Okay, so while we have already discussed the leash vs. no leash for long boards etc... The leash I was looking at for the LB last week had the option of a 9' or a 10' leash. Someone on here recommended getting a "Calf leash" so you can walk around easier on the LB without getting tangled... So, the Dakine 10' leash I was looking at on Amazon is labeled on amazon as a "Calf Leash". The reviewers all loved it and rave about having a calf leash rather than an ankle leash... The problem is that the photo of the leash in question says "Ankle" on the packaging... Maybe the photo is wrong, who knows... But here is the question. On the technical side of leashes, is there any different in the construction or size of the velcro strap? It would seem to me that a calf leash is just an ankle leash that someone straps to their calf... Is there really a difference? I.E. wider strap to go around the ankle.... ???? What the deal?
Hope this helps. I used to use a kiteboard as a SUP and surfboard. Used a "knee leash". Similar to a calf leash if not the same thing. The leash was much longer and had a much narrower strap that I would put at the top of my calf. The leash is a bit different than an ankle leash. The SUP was a monster board so when it would get taken in a wave you have the power of your entire leg to control it a little. You can kind of bend your leg a little so you don't get worked too bad. The ankle leashes with a big board can pull you with the board, the knee leash lets you control it a little bit. The strap is much longer and narrower to attach to your calf. I guess it depends on the leash but it would not really fit around your ankle nor would an ankle leash fit around the calf. It is the same principle you put the one of of the strap through the loop and velcro it on, because the strap is longer the velcro is a little more secure because there is more surface area. I still have the thing and personally I would use it on a SUP but if I owned a heavy longboard I would probably use the ankle leash.
zach man you shoulda just made one giant 'my new longboard thread' and you coulda covered all of this in one centralized location.
Yeah, it started that way, but i figured a fresh thread could get to the point quick. The original thread went on like 10 different topics.
Calf leash strap is narrower and longer and fits just below knee, using your jacked up calf muscle to keep it in place. Get calf implants if need be but seriously, I like the calf leash better than the ankle on a LB
What about mandating that kooks wear neck leashes and once they exhibit proper etiquette and lineup function they can have the leash migrate to the lower body as a reward? That would set a precedent real fast.
Or you can just make a double sided leash, hook them all together, neck to neck and segregate them from the lineup. The only way they can surf is if they figure out how to do a synchronized popup and surf.... I can build a prototype and mail a box of them to any brazillian beach town with a go pro in the box and say here you go guys, please take some video and keep us posted. But the Brazillians will do just fine with it, even the good surfers all paddle in on each other at the same time... Thats it... I will call this new instrument the "Brazillian Surf Trainer".... So your girlfriend wants a wax job like the brazillians, well bro, now you can learn to surf like them... You just need 8 friends and some poor etiquette.
I like the calf leash but find it works best if i'm wearing a full suit. it doesn't slide and I normally strap it on between my calf and knee. on your skin, unless you have it real tight, mid-calf , it'll either slide up to your knee or down to your ankle. sliding up it generally starts to rub and you'll get a burn. if it goes to your ankle, you have a good chance if you lose your board in heavy surf, it'll slip right off your foot.
