Actually you can, the board still comes down if you were to right yourself or worst case, you would use the line on your ankle like a rope to pull yourself up. Many paddle boarders do so in the ocean with waves which would be a more intense situation. The tether is the same concept as for a surfboard, if you’re knocked out or pummeled, it’s an extra safety precaution that allows others to find you in addition to keeping a floating device attached. Meaning you’re a few feet away from your deck vs being being further away in a dangerous situation.
Regardless of depth, every paddle board (like a surfboard) has an ankle leash. If you fall off, you are literally tied to a huge floatation device.
You should contact the paddleboard association and tell them of your brilliant theory... They have been doing it all wrong for decades, it seems.
Actually you can, the board still comes down if you were to right yourself or worst case, you would use the line on your ankle like a rope to pull yourself up. Many paddle boarders do so in the ocean with waves which would be a more intense situation. The tether is the same concept as for a surfboard, if you’re knocked out or pummeled, it’s an extra safety precaution that allows others to find you in addition to keeping a floating device attached. Meaning you’re a few feet away from your deck vs being being further away in a dangerous situation.