Guide to Surf leashes
What are they for? Surf leashes are there to keep you and your surfboard attached while in the surf. The surf leash was first used in the 70’s invented by Pat O’Neill of O’Neill wetsuits in Santa Cruz where surfing without a leash meant a dangerous swim or clamber through the rocks to get to safety or recover your board.The surf leash is made of urethane in various thicknesses, with the ankle strap, usually Velcro, attached to the urethane with metal swivels. Top brands of surf leashes include Ocean and Earth, Java, Bulldog, Dakine and OAM On a Mission.What the surf leash has done for modern surfing is each the wave count by reducing the amount of time (if any) of having to retrieve surfboards from the shore. On the flip it makes life easier for kooks. The humble surf leash also helps keep increasing numbers of surfers from hitting each other with those loose surfboards. Of course, for fun surf leashes can also be used as slingshots, roof ties down and even as a lead for dogs if you find yourself stuck.