In world first, surfboard leashes banned at surf park following tragic fatality.

A brave new future?

Not often does surfing’s most popular, and only, safety advancement of the last 50 years come under fire but we live in unprecedented times.

Following this past April’s utterly tragic death at a river surf park in Bend, Oregon, wherein 17-year-old Ben Murphy became trapped underwater for six minutes, staff undertook a rigorous evaluation as to what led to the horror.

It was determined that there was a gap between a gate and a solid block that gives the wave its shape. That has since been addressed along with a sweeping ban on leashes.

Per the report:

The review also found that a leash attached between Murphy’s leg and his surfboard, as well as low water conditions, may have played a role in his death. To that end, the parks department said it will prohibit the use of leg leashes at the Bend Whitewater Park for now. That rule may be adjusted in the future.

Parks staff said if people violate the leash ban, they may flatten the surf wave to gain compliance. They are also recommending that people wear helmets and a personal flotation device when surfing on the wave.

All much common sense but imagine the carnage this leash ban would impose on ocean beaches. Many 8 foot funboards rolling through lineups, knocking heads, causing ouchies. With helmets and personal flotation devices, though, maybe not too bad?

A brave new future?

Something to think about.