Selecting A Good Surfboard Leash

By Paul Smith


Going surfing is a great way to exercise and enjoy the summer. Doing so requires that you have the equipment needed including all the little parts that make it safer for everyone. Having a good surfboard leash is essential to this process. They are easy to attach and keep the board close by when you come off at some point. There are several options that you need to choose from in order to have the best experience.

The cuff is the first piece you need to choose. The two places it can go are on your thigh or ankle. Many wear them on the ankle because it is more comfortable. People that use the longboard like to keep them on the calf. It's higher this way and since it'll have to be longer, it produces less drag and allows the surfer to move around without getting tangled up.

Use a swivel to keep it from tangling up. The lack of swivel often causes the cord to tangle and tighten. This will shorten it and make it harder to stay on your board. Once you try one without, you'll quickly see why you need a swivel.

The material used is polyurethane. This is more flexible than cotton or hemp and won't become brittle from being in the water and the sun. The flexibility is also good because being able to stretch it when you yank on it will keep it from breaking. You also need to be aware of the thickness. Thin cords break more easily but provide less drag. Thicker cords are stronger but if too long create enough drag to make a difference in your performance. Find a nice middle ground based on your needs.

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.

Length matters a lot. You want to be able to move around, but not so much that the cord wraps around your feet. You also don't want it so long that the board floats away from you and gets in the way of other surfers when you come off. If it tangles around your feet or the fin on the board it can be difficult to untangle while you're in the water.

Don't let the drag get you down. Competitive surfers know how important this is for performance and speed. The drag caused by thicker cords and rail savers really affects their performance. Newer surfers need to have the thicker material to make sure they stay on the board, protect the cord, and can easily pull it back to them when they're in the water.

Having fun on the ways is a great way to enjoy the summer. Whether you're experienced or new to surfing you need to have the equipment that best matches your style. Having a leash will keep the board close by and easy to retrieve when you come off and keep it from injuring other surfers.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment