Choosing The Best Surfboard Leash

By Paul Smith


When you are out surfing it is important to have all the right equipment. Losing track of your board can really diminish the enjoyment of the sport. Everyone who surfs knows the benefits of having a surfboard leash. The boards usually come with the attachment and are designed to easily snap on or tie on. When you fall off the board, and you will, the length and type of cord is what will help make it easy to retrieve and keep it from gliding into the path of another surfer.

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.

Swivels are important. If you get one without, you'll quickly find out how easy it is to get the cord twisted up, making it shorter. This shorter cord then becomes a problem when you are on the board.

Polyurethane is the main ingredient. Cotton cords shrink in the water and can become brittle in the sun. Using the polyurethane keeps them in good shape and provides some elasticity so they can bounce back and take the jerking motion used to pull them closer. The thickness of the cord also makes a difference. Thicker cords are stronger but create more drag. Thinner cords are not as strong but create less drag. There is a sweet middle level that each surfer needs to pick based on their own style or preference.

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.

The type of board you are determines how long it should be. Longer boards mean you need more cord. This is why the surfers often wear the cuff on their calf. The shorter boards don't need as long of a cord. If it is too long it drags in the water or can allow the board to drift into the path of another surfer causing potential injuries.

When you are competing you want as little drag as possible. Professionals are always concerned about this since drag affects both speed and performance. New surfers don't need to worry about this as much as just staying on the board.

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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