SURF GEAR |
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The Right Surfboard Leash
If you have worked in a surf shop, then you are familiar with all the questions.
Why do I need a leash?
What size leash should I get?
What is the difference between all these leashes?
How thick should my leash be?
How do I attach it?
These are just some of the questions you hear when you "talk leashes".
Here are a few things about leashes that you should know.
Leashes keep you attached to your board. Your leash allows you to fall on a wave, or bail your board in the impact zone. After you surface, you are then able to recover your board, and get back into the "line-up". Without your leash, you lose your board, and are forced to swim to wherever it ends up. Most times, your board ends up on the beach or on the rocks. Besides the inconvenience of swimming for your board, you might also be endangering other surfers or swimmers. Your board might even end up on the rocks or out to sea. So - safety is part of the basis for using a leash. Safety of others and the board itself, but mostly your safety is much of why leashes are so important. Anyone who surfs knows that where there are waves, there are rip currents and other hazards. Your surfboard is your floatation device. As soon as you are separated from your board, you become way more vulnerable to all the hazards that exist in the ocean. So leashes are important in keeping your board close.
Another reason you need your leash - performance. In almost all conditions, losing control of your board is a common part of your session. Your leash allows for quick recovery of your board. In contest conditions, you need to recover your board and get back into position as fast as you can. You cannot afford to get separated from your board during a heat. Sure, the better the athlete, the better the control of the board. Keep in mind though, that I have seen top ranked guys lose heats and contests because they were not using a leash in a heat and spent too much time swimming after their boards.
Another reason why you should use a leash - reefs. Reefs are often very shallow, very sharp and dangerous. Often, the only thing that separates your flesh from razor sharp reef is your board. You do not want to lose your board when caught inside under these circumstances. Not only will you get torn up, but expect the same or worse for your board.
Ok, you now realize the value of a leash. How do you grab the right one you? The basic formula to stick to, is to make sure that the leash is at least the length of your board. The less experience you have, the longer the leash should be. If you are riding a 7 foot board, and are still learning how to control it, then make sure that your leash is a foot or more longer then the board. Keep in mind, that most leashes are in fact 6 inches longer then their listed size. The manufacturer usually lists the size of the leash without counting the additional length of the rail-saver or cuff. Discuss features, length, and thickness with your shop before you buy. They have likely sold a few zillion leashes and have the right answers to your questions.
Some more points on leashes:
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Thickness translates to strength. "comp" leashes (competition) are very thin. This translates to less drag, and also less strength. If you aren't sure... go strong.
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Swivels are there to keep leashes from tangling. Check them out. There are hi-performance swivels and there are junk swivels. Choose wisely
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Cuffs are "key". Look at the cuff. How easy is it to get into and out of? How durable and comfortable is it, and does it feature a key pocket?
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Rail-saver assembly is worth a look. Is the rail-saver detachable? How long and thick is it? The bigger and heavier-duty the rail-saver is, the more drag it creates.
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Regardless of the features, you need a leash that provides safety and performance. Having said all of that, let me say one more thing. Now that you are using a leash, you MUST keep in mind that when you lose your board in the water, the board is very close by.
My story: Years ago, while surfing in howling offshore winds, my board blew back at me and hit me in the face. I made it to shore, and the park rangers taped a Dixie cup over my eye. My eye had been sliced open. Long story short, my eye healed and I still have use of it. Did my leash cause this accident to happen? I doubt it, but it had something to do with it.
Your leash is keeping your board close to you, so it's very likely that you will come into contact with your board. Be aware of this when you are surfing. Surface defensively. Expect the unexpected. Your leash will tell you where your board is. Pay attention to it. If you are getting tossed around in the impact zone, and your leash is slack, assume that your board is very close. If your leash is taut, then it's likely that your board is being pulled away from you. Listen to your leash - speak its language.
One more thing: Be responsible. If you bail your board, you are endangering anyone else around you. You must control your equipment. This is one of the most important rules of surfing. Hang onto your board, no matter how hard you get hammered - if there is any chance that someone is close by. If you remember this rule, then everyone is safer. Try to maintain 15 to 20 feet between you and the next surfer, whenever you are caught inside.
Have fun.
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Content courtesy of Poorboy® |
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