No Lifejacket, No Leash = No Good!
Many stand up paddlers don't know the difference between leash types and when to use them. There are a few different types of sup leashes including a coil leash, a hybrid leash, a straight leash, and quick release leashes.
IMPORTANT: Using the wrong leash in a waterway can prove fatal for you or your loved ones!
Lifejackets are also essential safety equipment for standup paddlers and in most places it's actually included in the law. However, there are times when a lifejacket should not be used.
There are many different types of life jackets including a few we mainly use in sup: inflatable belt pack lifejackets, type 3 inherently buoyant lifejacket, and a type 5 special use / rescue life jacket that comes with a quick release harness system.
For calm flatwater like lakes and ponds you should use an inflatable belt pack lifejacket and a coiled leash. The leash can either be worn on your ankle or on your calf.
In the surf zone you should only be using a straight leash which will prevent your stand up paddle board from getting washed into shore and potentially injuring someone else and will not cause the board to spring back to you like a coiled leash can.
You should not be using a lifejacket in the surf zone. Only attempt to surf you have considerable swimming ability. Life jackets will not allow you to swim under the waves which is necessary to not get taken over the falls and to get out to calmer water. A life jacket will also keep you close to the surface which can leave you in a position to get cut by your fins or knocked in the head by your board.
However, wearing a coiled leash and a lifejacket is a smart choice when paddling on a day trip out in the open ocean where you will not be in the surf zone.
In moving water you should always use an inherently buoyant lifejacket! If you choose to wear a leash it MUST be a quick release leash that is attached to your life jackets harness so you can reach it with both hands in case you get snagged on something.
Be very cautious and do your research. There have been reported stand up paddleboarder deaths from people getting caught by their ankle leash and dragged under in moving water current.
If you are going whitewater stand up paddling then you must wear an inherently buoyant lifejacket, a helmet, elbow pads and knee pads.
Here is a super important sup video outlining when to wear a leash and a life jacket and maybe even more importantly, when not to wear them.