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Why a Safety Leash is essential for kitesurfing
The Safety Leash Kite is the final, crucial connection between you and your kite. It links your harness to the safety system of the bar and ensures that, after activating the quick release, the kite loses almost all of its pull but stays under control and attached to you, instead of flying off uncontrollably over water or beach.
Modern DUOTONE Safety Leash Kite models combine very high tear resistance with an easy-to-trigger quick release system that can be operated one-handed, even in stressful situations.
Whether you ride Freeride, Big Air or Unhooked freestyle: no setup belongs on the water without a fully functional Safety Leash Kite.
DUOTONE Safety Leash Kite: models & key differences
DUOTONE offers different Safety Leash Kite options to cover a wide range of riding styles:
Short Safety Leash
Ideal for:
Freeriders
Foilers
Wave kiters
anyone riding mainly hooked-in
Key features (depending on model):
short, compact Safety Leash Kite, less chance of tangling
very reliable quick release system
often with neoprene or PU cover to prevent injuries and damage
Long / Handlepass Safety Leash
Ideal for:
Freestyle & Wakestyle
unhooked tricks and handle passes
Key features (depending on model):
longer Safety Leash Kite for more freedom of movement during unhooked manoeuvres
reinforced materials and neoprene cover from carabiner to safety release to reduce impact injuries
Wrist Leash & special solutions
In addition to classic hip leashes, there are also wrist leashes and special variants designed for specific bars or use cases. These are particularly interesting if you are active in wing foiling or want to keep your setup as compact as possible.
What to look for in a DUOTONE Safety Leash Kite
Several factors are important when choosing your DUOTONE Safety Leash Kite:
Compatibility with your bar
Make sure attachment points and safety system match well – ideally Kite Bar and Safety Leash from the same brand (e.g. DUOTONE).Riding style & level
Beginners & progressing riders: short Safety Leash Kite, maximum safety, no unhooked focus.
Advanced freeriders / Big Air: usually also best with a short Safety Leash Kite.
Freestylers / Wakestylers: long / handlepass leash with robust neoprene cover.
Construction & materials
Neoprene or PU cover for protection and durability.
Solid carabiners with additional cover so your board or harness doesn’t get damaged.
Quick-release handling
The release must be simple to operate, with one hand and under load.
Regular function checks are essential.
Use & care: How to get the best from your Safety Leash Kite
To make sure your DUOTONE Safety Leash Kite works reliably when it really counts, keep the following in mind:
Attach it correctly
a. Clip the leash into the designated attachment point on your harness
b. Connect the safety line / frontline according to the DUOTONE bar manualTest it regularly
a. Before every session: test-trigger the Safety Leash Kite quick release on land
b. Check that everything moves freely and no sand or salt deposits are blocking the mechanismCare after the session
a. Rinse with fresh water
b. Do not store wet in direct sunlight
c. Spot signs of wear early (breaks, cracks, sticking releases) and replace if necessary
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Frequently asked questions about Duotone Safety Leash Kite
A Safety Leash (also called “safety line”, “kite leash” or “kite safety leash”) is a short, extremely robust line that:
is attached to your harness at one end
is connected to the safety line or safety system of your bar at the other end
drastically reduces the kite’s pull when you activate the quick release, but only allows complete separation via a second, separate release
In short: the Safety Leash Kite prevents your kite from becoming a danger to others after you let go and protects you by giving you the option to get rid of everything completely in an absolute emergency.
Many kiters ask: “Why do I need a kite leash?”
The most important reasons:
Safety for others: Without a Safety Leash Kite, a released kite would drift away uncontrolled and could endanger other watersports users, swimmers or equipment.
Control after the release: You stay attached to the kite while it generates almost no power – ideal to sort things out calmly.
Complete separation in an emergency: Modern Safety Leash Kite systems have their own quick release at the harness end. If things get really critical (e.g. near obstacles), you can fully detach from the kite.
Mandatory at many schools & spots: Kite schools and many spots require a complete safety system with functional Safety Leash Kite.
This is a common question among kiters. As a general rule of thumb:
Short Safety Leash Kite
The best and safest choice for most riders.
Perfect for Freeride, Big Air, Foil, Wave.
Less risk of the leash snagging on harness or hook.
Long / Handlepass Safety Leash
Only really useful if you ride unhooked regularly.
Gives you more freedom of movement for handle passes.
Requires a more “leash management” to avoid getting caught on anything.
Kite leash / Safety Leash Kite: safety connection between harness and kite
Board leash: connects you to the board (e.g. surfboard leash).
In kitesurfing, the leash is safety-relevant and considered mandatory, whereas board leashes are used more or less depending on discipline and conditions.
There is no fixed lifespan, but: as soon as you see damage, corrosion or a stiff, sticky release, you should replace the Safety Leash Kite. With intensive use, regular checks – similar to your kite bar – are absolutely essential.
Safety Leash Kite by DUOTONE
A working Safety Leash Kite is not optional, it’s an essential part of your kitesurfing setup. It delivers safety, control and protects both you and others at the spot.
With a DUOTONE Safety Leash Kite you choose a system specifically engineered for modern bars, high loads and intuitive handling. Whether you prefer a short leash for freeride and wave or a long handlepass leash for uncompromising freestyle, with Duotone you'll find the right bar for your purpose.
Set up your gear now with the right safety leash and enjoy every session with the peace of mind that your Safety Leash Kite has your back when it matters most.