Things You'll Need

Instructions

1

Gather materials. You can find 550 cord at surplus or sporting goods store, while you can find the cord lock at sporting goods stores. For the heavy duty metal snap clip, you will need to visit your local hardware store. Make sure that the clip isn't too big, otherwise you won't be able to clip it to the strap eye.
2

Cut the cord to a length that suits your needs. Three to four feet should be long enough for you to paddle easily. The cord shouldn't be too long or it can get tangled up while you paddle.
3

Attach one end of cord to the heavy duty metal snap clip. Tie one end of your 550 cord to the bottom of the snap clip using a bowline knot to keep it secure. The knot is important to keep the cord from accidentally working loose. This end of your leash will clip onto the strap eye on your kayak.
4

Attach the other end of the cord to the cord lock. Depress the button on the cord lock to open it up and pass the end of the cord through the hole. Pull the end of the cord through the hole so that you have enough to wrap around the paddle. Wrap the cord around the center of the paddle and press open the cord lock again, pushing the end through the cord lock hole to secure it. The cord should be tight enough around the paddle that it won't slip off but you should still be able to slide the leash up and down if you wanted to. Adjust the tightness if necessary.
5

Try out your new kayak paddle leash.