A kite leash might seem like a small part of your setup, but it plays a very big role in your safety while kiting. The leash ensures that you stay connected to your kite when you activate the quick release or if it accidentally opens. This prevents your kite from flying away, allowing you to safely restart or return to the beach without your kite flying uncontrollably through the air.

The leash is essentially your final safety line. Without it, activating the first release would completely detach you from your kite, which can be dangerous, especially in strong wind or far offshore. A well-functioning leash gives you confidence because you know you’ll always stay connected but can also detach immediately when needed. Therefore, regularly check if your leash still works properly and whether the clips and elastic parts are in good condition. That way, you can hit the water with peace of mind.

Whether you use a short or long kite leash mainly depends on your riding style and personal preference. A short leash is the most commonly used version for freeride and hooked-in kiting. It is attached to the front of your harness and is compact, lightweight, and tidy. Since you’re almost always hooked in with this style, you don’t need a long leash. The advantage is that the leash gets less in the way and reduces the risk of getting caught during a crash or relaunch.

A long leash is mainly used by freestylers and wakestyle kiters who often ride unhooked. In that case, you temporarily detach from your harness and need the extra length to perform tricks without restriction of movement. The leash is usually attached to the back of the harness, allowing it to move freely. However, this comes with some risks: when the leash is behind you, it can be harder to reach under tension. Are you a kitesurf instructor? Then a long leash can also be very useful for attaching yourself to your student so you can intervene in time during crashes. In short: hooked-in = short leash, unhooked or kite instructor = long leash.

Your leash is exposed to a lot while kiting: salt water, sand, UV light, and tension. That’s why it’s important to check it regularly and replace it on time. If you see wear on the elastic section, damage to the carabiner, or rust on metal components, it’s time for a new one. Also, if the leash loses its elasticity or the quick release no longer works smoothly, it’s a good idea to replace it. A reliable, well-functioning leash gives you the confidence to enjoy every session safely and with full focus.

At Kitemana, we offer kite leashes from all major high-quality brands.
Brunotti: FEELIN’ GOOD HAS A NAME
Cabrinha: LIVE FREE. RIDE FREE.
Duotone Kiteboarding: TRUE KITEBOARDING.
F-One: WHEN YOU CHOOSE F-ONE YOU ARE CHOOSING ONE HISTORY, ONE PASSION, ONE ADVENTURE, ONE TEAM, AND ONE INNOVATION
Harlem: CHANGE THE TIDE
ION: CHALLENGING YOURSELF, EXPERIENCING NATURE, AND FEELING ITS FORCE
Mystic: PUSH THE EVOLUTION OF WATER SPORTS TOGETHER
Naish: EVERY DAY ON THE WATER IS A GOOD DAY!
North: FOR THE SEEKERS.
Ozone: INSPIRED BY NATURE · DRIVEN BY THE ELEMENTS
Reedin: AT REEDIN WE WANT TO FLY FASTER, JUMP HIGHER, AND REDEFINE ALL THE POSSIBILITIES OF KITING
Slingshot: FEEL THE DIFFERENCE