Board Leash in the surf = bad idea or really bad idea?

Speedo · Since 07 May 2007 264 Posts Obsessed

I have managed to get through the year without a board leash, and really would prefer not to use one. However, will be going to hawaii for a week and playing around in the waves there. This will be my 2nd time in real waves. I'm not sure i can count the first time since the waves in padre at the time were so mellow that they didn't carry my board away when i lost the board. My friend who lives in hawaii does not use a leash, but said i might consider one since he has lost a couple boards. He said that once the board comes off your feet, its hard to find it and the waves can take it for quite a ride.

If i do get a leash, it will be of the reel variety, but I was wondering, will the waves drag the board AND me? Will the board snap back at me after a drag even with a reel leash? Does anyone have any experience in the waves with a board leash?

MW · Since 09 Jan 2006 186 Posts Hood River, Oregon Stoked

Learn to bodydrag and locate your board. Or just cut your losses and buy another one, because that will be cheaper than your hospital bill when it hits you in the head. Leashes are an accident waiting to happen. If you get launched, it acts like a wrecking ball.

forrest · Mon Aug 27, 07 12:52 pm

What about heal straps instead?

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

check out the following post about leashes:

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-5142.html&highlight=leash

Speedo · Since 07 May 2007 264 Posts Obsessed

I have the dakine raptor heel straps on my twin tip. love em. don't lose my board much now. When i get dragged the board comes off my feet, which is great! Sometimes one foot comes out during a wipeout, but i've never been too worried about getting my ankle twisted yet.

i also just got a liquid force 5'8" directional which i messed with at lyle yesterday. I had a TON of fun just slashing the little bitty swell. I will be depressed if i lose it Crying or Very sad

But I think i'd chose losing the board over head/face trauma (i do wear a helmet), or anything else that would bring me to the hospital or worse.

Sounds like terremoto had an interesting visit to the hospital and I heard girls dig scars, so maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing. Laughing

anyway, i didn't like the board at first, but after a couple of hours on it I freaking LOVE IT. Maybe I should try the coast first. Maybe it'll be windy there this weekend? As long as i don't tell my girlfriend about sharks, i think it will be alright Twisted Evil

sentone · Since 10 Feb 2006 66 Posts

simple and genral rule...........if you use a leash.......use a helmet.......if your coming soon the north shores are flat to small at best.....south side is coming up tuesday to 5 feet not recomended for your second time....body dragging is where its at......but body dragging thru gapping barrels on thin reef is a art in its self and practice is out of need not want....lots of strapless riders use leashes with bows you can stop the pull..quick....but that level is a long time process......where are you going to ride?? at my local spot loose boards go over the reef into a lagoon...where the bros can go in and bring um out......as long as you stay outside.......best bet...no leash ask lots of questions ride with the local crew......start slow on the inside.. work up your stones and never ride with lack of confedence....CHARGE HARD....this time of year we dont loose much........but winter is commimg fast a whole new game.....oh forgot to mention its all about FUN.....your level....all levels Exclamation

Speedo · Since 07 May 2007 264 Posts Obsessed

Thanks for the helpful posts everyone.

Terremoto, that link was very helpful.

Sentone, will be going to kauai. sept 9 to 16. i know there was a thread here recently about kauai. don't really know exactly where we'll be other than where the wind is. Very Happy

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Don't use a leash. I wore a Reel leash with my buddy's twin tip at Waddell three years ago. I had an old plastic Pro-Tec skate helmet on. I never wore a leash at the time, but my friend was afraid I'd lose his board in the surf. I got overpowered during a boost and did one of those really fast low and long jumps. My board came off right before I hit the water and it snapped back and nailed me in the head like a hammer. I got 4 stitches from the styrofoam inside the helmet cutting my head.

If you ride in onshore winds the board usually gets carried downwind by the waves. This means that if you don't take too long recovering from the fall you can usually drag to the board pretty easily. Just try to keep an eye on it while you're relaunching the kite or doing whatever in the water. Plus other kiters can always help if they're around. If the waves are near shore like the Oregon coast then the vast majority of the time the board gets pushed into shore by the waves. Then if you can't find it just come out to shore and scan the beach for your board. I think the probability of you getting hit with a board while wearing a leash is higher than the odds of you losing it, and to me that's not worth it.

Have fun in Maui man! The LF surfboards are sick!