Finding The Right Surfboard Leash

By Barbara Butler


New surfers learn very quickly the importance of staying attached to your board. There is a definite benefit to using a surfboard leash. Boards come with an attachment to make it easy to wear one and connect it easily to the board. When you come off the board, this will prevent losing it and make it easy to pull it towards yourself. There are a few things to consider in the style that you choose and these will make a difference in both the way it works and whether or not there is a lot of drag on the board.

The first part you'll notice is the cuff. There are two places it can be worn. Most wear them on the ankle since this is the most comfortable. It's high and not in the way. For those that use the longboard, they often like to have them on the calf part of the leg. This, coupled with a longer leash, lets them move back and forth on the board more freely without getting tangled in the cord. Having the cord attached to the ankle also makes it easier to pull back to the board when you're in the water. On the calf, it is more difficult.

Swivels are a nice device to include. This piece allows the cord to spin freely without getting tangled or bunched up. If the cord starts to bunch it shortens its length. Having a swivel prevents this and makes it much easier to control the cord in the water.

Polyurethane is the primary choice of material. How thick it is will determine how strong it is. Those that surf competitively are more likely to use the thinner cords. Beginners usually start by using the thicker cords. The thin ones can break with a lot of thrashing around. Professionals have enough experience to know the tension that can be applied without breaking the cord.

Rail savers keep the board attached without breaking the cord. These are at the end of the cord that connects to the board. The fabric is designed to help keep the end protected so it doesn't break from thrashing movements. Thicker ones offer better protection to the end of the board but also create a significant amount of drag. The size and thickness of this is a matter of preference.

The length of the cord matters a lot. You want to have enough length to be able to move around on the board, but not so much that you are getting tangled in it. This is why the longer cords are usually used for the longboard surfers and attached on the calf. The typical size is between four feet and twelve feet long. One concern with a longer cord is getting tangled up while paddling or waiting for the wave. It can get tangled around your feet or the fin if you're not careful.

Preventing drag is important in competition. New surfers definitely do not need to worry about this factor. As they gain experience they will graduate to thinner cords and smaller rail savers. Professional surfers already have the experience and desire to reduce the drag as much as possible to have smoother and faster runs.

Surfing is a great way to have fun in the sun. Those that take it seriously will have all the right equipment in order to be competitive and move as quickly and smoothly as possible. The right leash, in the right position, can keep you attached to your board and never slow you down.




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