Here are the answers to the knowledge test at the end of the leashes chapter in book 1.
1. Visual indicators that you’re in fast-flowing water:
- Current lines or turbulence around buoys / markers.
- Buoys leaning over.
- Boats straining at their mooring or anchor lines.
- How fast you are moving in relation to the shore / underwater / buoys etc.
- Turbulent water – but only if the water is shallow.
- Turbulence and disturbance along the shoreline.
2. Precautions you can take if you find yourself in a strong current with an ankle leash on:
- Reduce the risk of falling off. Get down to your knees if necessary while negotiating the area of current.
- Take your ankle / calf leash off entirely. Maybe just tuck it into your waist band while negotiating the area of current.
- Loosen it so your foot can come out if under pressure.
- Avoid structures! Keep away from channel markers etc.
3. What is the best leash option for SUPsurfing?
- Straight leash attached to your ankle.
4. What is the best leash option for fast-flowing water?
- Quick-release attached to waist / torso.
5. What is the best leash option for weedy conditions (but no surf or current)?
• Coiled leash attached to ankle or calf.
6. What is the best leash option for flat water (no surf, no current, no weed):
- Any leash (but never no leash!)
7. What is the best leash option for a mixed set of conditions, where there might be some weed, might be some strong currents, but no surf?
- Ideally a waist quick-release.
- Coiled, if currents are minimal.
8. What is the best leash option for a mixed set of conditions, where there might be some surf, but no strong currents?
- Straight leash to ankle if you’re planning on doing any surfing.