Abstract: A shock absorber is incorporated into a tether line to provide a take up device for adjusting the effect of certain instantaneous stress forces in the tether line. This shock absorber is formed as part of an assembly and is positioned in transverse orientation to the longitudinal axis of the tether, to control a designated payout of the tether itself. The tether remains as one continuous lineal structure. The shock absorber, while operating on lineal stress forces in the tether, does not become a necessary support link of the tether. The tether may be of flexible line and the shock absorber structure is comparatively compact, thereby allowing the flexible tether line to be coiled and easily stored without the removal of the shock absorber mechanism. Upon reuse, care is not needed for orientation of the shock absorber, as stress is applied to the tether line.