over (at least the few times i have fallen over)

My leash is an integral part of my Huli drill ..  My leash is a heavy bungee like "dog leash",  I believe made by Ocean.  I connected it to a short rope (2ft with eyes braided into each end) that is hooked to a pad eye on the very bow of my yak. It is just long enough for me to paddle unfettered but not have any extra in the way.   When I huli in the surf I drop the paddle and protect my head etc.. More often then not the paddle is only a few feet away when I pop up but the yak may be pushed farther by waves.  The paddle drags (sideways as the leash is connected in the middle)  in the water turning the bow of the yak into the waves all by itself, all I have to do is find the floating paddle or leash and pull the yak to me like a puppy on a string. It is very helpful when you huli in surf where it is to deep to stand

My leash is an integral part of my Huli drill ..  My leash is a heavy bungee like "dog leash",  I believe made by Ocean.  I connected it to a short rope (2ft with eyes braided into each end) that is hooked to a pad eye on the very bow of my yak. It is just long enough for me to paddle unfettered but not have any extra in the way.   When I huli in the surf I drop the paddle and protect my head etc.. More often then not the paddle is only a few feet away when I pop up but the yak may be pushed farther by waves.  The paddle drags (sideways as the leash is connected in the middle)  in the water turning the bow of the yak into the waves all by itself, all I have to do is find the floating paddle or leash and pull the yak to me like a puppy on a string. It is very helpful when you huli in surf where it is to deep to stand

PP, I like.  Going to have to try that out.

-Allen

My leash is an integral part of my Huli drill ..  My leash is a heavy bungee like "dog leash",  I believe made by Ocean.  I connected it to a short rope (2ft with eyes braided into each end) that is hooked to a pad eye on the very bow of my yak. It is just long enough for me to paddle unfettered but not have any extra in the way.   When I huli in the surf I drop the paddle and protect my head etc.. More often then not the paddle is only a few feet away when I pop up but the yak may be pushed farther by waves.  The paddle drags (sideways as the leash is connected in the middle)  in the water turning the bow of the yak into the waves all by itself, all I have to do is find the floating paddle or leash and pull the yak to me like a puppy on a string. It is very helpful when you huli in surf where it is to deep to stand

It was either you or mcdc that told me about this when I 1st got my yaks.  That was some of the best advice I've gotten.  It really works and puts you in a perfect position to recover!

Pelagic: A pilgrim thanks for your post. I keep seeing the word huli, which I take to mean you get dumped out of your ride. I also see it in connection with "when" and not "if."

what about a leash on your poles?  i think its a good idea but how do you keep the leash from hampering your casting etc?  i try to bungee my poles down in the holders in case i go over but i worry about the leash affecting my use of the pole (obviously i havent used a leash yet nor have i lost a pole yet...YET)  i also worry about "going huli" and getting caught up in all those leashes wrapping their uggly tentacles around my legs and dragging me to davey jones' locker...at least if i leash myself to the kayak they can find me 

I move the carabiner on my rod leash to the elastic zipper retainer on my PFD when I am using a particular rod and leave the other attached to my deck rigging.

  i also worry about "going huli" and getting caught up in all those leashes wrapping their uggly tentacles around my legs and dragging me to davey jones' locker...at least if i leash myself to the kayak they can find me 

Two words: River Knife
or Serrated Edge
or Don't do that!
(ok, that was three)