The Urethane Cord
The length of the cord is usually determined
by the size of your surfboard. Generally choose a leash that is the same length
or slightly longer than your board. A 7' board needs a leash 7' to 8' in length.
The length of your legrope is also determined by the size of waves you will be
riding, bigger waves, longer leash. A leash that is too short can cause your surfboard
to come flying back at you.
The idea is to have a leash that is strong
enough to stop your board, but not too long that your feet get tangled in it and
that it creates to much drag in the water when you are paddling and surfing.
Thickness of the cord is also about the size
of your board, but is mainly about the size of the waves and also your surfing
ability. big board and big waves have a thicker cord. As you get better, you can
use a thinner cord 5mm - 6mm, these are generally called competition leashes as
they have less drag in the water and so help you go faster. Generally most mainstream
leashes are 7mm to 7.5mm.
Swivels
Hand tied swivels are almost a thing of the
past, although you can still find them for sale. Old time surfers still feel a
hand tied leash is stronger. In the past this was true, but with the advancement
of composite plastics and design, moulded swivels are very strong too.
Swivels stop your leash from twisting up and tangling
your feet. You should choose a leash that has 2 swivels. One at the end that is
attached to the ankle strap and one at the end that attaches to the rail saver.
Rail savers
Don't buy a leash without one. Rail savers do exactly
wht their name implies. Without it the thin cord will tear through the glass of
your surfboard when you srfboard is being pulled by the pressure of the wave.
Ankle Straps
Lots of colours and designs. The ankle strap should
be well made and no signs that the stitching might come undone after a few surfs.
It should also feel comfortable on your leg. Ankle straps can come with a quick
release tab to help you undo the leash quickly and key pockets, to put your car
or motorbike key in while you are in the water.
Which leash to choose?
Dont get too hung up on this, starting out
you are going to let your surfboard go, a lot in the waves. Choose something around
7mm and between 6'6 for a board under 7'0 and 8' for bigger surfboards. You can
find lots of pretty colours and signature brand name models. Don't get hung up
on this either. Get a leash that will serve its purpose. Big brand name and a
big price does not necesarily mean a better leash.
Most leashes actually tell you what type of
waves it is suited for and your local surf shop would be more than happy to help
you choose the right leash for you.
How to attach
a leash to your surfboard
Firstly, at the tail end of your board there is a small plastic
well with a steel or plastic bar going from one side to the other. This is called
a 'plug'. All surfboards these days have a plug already installed.
Secondly, your leash has a loop of strong cord coming out of the
rail saver. On some leashes this cord is fixed and cannot be removed, on others
you can undo the velcro bound rail saver and detach the loop of cord.
Note: With leashes with a
fixed rope cord and rail saver, the whole legrope needs to go through the loop
of cord to form a slip knot.
How to put your leash on your leg
Always apply your leash to your back foot. That is if you are
a natural footer
apply it to your right foot. For goofy footers to your left foot. Wrap the ankle
strap firmly around your ankle so the leash doesn't turn around and make sure
the leash trails off from the back.
When walking with your board, with your leash on, hold the middle
of your leash under one finger of the hand holding your board. This saves you
tripping on your leash and looking uncool to your friends.
Before attaching your leash to your leg for the first
time, you'll need to figure out which leg is your back leg. Click here to learn
about which foot is your front
foot on a surfboard
Surfboard Leash Trivia
Back in the 70's surf leashes were a piece of nylon
cord threaded through a hollow tube of rubber. When the rubber stretched to its
maximum the cord came into play to stop your surfboard. 99% of the time the rubber
would stretch to its maximum creating a real fun pain effect as the surfboard
wrenched your leg.
In those days my mother.... I mean in those days,
surfers mothers (I am not that old!!) wouldnt let us use them. They were considered
dangerous in that they will make the board come back at you and hit you in the
head. But we found a way around that and made our own
..... here is what we did..... 50% of the length,
was nylon cord, and the other 50% was a bungie/luggage rope (octupus strap)...
the ankle strap was a hankerchief. We used to hide these in the bushes and pick
them up on the way to the beach. Please do not try this at home!! The bungie part
of the leash really did make the surfboard spring back at you.
These days, everyone knows the greatest danger of
a surf leash is not springing the surfboard at you, although this is still a concern,
the bigger danger is the leash being caught around a rock or reef and holding
you under. I have experienced this and it is not fun as the pressure of the waves
against you can make it impossible for you to reach down and release the ankle
strap. Many theorise that the great Mark Foo legendary big wave surfer died just
this way at Mavericks.
You might be interested in browsing a few surf
leashes online
