Elements to Consider When Selecting a Surfboard Leash
A leash is an important piece of tool for surfing and surf safety. It helps one to retrieve their boards swiftly after wiping out, stops one from losing their boards, and protects one from hitting other water users when adrift. Many surfers have a scar and history related to another surfer not having a leash. To be comfortable when surfing, you need to have a fitting leash. There are different types of leashes that suit different surfers. Research is vital in choosing a suitable leash. Here are some elements of consideration when selecting a surfing leash.
How long should a surfboard leash be? Leash lengths differ from 5-12 feet and no leash is suitable for all situations. The correct length of your leash is determined by the length of your surfboard and your surfing experience. A general rule when selecting a surfboard leash is that it ought to be the same length as the board it is being utilized on. If your board is 6 feet, then you need a 6 feet leash. As a beginner, you may wish to ride with a leash that’s somehow bigger so you are somehow further away from your surfboard when taking beatings is more of an in incident than actually surfing. However, you should not surpass your surfboard with more than 1 feet because your fellow surfers may dislike you when your board gets on their feet. On the contrary, you should avoid too short leashes as you could get a head bruise in case you fall off and the surfboard rebounds back to you. If you are a veteran surfer, it an be greater to go shorter so you can lower drag on those smaller days. It is important to know that leashes stretch; keep an eye on yours and replace them when necessary.
Pay attention to the thickness. Basically, the thicker your surfing leash, the stronger it’s but the more the drag you’ll incur. The smaller the wave you’re surfing, the thinner your leash should be. If you are a competition surfer or small wave surfer, a thin leash of 5-6mm will offer ease of catching waves and less drag. If you ride the same leash in larger waves, you are more likely to tread water out the back and have your surfboard hang on t3 safety of the shore – get ready for a snapped leash. There is no need to say that you should go thicker when surfing more waves or you will be left to hung out to drown without your surfboard. Large and regular wave leashes vary from 9 to 9mm in thickness. Even if they generate more drag compared to a competition or lite leash of 5 to 6mm, they will be less likely to snap as far as frequent bails or taking poundings in larger, powerful waves is concerned. I recommend thicker leashes for bigger wave riders and beginners.
Consider a knee/calf or ankle leash. Ankle leashes are famous since they feel more comfortable and helps surfers to easily retrieve their boards. Knee or calf leashes are perfect for longboards.