Main category: kitesurfing holidays
Subcategory: kitesurfing holidays portugal
Main category: kitesurfing holidays
Subcategory: kitesurfing holidays portugal
In this post, I elaborate on the question of where and how you should attach your kite leash?
I think that the only place to attach the safety leash is in the front as it’s the only place that allows you to have a chance of activating it in case of an emergency. Luckily we don’t have emergencies all the time, but when we do, we need to make sure we can use our safety pieces of equipment properly so they can help us.
Enjoy reading, and if you like our post, please share below!
“I believe that with simple steps a safer experience with Kitesurfing is easily achievable. Safety first.”
– Tiago Rocha, Owner & Founder of Kookproof
In the start of the handle pass era, the leash was put to the back as riders thought it has helpful or needed to make the kite go from one side to the other when doing the handle pass.
Not long after there were some accidents due to this behavior, some riders changed this, but the majority of the public still thinks that in the back is the way to connect the leash.
I still find several people with the leash attached to the back of the harness. Connecting to the back has been changing, especially with the short leach as it is harder to connect in the back. Some people starting connecting it on the side because there is a metal ring there and some placed it on the loop, but these places are not the best as I describe below and in the video.
In the video, you can see an old clip from pro rider Karolina Winkowska when she had a problem with the bar, and the kite started pulling her in an uncontrolled way by the leash. Since the leash was attached in the back, she could not release, and she had a hard time. Luckily people grabbed her kite, and she was able to get out of harms way without significant problem. In the video, you can see an experiment that shows you that having the leash on the back makes it impossible to release under pressure, even outside and in a relaxed environment, it’s not easy.
As an alternative to the back connection, riders often connect the leash to the side of the harness. The side ring was not designed for it and in case of pull also doesn’t allow for a smooth release. On our experience, the leash can even interfere with your arm making it even worse.
So the best way is to have it on the front so in case you are pulled your body will stay on top of the line allowing you to reach the safety leash quick release easily. It will be pulling you from the same place and orientation that if you were still connected. It is allowing you to remain in control of the situation.
So let’s look at some harnesses and how you can connect your leash to the front part of them as not all have a dedicated connection point for you to attach.
You have a harness with connection point already in the front and also without any place to attach. You also have a leash that connects via a line and other’s using a carabiner.
When we have a loop attachment point, it’s straightforward to connect it either with a line or a carabiner as It was designed for it.
The problem comes when your harness doesn’t have a specific point to connect your leash. Some people connect it to the main loop, but this can be a problem as it interferes with the hooking of the loop.
If you have a rope leash, one possibility is to connect it to the metal part of where the straps connect to the spreader. Usually, you can fit the line there. In alternative, you can also use the strap themselves.
If the leash uses a carabiner, you can try to put it in the same places, but it can be hard sometimes as there is not much space.
In this case, use a small piece of rope to make an attachment point for your carabiner.
Grab a piece of line, fold it and make a knot, then with the loop pass it in the place you decided to connect and loop it inside itself. You know have a connection point for your carabiner.
However, don’t use the extra piece when connecting a line leash as it can spin and lock the line preventing it from releasing.
Some odd leashes are like a rope but end in a metal part. I would avoid them altogether as this piece can lock on the harness, preventing it from releasing.
Some harness, however, don’t have a metal part to connect and you also might get some wear and tear by using the straps so you might find different alternatives like connecting to the spreader bar, but if space is not enough, it can jam the whole system and prevent you from activating it.
Portugal is a destination that has deserved the attention of a fast growing number of travellers, which can be explained by the enthusiastic discovery of some of the most well kept Portuguese secrets. We are about to disclose one of those secrets, located in the northern littoral of this small south-western European country, with its 850km of Atlantic coastline, warm weather, and kind people. Set your adventure mode on, pack your summer clothes and jump on to the next plane to Portugal.
This well kept secret is called Esposende, a small fishing town located 45 kilometres north from the city of Porto. The natural features of Esposende gives this spot a uniqueness in all Europe for the practice of a great range of both on-land and nautical sports.
If you have a strong drive for intense moments and are open to building up some lifelong friendships outside your everyday life, you have all the good reasons to try this destination.
From the endless beach days, improving your kitesurf skills or learning new ones, to having dinner in the best local restaurants discovering the amazing Portuguese flavours. Toping that up with a night in the local renowned night clubs around, such as Pacha and Bib’Ofir, you have all the ingredients for some awesome vacations.
Hello, we are Kook Proof! We offer a range of camps, activities and accommodation for all levels, all ages, and all genders!
Join us in Esposende, Portugal and progress while enjoying amazing surf lifestyle and the local culture together with riders from all over the world. No matter your style or level, here is something for you. We take great pride in our professional staff and we will do our outmost to make you feel like home during your vacation.
it’s free….all we want is to help
get in touch!
We encourage you to connect with us on Facebook, because we can show you how great it is to do what we do. Follow us to not lose what you’ve found..’caus one day you’ll be joining us!
Stuff that cannot wait for you? No problem!
Send us an app and we’ll get back to you..
Send us a whatsapp message to +351 93 999 0070 ..
Obrigado!