Finding The Right Surfboard Leash

By Barbara Butler


Losing your board can be an expensive proposition. Most surfers know the benefits of using a surfboard leash. In fact, boards already come with the attachment so you can wear one and easily connect it to your board. Having one on when you come off the board prevents losing it, but there are several styles to choose from that make a difference in how well they work and drag on the board.

The first piece is the cuff. Most surfers wear it on their ankle. It is typically more comfortable and makes it much easier to kick your leg and pull the board back towards yourself. For those using a longboard, they will find that having one worn on the calf of the leg will work better. This is because they want to have a longer leash to be able to move around on the board without getting tangled.

Swivels are optional. At first, you might not think this is a big deal, but if the cord starts to wind up from being twisted around, you'll be glad you have one. The swivel works by keeping the line straight and avoids the twists that make the cord bunch up or get shorter. You do not want to worry about this when you're in the water.

Cords are generally made from the same material. The difference between them is the thickness. This is a big factor in preventing drag if you want to surf professionally. New surfers shouldn't worry about this and should get the thicker cord. They need to worry more about breaking the cord or staying on the board. As experience grows, they can easily move to the thinner versions to begin reducing drag in the water.

The rail saver connects to the board. This is usually made of fabric and the thicker it is the more protection it provides to the cord. Again, the thickness can cause drag, so it is a matter of preference for the design. If you're more concerned with smoothness and speed, the thinner version will serve you well but could snap if the cord becomes too taut.

Length does matter. Most surfers will have one that is at least four feet long. The key is to have one that is long enough to do its job but not so long that it gets tangled in your legs or on the fin. Longboards usually required a longer cord; sometimes up to twelve feet. The longer the board, the more likely to have tangling or for it to drift into another surfer.

Drag is a problem in competition. For beginning surfers, this is not a concern. They are less likely to notice it while they're gaining experience. Once they switch to the thinner cords, they'll notice a significant improvement in drag. Competitive surfers typically use a much thinner cord to eliminate as much drag as possible.

Everyone loves to see a set of surfers out in the water waiting for that big wave. With the right equipment, those surfers will be able to keep their board close by and have maximum fun in the sun. The right leash will be just long enough to do the job and not slow you down.




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