Tips When Choosing Surfboard Leash

By Ryan Young


Just a few more weeks before summer arrive again. Many are anticipating going surfing and swimming at the beach. If you want to surf, professionals and life guards have rules wherein you will not go further at a point you cannot handle to swim. This has been strictly implemented to protect and preserve your life. If you use surfboard leash, then they will be relieved for your safety since that has been considered a safety device.

There are four parts to a leash. Namely, they are cuff, swivel, cord, and rail saver. For the cuff, standard nowadays is to double wrap the Velcro for extra security and strength. It has key pockets embedded on it which helps to secure your keys if you want to place it 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.

Connecting the leash to surf boards are called rail savers. It is covered in fabric which provides enough durability which prevents strains on both rails and cords. Choose a leash which is using large size of fabrics because it is able to protect its rails from being pulled around the edges from the numerous times you fell off board.

Despite the many professional leashes out there, experts still prefer if surfers, seasoned or beginners, use the regular one. Even though its name type is regular, it can still deliver durability for your safety as well as thicker cords. Reduction of breakage occurrence will happen even if you fall several times.

Surfers are divided in terms of the place of attachment. Ankles are the ones most will prefer because movements will not get affected while riding through the waves. It has paddings to ensure your comfort. When you fall and crash to the waves, use the cords to pull the board to you easily.

For the latter, it is best used when using longer boards and standup paddle boarding. With this attached, you will have no problem in getting tangled up while walking on top of it. Moreover, it will not drag through the water since you have strong muscles on your calves to pull the leash with you. However, the disadvantage is in getting the board near grabbing distance since pulling it towards you will not be easy and comfortable.

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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