Surfing Gear & Equipment - Surfboard Leash
There will be instances, a Surfing Wipeout for example, when your Surfboard is swept away from you by current and waves. Aside from the fact that you need to swim after it, it will be dangerous as your board may hit other surfers and water users. To keep this from happening, you need a Surfboard Leash. Also called a legrope, a Surfboard Leash is a urethane cord with a Velcro strap or sewn loop at one end.
If you are a beginner, you cannot and should not go Surfing without a Surfboard Leash. It will help you a great deal when it comes to keeping your board from being swept away. It can also serve as your flotation device as you paddle out towards the shore.
However, be extra careful when using one. Its use may pose dangers to you and other surfers and water users. It can be tangled on your feet. In worse cases, it can skim the board back to you and hit your head.
For experienced surfers, whether or not to wear a Surfboard Leash is still a matter of preference. Staying connected to your board while tackling big waves can work for you. The downside is that it may be dangerous as you can get your limbs tangled or the cord will get tangled around a reef. In other words, you can stay connected as a matter of safety, or go without a leash to minimize the chances of getting hit by your board. If your Surfing ability and confidence tell you that having a Surfboard Leash will hinder you from improving your skills, then surf without it.
The Surfboard Leash is a simple piece of Surfing Gear, and yet there are several things to take into account before attaching or removing it. Always prioritize your safety. The important thing is to know when to stay connected and when it is wise to let the leash go.
|
|
|
|
|
Basics & Backgrounds
Home
Print Article
Email Article
Comment on Article
Write New Article
Search Articles