Surfboard Leash Tips You May Follow

By Ryan Young


Summer is in the air. Many are now starting to come to the beach to swim and surf. For surfing, experts have recommended to not go beyond the swimming capability of an individual. This means you are prohibited from paddling out to sea which you cannot swim. One important device here is surfboard leash that is attached to ankles or even calves.

A leash has four parts. These are swivel, cord, rail saver, and cuff. In regards to cuffs, it has been the standard to do double wrapping on the Velcro to ensure added security and strength. It has a padding wherein key pockets are sewn there to help you secure keys in the event you would like to place those there.

Swivels are not installed to all leashes. However, its importance lies in allowing the leash to spin and twirl on its own without your input. It also prevents tangles from occurring that are causes for tripping. It still is your decision to have this or not.

Cords are of various lengths and types. It is your choice on how long it is. These are made of polyurethane due to its thermosetting polymers that does not melt upon exposure to heat. However, when it comes to styles, it would be better to use thick cords to ensure durability and strength. The disadvantage though with that is it drags down the water making it heavy.

Leashes are connected to the board due to rail savers. Fabrics are used to cover the rails which are made out of durable materials. Strains can then be prevented to occur on cords and rails. Many recommend one with larger fabrics to enable protection from the pull on its edges caused by you falling off the board.

However, professionals will recommend to newbies and seasoned surfers the use of regular leashes. Despite its name, it still has thicker cords which add to its durable features. They know that you will fall many times. That is why they push this since it can reduce breakage due to that.

Some surfers have options to use leashes that attach to the ankles or calves. Most of them prefer the former since it will not affect the way they ride the waves. They can get comforts as well thanks to the paddings on the cuffs. If you crash, you can just easily pull the board to you well.

Some will use the latter when they use longer boards and SUPs or standup paddle boarding. Having this prevents tangling problems while you walk and stand up the board. Water will not drag this because your calf can easily pull this along as you move. Its downside lies in grabbing the board near you because the pulling will have uncomfortable effects.

If you find yourself competing, you should get competition leashes. These are much thinner and drag less compared to others. There will be less wrapping around the legs and board fins while you are waiting for it to start. It is best complemented by seven inch board length since it helps in proficiency in riding.




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