SUP Ankle Leashes
Please do not ever use an Ankle Leash while Paddleboarding on a river. Ankle leashes are a serious entrapment hazard on rivers, as the force of the moving water makes it difficult or impossible to release the leash in the event of an entrapment.
#SUPUnleashed
We created a short video highlighting the dangers of ankle leashes on rivers: https://youtu.be/LpMgppC9upM
Lifejackets / PFDs
Personal Floation Devices (PFDs) are the most important piece of safety gear you can own. But it doesn't do you any good if you're not wearing it. Please wear your PFD at all times on the river, no matter how calm and safe the river may appear.
SUP Anchors
SUP Anchors are for use on LAKES ONLY. They should never be used on a river as they are a serious entrapment hazard. We are aware of two tragic fatalities on the Bow River where the paddler's ankle leash was entangled with their anchor in Calgary. One occurred in summer 2022 and another on August 4, 2024.
Further Resources
In depth podcast about Leash use - The Safety Break
British Canoeing - Moving Water Leash Research
