Well... I thought these leashes were supposed to be pretty safe. I have used them pretty much since they came out. 35 Knots up at The entrance Lake and a loaded up Retractable leash... I came off close to shore followed by a crack in the head and a nasty 2 inch slice to the head. Followed by 3 hours at Gosford Hospital and leaving there cas they were pathetic.... so off to Prince Of Whales Randwick for another 2.5 hours.... Anyway my point is I hope no-one else uses these things anymore because they can do damage.... I know I shouldn't have been using it but I have kind of always used it in the past. Keep safe and don't be a nincompoop like me...
Yo
Retractable leashes are great! for a camping clothes lines!
oh and trips to the hospital!
Heal well dude body dragin is the answer!
Sorry to hear of your injury. 
www.seabreeze.com.au/Articles/Kitesurfing/Should-I-use-a-board-leash_903067.aspx
Ouch dude. hope it heals up alright..
i was the kid there with the 12 rebel..
i saw your crash and said i wonder if he got smaked on the head..
Unlucky dude it will heal
I highly reccomend not using a leash you can upwide body drag to your board.
I've been using a retractable leash, Gath Visor Helmet and an impact vest for 3 yrs now and have had no problems at all, sure it's hit me a few times but that's why you wear a helmet and impact vest. Now i know I'm going to cop sh!t but honestly that injury wouldn't have happen if Jowett was wearing a Gath Visor Helmet and an impact vest too. I've been hit in the head with my bored and the helmet does its job like its supposed too(I write that with a few twitches of the head). i know there's still an element of danger with the leash, however we're all responsible for kiting with a bit of common sense, unfortunately some people learn the hard way...... Jowett 35 knots of wind demands respect one way or another...... 
Sorry to hear of your injury.
Jowett I'm curious to see what and where your injury is, can you please post a pic?
Gath Visor Helmethttp://www.gathsports.com/products.php
Impact vests
www.kitepower.com.au/catalog/category_316_Impact_Vests__Helmets.html
A different recent incident from the states for an unfortunate lady kitesurfer (this was also a reel leash)
kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2348931&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
Look away if you're squimish 
that last pic should be on the packet.
i have a reel. never had a drama as i only used it in flat, lighter conditions, but...
that image will stay with me evry time i look at the reel. seems i have a new clothes line.
thats just wrong.
I do think a gaff helmet is the way to go especially in heavier conditions. The girl in this post with the mouth gash couldn't agree more.
My leash has been promoted to clothes line duties. Hope everyone got some awesome kiting in over the weekend...
Jowett
Nice one may to go! Mate get out there and work hard on ya body draging youll never look back! and see a board flying at you at 200ks/hr
