How to Make a Kayak Paddle Leash

Everyone hates to be up a creek without a paddle. While this common idiom has many applications, there is also the literal translation of actually loosing a paddle while in a body of water. Fortunately this actual situation can be prevented with a simple paddle leash, which can be made in just a few minutes with materials you can find in a hardware store or around the house.

Things You'll Need

  • Bungee cord
  • Paddle
  • Carabiner clip
  • Plastic toggle
  • Scissors
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Instructions

  1. Attaching a Paddle Leash

    • 1
      Bungee cord

      Purchase 1/8-inch bungee cord from a hardware store. You will want about a ten foot length, as it's better to have too much than not enough. Bungee cord is a flexible material that can stretch up to twice its original length. Any good hardware store will know what you are talking about.

    • 2
      Bowline knot

      Cut the cord so you have a piece about three to four feet long. The length really depends on your preference. You may want to start with a longer piece as it is very easy to shorten by just cutting more off. With one end loop through a Carabiner clip and tie a knot using a bowline knot. If you are unfamiliar with this knot you can find directions on the Internet as it is a fairly simple, but very effective, knot.

    • 3

      Take the plastic toggle and slip the free end of the bungee cord through the middle hole. Plastic toggles come in many shapes and sizes but you want something that is about two to three inches long and has a hole through the center. It does not need to be a specific kind, just something that has these characteristics. The pull-chord handle for a small gas engine would work really well in this situation. Once you have slipped the cord through the hole, knot it so it can not be pulled back through the hole.

    • 4

      Take the Carabiner hook and attach it to the deck line on the kayak. You can wrap it around your wrist as well but I prefer to have it attached to the boat as it does not interfere with paddling. Also, if I fall in the water I prefer not having the paddle connected to me.

    • 5

      Wrap the toggle-end of the bungee cord around the shaft of the paddle two to three times. Slip the toggle underneath the loops, pull somewhat tight and tie the toggle end back to the cord. You will want it loose enough so that the cord can slip on the paddle but not so loose that it will come undone.