What are your thoughts on a waist leash that attaches directly to your body vs a quick release leash attached to your PFD?

I have both, but I've found I like having a leash attached to my PFD so I always know where the quick release is. I have one of these:

www.coloradokayak.com/Salamander-SUP-Lea...sc=62&category=37848

..and often times the belt will rotate around my body when I go for a swim. It can make finding the release point tricky.

I prefer it separate from the PFD - As a stand alone system with its own quick release mechanism.

Any particular reason? And is there anything you do to keep the quick release from rotating around your body when you swim?

When I'm in a situation where I need a leash with safety release, I'm also wearing a PFD anyway. If that's a PFD with built in cowtail & release, I attach a leash to that. If it's a simpler PFD, I just attach the safety leash (mostly a Badfish Releash) to the PFD somewhere near the waist, so I always know where the safety handle is.

Because I'm not using a kayak life jacket which is not nearly long enough to protect your lower spine from impacts - its designed for a kayak - not an SUP

The way my jacket is set up, the belt cannot rotate.

Ahh! I see! It's around your chest over your PFD. I never thought of trying that. I'll try that next time I'm out!

Speaking of PFDs... do they make PFDs that protect your spine?

$145 - available in the Spring 2014

NIce! Want!

Great idea to take a fresh look at the PFD from the SUP perspective, specifically for the river. Many jackets out there may or may not be the best for stand up paddlers as they where designed for kayakers. We should make sure that anytime we use a piece of equipment we stop and ask our-self the questions "Is this right for me and what I want to do?" I buy things that are designed for kayakers or surfers, or sailors all the time for SUP, but they also suit my needs without glaring compromises. I also still kayak and surf so from a financial stand point it is great to kill 2 birds with the same $100; given your are not opening yourself up to risks that you are unaware of. I very much appreciate Corran and the other designers, manufacturers and innovators posing questions and trying out different solutions.

For me I think it is important for their to be options for paddlers, with respect to all safety equipement especially leashes and PFD's. Helmets should be included in this as well; we should as an industry at least ask the questions. If the answers is something that is already out there then go buy it.

I would say that any PFD that is not USCG (in the US) and UL (Underwriters Laboratories) approved should be approached with caution.