It's a little piece of equipment that keeps the paddle secured to the kayak - in the event that your hands slip off the paddle and it (or you) goes overboard.

It's one of those things that you don't think about until you need it - then you say "glad I got it".

These are a low cost piece of equipment that's nice to have. They are especially useful to photographers concentrating on their shots and fishermen focused on "finding the big one"!

Types:  Basically, there are two types being manufactured, a bungee cord type and a coiled cord type - they both work equally well.

• The coil type stretches, some up to 7' when uncoiled - about 13" or so coiled.

• The bungee type uses a comparable length of approximately 3/16" stretch cording fitted with the same fastenings.

One end is clipped to deck lashing, sometimes an eye in the center of the cockpit or attached to the bow, with a snap hook made of nylon, stainless steel or brass. The other end is fastened (usually with a Velcro type material) to the middle of the paddle shaft.

Price:  Approximately $7 - $30, about $20 is the average. If you're contemplating making one for yourself, the materials will probably cost you nearly the same amount as purchasing one.

Features:  The less expensive leashes may not be fitted with swivel clips rendering them a bit more cumbersome. Swivel clips are an improved feature, designed to prevent tangling, in my opinion worth the extra dollars.

This deluxe paddle leash allows you to free up both hands when needed without the chance of losing a paddle. High-quality coil stretches from 1.5 to 5.5 ft. and snaps back to its original shape. Snap hook clips securely on to a deck line, while 1.5" webbing with hook and loop securely wrap around the paddle shaft. Stainless steel swivels on both ends eliminate twisting and help ensure the leash's long life.

Some leashes come with a small carry case that'll clip on to other gear. This is a nice little extra to keep it out of the way when traveling or not in use.

This compact paddle leash with bag is from Carlisle®. Light and stretchy 1/8-inch bungee-cord leash with webbing wrap affixes securely to a paddle shaft via a hook-and-loop closure. Neoprene-padded wristband with hook-and-loop closure can be attached to the leash swivel-hook to secure paddle to the kayaker. Leash swivel-hook can also be attached directly to kayak deck rigging to keep paddle and kayak together. Low-profile carry bag stores leash when not in use and can affix to a PFD, deck rigging or deck bag via webbing loop on back or plastic swivel-hook. Use of leash also allows kayaker to free up hands for photography, fishing or access to hatches.

This simple-to-use paddle leash prevents fishing line from getting tangled when reeling in the big one! The use of coil-free bungee cord allows fishing line to slide freely past the leash without tangling. Attaches simply by wrapping the nylon webbing loop around paddle shaft, and then feeding bungee cord through the center of the loop. Leash swivel-hook can be attached directly to kayak deck rigging to keep paddle and kayak together. Use of leash allows kayaker to free up hands for fishing, photography or access to hatches.

So, is this necessary equipment?
           
Nope - but it is some peace of mind.

So you won't be "up the creek without a paddle"!
(Oh come on, you were thinking it too.)