Hi ,
First of all this is a debate I'm not a for or against ,I would just like some feedback.
With the increase of sharks I think we may have to start thinking if leashes should be worn.
As you know when you body drag you are a big lure for sharks. I know shark attacks are rare but they are increasing.
I think out of the two,a shark attack or board strike, a shark attack is much worse.
^^^^ I see where you are coming from but still the amount of board strikes would be far greater than the amount of shark attacks.
I'm happy to take my chances with the sharks. From what I've sEen on the few people that kite at my local with leashes it encourages bad techniques (especially relaunching in light winds) and results in more time spent in the water as shark bait, not less.
Board leash risks are both sling return and possible tangle around bar or lines.
Now using my surfboard as a kiteboard and losing it alot. Surfing without a leash has a nice freedom and kiting is the same.
Generally here along the metro beach I'm not that far out so to lose the board is not that much of a problem.
Got to agree with Neptune
I don't know of one Kiter that has been attacked by a shark but I know of at least 50 people that have had to seek medical attention after being hit by there board because of leashes of all types.
You may be a lure when body dragging but why make yourself a self chumming lure
I like kiting with newbees who spend a lot of time in the water because they distract the sharks. I personally feel much safer.
Remember, keep the biggest piece for yourself 
Remember, keep the biggest piece for yourself
More people in Aussie are killed by vending machines each year than shark attacks.
thats because more people are trying to retreve stuff from
vending machines that they paided for, but is not forth coming
So a Leash attached to your board, board springs back on leash hitting you in the face knocking you out and leaving a nasty open gash pulsating out blood.
Or no leash, learn not to fall off.
Yeh back in 2001 when learning we all used leashes. The only major injury I've had from kiting is having the Board submerge then sling out of the water and crack my head open. Even with my hand up to prevent this, missed it and whacko. But I know why you posted this, few times been body dragging back especially down Denmark way and felt damn vulnerable.
I've used a reel leash for 5 years, they are designed for kiting and work perfectly. Never had a problem as they can't retract against the pressure of the water, I actually have to pull my board back to me. Back in 2001 people used surfboard leashes so no wonder people got hurt.
People that don't fall off are the same people that never try any new tricks and hence never improve.
As far as IanR's comment about knowing at least 50 people hurt by board leashes is a joke, we are not idiots , please don't make things up.
Remember, keep the biggest piece for yourself
I take a vending machines with me. I get lots of looks and its a **** to get out of my boot but iv never had a shark bite.
I really hate sharks, all sneaky like! I don't trust em, they look shifty
IanR do tell why he's an idiot ? His choice and as he suggest he's had no problem with using one, why so much angst against him ?
This will always be reviewed every season.
If you are educated about the risks of a leash and you feel comfortable go ahead.
When I was learning I started with lessons in flat water with no waves, rips or tidal currents. I was happy not to have a leash.
When I progressed to that next early and somewhat marginal stage in surf, river mouths etc, I was struggling and a leash was a good "safety blanket" for me to get to the next level.
I got advice and the shop I bought the inertial reel leash from wouldn't sell a leash without a helmet. I respected that and bought the helmet and leash and used both without any dramas. Maybe I was fortunate.
When I went to my next stage of riding - a surfboard I was concerned again, not because of my lack of ability body dragging etc, I was concerned about loosing my surfboard and injuring someone else. I didnt want to use a leg rope as it is more dangerous than the inertial reels I used when learning on a twin tip.
I chose not to use one but I didnt use the surfboard if there were lots of people in the surf, I would use the twin tip instead.
I choose not to use a reel these days because I feel comfortable without one and I still am dictated by the crowd whether I use a surfboard or not.
i think what he's getting at is there is not a lot of scientific evidence that shark numbers are on the rise... e.g. a recent dept. of fisheries attempt to tag great whites resulted in zero sharks being tagged... though people seem to be seeing more sharks this year, it could be there's more people in the water, not more sharks
or maybe a bit of both, that's my guess.
crossed my mind though to keep things fair, if we were to cull lots of sharks because their numbers are increasing, we should also start culling a few people. and vending machines.
How about you sacrifice a goat to the wind gods each session? chuck it in the water several km away from your flying site. that should keep the sharks interested.
Ps of course vending machine numbers are on the rise. Theres no demand for vending machine door flap soup in asia is there!
My wife and I both used retractable leashes when she started kiting and had no problems. It helped heaps with saving time to get on the board.
The picture above just makes the argument for a helmet more valid imo.
Shark numbers, attacks and perceived risk......
Please look up "Availability bias", for example here:
. www.wisegeek.com/what-is-availability-bias.htm
As well as the "Illusion of control", such as here:
. www.sciencedaily.com/articles/i/illusion_of_control.htm
.....
But the killer is, even being aware of my/your biases, know that its nigh impossible for you to overcome them.
