Big waves bring us to another issue. It’s common knowledge that it is a safe move to wear a leash while riding large surf especially at spots far out from the beach, but when is it too big to wear a leash? Generally speaking, anything up to 15 feet (Hawaiian) is leash worthy. Past that size, there is some debate. Some claim that a leash becomes a liability in that it keeps you tethered to an uncontrollable, fiberglass projectile with a pointed nose and sharp fins.
There are also possibilities of getting your limbs tangled and body knotted to the reef. The assertion is that it is better to be free of your surfboard when being thrashed in the impact zone and held under by the wave’s power. Others argue that the risk of being left stranded far from the beach in heavy surf far outweighs the danger of being hit by your board.
Myself, I have always enjoyed the little piece of mind that a leash provides in big waves. While most leashes snap in truly heavy situations, being connected has helped drag me out of the impact zone, returned my board, and even posed as a lifeline leading to the surface while being pounded in the contradictory darkness of the whitewater.
Therefore, the leash is a required safeguard for all new surfers, yet something that can be avoided to help tightening your technique, improving your skills, and training for contests.
In big waves, there are two frames of mind: always wear a leash to help insure you are not left stranded without your board or forego the leash in order to avoid being hit and injured by your surfboard. For such a simple surf tool, there is a lot to think about.
Here is what you need to know about the surfboard leash:
Surfboard Leashes are categorized by their length and width.Shorter, thinner leashes are not as strong but cause less dragging friction as you ride with the opposite being true of a longer, thicker leash.
Ranging in length from 6-12 feet and in thickness from 5-10 millimeters, leashes should be chosen based on the size of the waves you will be riding.
If you are competing in small waves, you want minimal drag need minimal strength, so opt for a 6 foot long, 5 mm thick competition leash, while 20 foot outer-reef charging will call for a 12 foot, 10 mm model.
Another less specific method is to buy a leash that is at least one foot longer than the board you are riding.
