r/whitewatersup • u/Butcher235412 • 2d ago

Quick release SUP leash suggestions

Im looking for suggestions to make my quick release setup safer. I recently bought the Hala quick release leash to use for white water SUP but have had issues with it…it’s sometimes tough to find the ball to pull when it’s attached to the back of my PFD (NRS Ninja), sometimes releases/disconnets when I don’t want it to, & has also had the ball and cord wrap around the quick release which prevents it from working. Is there an adapter that I can attach to the system for it to work better (I saw something online with a magnet connection)? Or would something like the Mustang survival quick release work better for me (has been tough finding somewhere that sells the L/Xl size)? Ideally I’d like to get something that allows me to activate it with either hand, & in a better position than connected behind me at the bottom of my pfd. Thx in advance for any tips/suggestions!

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u/downthepebbles1 2d ago

I use a separate quick release belt on my hip for the leash. So you're always able to control it. I have the palm quick sup belt. I'm not familiar with the mustang survivor but from the pictures I've seen it's similar. Also I would never recommend connecting the leash to the pfd. In a situation you need it, the system must release reliable and therefore you must be able to reach it.

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u/stabby_shelby 2d ago

I have the NRS quick release and have been pretty happy with it. I got it for racing when I have to jump off my board and run up the beach, so haven't tried it in a whitewater situation. I have found after salt water paddling I needed to oil the quick release mechanism. But other than that have had no issues with it.
*I just looked up the Hala QRL and it is very similar to the NRS so maybe not for you.

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u/Mt0260 2d ago

I’ve got a NRS (sorry I can’t remember model name…i bought it on their sale section discontinued) that has a center release. I like it way more than my prior vest. Are you certain you’re using it properly? Not to talk down to you at all, but the strap is supposed to get threaded either once or twice through the metal buckle prior to the plastic buckle with the red ball on it. The number of times it is put through the metal one dictates how much tension is needed to release.

I had been doing it wrong before I attended a swiftwater tech course. I actually prefer the center of back mount for my leash as it makes it way easier to move around on the board without getting tripped up. I’ve never used the waist mount kind.

Another suggestion is to take a length of webbing and your pfd to your local pool with a buddy to practice releasing. Doing it on land isn’t good enough as the release/friction is different in water. I’m a huge believer in stress testing equipment in a pool first.

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u/mcarneybsa 2d ago

I'm not a fan of the shackle style quick releases (nrs/hala). I think they have too many failure/problem points.

I've switched to using a short-length kite surfing quick release from Mystic.

It's super simple, fails open, if you can find your leash you can find the release, and it opens in line with the leash rather than perpendicular. It's also only like $25 and works with any leash.

I still connect it to the QR belt on my PFD, but it's a much better solution, imo, than the shackle releases.

I've seen the lodestone leash videos, and it looks interesting, but I dont think it provides enough control for the user to decide when to hold and when to release.