Selecting A Good Surfboard Leash

By Paul Smith


Going surfing is a great way to exercise and enjoy the summer. Doing so requires that you have the equipment needed including all the little parts that make it safer for everyone. Having a good surfboard leash is essential to this process. They are easy to attach and keep the board close by when you come off at some point. There are several options that you need to choose from in order to have the best experience.

First, select the right cuff and where you will place it. You can put it on your ankle, which is what most surfers do. It's much more comfortable here and doesn't feel like it's getting in the way. However, for the longer boards, you may want to wear it on your calf. These need to have longer cords so having it up higher will keep it from dragging and getting tangled in the fin or your feet while moving back and forth on the board.

Some come with a swivel. This isn't something that people think about a lot but it makes a big difference. Without the swivel the cord can get twisted up and causes it to shorten. This makes it more difficult to move around on the board as needed.

The material used is polyurethane. This is more flexible than cotton or hemp and won't become brittle from being in the water and the sun. The flexibility is also good because being able to stretch it when you yank on it will keep it from breaking. You also need to be aware of the thickness. Thin cords break more easily but provide less drag. Thicker cords are stronger but if too long create enough drag to make a difference in your performance. Find a nice middle ground based on your needs.

The material used to protect the cord from rubbing on the board is called a rail saver. These come in different thicknesses as well. Thinner ones need to be replaced more often but don't create as much drag. Again, this is a preference that will be different for each surfer.

Length matters a lot. You want to be able to move around, but not so much that the cord wraps around your feet. You also don't want it so long that the board floats away from you and gets in the way of other surfers when you come off. If it tangles around your feet or the fin on the board it can be difficult to untangle while you're in the water.

Drag is bad. For those that compete professionally, they notice the drag quickly and will change the cord and savers. The newer the surfer the less this is an issue. Starting out you just want to stay on the board as long as possible. However, competitors want speed and performance and are willing to sacrifice to prevent the drag.

Fun in the sun includes surfing. In order to be safe and not lose your board, you need to have the right equipment. Keeping it close at hand when you're in the water is the main reason that you wear a cord. You don't want to have to chase after your board or watch it float out into the ocean.




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