SUP has attracted so many new paddlers these last few years. Unfortunately, many don’t have any prior watersports backgrounds and knowledge. This had led to a handful of incidents with regard to SUP safety.

SUP leashes

A big area of concern surrounds stand up paddle board leashes. In particular, using the wrong
type in the wrong environment. Straight, surf leashes for instance, can be a death trap in rivers or
anywhere there’s fast water flow and obstacles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NJEYNWaD8Q

A dangly leash can snag and wrap around immovable objects easily. If the rider’s leash wraps around these objects, with the 􀃮ow pulling paddlers downstream, the force of the water means there’s little chance of escape. This can lead to dire consequences. See the video below for a visual example of what we’re talking about.

NCW quick release SUP belts

Being a SUP retailer NCW considers it a duty to help educate and promote SUP safety. This is why
we sell, and now make, quick release SUP belts. Attaching a coiled leash to a quick release belt
firstly brings the leash up onto the board’s deck. This eliminates drag. Whilst the quick release belt
ensures any paddler can free themselves of their ‘anchor’ should he/she become trapped.

A quick yank of the pull toggle sees the quick release belt part company from the wearer,
allowing he/she to float with the current away from danger. Hopefully reacquainting themselves
with their board later. (This is a scenario where additional 􀃮intervention, such as Restube, will also
help and add peace of mind).

SUP safety, such as wearing the right leash, shouldn’t be underestimated. It just so happens NCW
stock these essential SUP items. And utilising our upcycle, reuse, refresh strategy we’ve also been
making our own from old ‘bits’ lying around. We don’t throw anything away!

Making QR SUP belts

NCW’s seamstress extraordinaire, Becci, has been beavering away working on the frst batch of
quick release SUP belts. As you can see in the pics.

The NCW SUP quick release belt

We make the QR belts with a pull toggle and cord from recycled waste. The heavy-duty web
strapping is also recycled waste. Same with the back handle, reflective strip, crab eye and the Dring. The only new part is the buckle, which is also heavy-duty.

NCW will be supplying these with any new stand up paddle board package purchase. Plus, they’ll
are now also in store and NCW’s webshop – click here.

Message us with any questions or queries.