The classic leash, while safe in the sea, becomes a potential trap in the river. Peyo, aka Pierre Moustrou, an avid whitewater stand-up paddler, realized this after years on the water. Drawing on his experience as a kayak competitor and his training in mechanical design, he has developed a self-releasing leash system: Pier eau, a hand-crafted innovation, tested and manufactured in France, designed to meet the specific constraints of the river.
A well-known problem, a solution from the field
The starting point is simple: in strong currents and congested passages, a fixed leash can become dangerous, even deadly, if it gets caught on a rock or branch. Peyo's idea: to design a system that releases itself, without the paddler's intervention, as soon as an abnormal pull is detected. In this way, the user retains the advantage of the leash in normal situations, without incurring the risks in the event of entrapment.
Three triggering forces to adapt to different practices
The Pier'eau is available in three versions: Soft, Medium and Hard. This gradation makes it possible to adjust the sensitivity of the release to the size of the rider, the technical level and the conditions encountered. The system, manufactured in 3D printing from a resistant technical resin, has been extensively tested in navigation and blocking simulation. The aim is to offer maximum safety without compromising on reliability.
A handcrafted project in participatory financing
To launch the first production run of its system, Peyo has chosen a straightforward approach: a crowdfunding campaign. The objective is clear: validate the interest of the community, finance the purchase of a dedicated 3D printer, produce a first series of leashes and, in time, pave the way for a larger-scale injected version. Manufacturing remains traditional, carried out in a workshop directly linked to the practice.
A response to the demands of whitewater activities
Since May 2024, the French Surfing Federation has banned the use of fixed leashes in rivers, in favor of quick-release leashes and buoyancy aids. Pier'eau meets precisely this requirement: worn on the belt, it guarantees rapid release in the event of snagging. Its development illustrates a responsible approach, at the crossroads of safety, legislation and feedback.
In launching this project, Peyo is not just proposing a technical accessory: it's rethinking the way in which whitewater practices are made safer. And while this leash is still only a prototype in the launch phase, it already embodies a concrete evolution towards a safer SUP, better adapted to the realities of the terrain.
