Answer
A coiled leash keeps your board nearby after falls—critical in wind that separates you from a drifting board. Quick-release leashes matter in current. Rental fleets fit leashes at the dock; never paddle ocean surf without one.
Sources: Visit Ocean City · Maryland DNR · U.S. Coast Guard
Editorial visitor guidance for Ocean City, Maryland. Confirm current Town of Ocean City, Maryland DNR, NPS Assateague, and NWS rules when regulations or safety apply.
