Restocked: NSI Kiteboarding Reel Leashes!
The world must be experiencing an epidemic of lost board syndrome, as there’s been a run on kiteboarding leashes for the last few weeks. We’re the first shop in Hood River to get these guys back in stock, which makes us pretty darn spankin’ proud. We’re now outfitted with the standard NSI Reel Leash, as well as their Heavy-Duty model. The burlier of the two features a reinforced acrylic backing, and a stainless steel eyelet that protects the reel opening.
If you must use a leash while kiteboarding, the reel leash is the only way to go. Standard surf leashes and coil leashes have a bad habit of “loading up” when you get kicked downwind, building up tension that’s finally released when you hit the water. Unfortunately, this sudden release of tension can cause your kiteboard to “slingshot” at you from behind, dealing massive amounts of damage.
The reel leash consists of a spool of webbing that unwinds as you fly through the air, and gently winds your board back up when you land back in the water. Since it doesn’t tension up and spring back like a regular leash, it reduces the risk of your board zipping at your noggin.
That said, understand that a reel leash only reduces the risk of board-to-head collisions. The only completely safe leash is no leash at all. Always wear a helmet while kiteboarding, especially if you’re using a leash of any kind.
