I have one of those cheap leashes that came with my bodyboard. Every time I let my board go and duck under the water to avoid a wave(rather than duckdiving) the leash snaps! So of course I have to turtle or duckdive to avoid breaking the leash. I bought 3 leashes last year and they snapped twice before I decided I simply wasn't going to let go of my board. Anyway, just wondering. If I get one of those coiled more expensive leashes will it not snap every session if I let the board go in 5 foot waves?
yes, a coil leash should not break unless you are surfing XL size waves. And, in general, you'll want to duck dive as much as possible rather than ditching your board (allthough of course there are times when ditching the board is wise).
If you can go with a bicep leash. I know someone who has one and he says it doesnt feel like a leash is even there.
i HATE having anything on my hands or arms when 'boardin,so i use a XM surfing leash on my foot with a low profile plug on the left side of the tail of my board. this combo,although seems weird, has held up through every hurricane & overhead swell that's come through for years. i did actually wear through the string that connects the leash & plug recently,but it didn't break during a session & i replaced it & kept using the same set up. i have found that when anything happens i.e. wipeouts,quick ducks under big waves etc.,it's much easier to have the board leashed to my foot. BTW,i am a prone-only rider,i don't know how this set-up would work for drop knees...
Ha, never thought of using a surf leash on a BB. Does it get in the way or tangle up when kicking? Maybe I'll try it out on one of my old boards. I recently picked up the No. 6 The Vice That Binds Bicep Leash. It is well made and built like no other leash I have ever used. It's $30, but after you snap and replace a few of the cheap leashes it evens out. Plus they come in sizes, and is one of the few that fit me over a winter suit. Bob B at Atlantic Bodyboards can hook you up. www.atlanticbodyboards.com
it never tangles when i'm riding,but occasionally it'll wrap around once when i'm sittin waitin for sets.just a matter of swingin my fin to get it back were it goes. one time,i wiped out hard on an overhead wave & i got rolled under water,wrapping the leash around my leg.it was no biggie though cause XM puts theses huge tabs for quick release & i just popped it off & freed myself. i think it's nothing worse than any surfer goes through with their foot leashes.plus,there is nothing like having your arms totally free when droppin in on some big wave,really feels free & unencombered....
BTW,no,it doesn't tangle when kicking out to the line up.you don't even notice it's there when your in any kind of motion.i can put up a pic of how i have it rigged if you want. also,my XM leash is 5 feet long & pretty heavy duty.has a super comfortable padded enclosure too
I'm used to leash tangles from surfing. I'm going give it a shot. Now all we need is some waves. Thanks Man.
i think you'll love it. i got sick of wrist leashes back in the 80's & set out to rig up a foot leash & try it out. i have never looked back & wouldn't even consider going back. one thing i like is,the set-up is so strong,it may outlast your board.my original set-up is at least 5 years old & on it's second board now.just be sure to lube the joint bearings on the leash & check the string occasionally.the string tends to wear through down in the plug werer it's hard to see,gotta take it apart to check. mine finally wore through last season of hurricanes.i found the string connecting the plug to the leash half-broken when i switched the set-up to my new board.i just replaced the string & good to go brotha
I just use an XM Bicep Coil. If you have been using wrist coils throughout your years riding, then it will seem a little awkward/annoying your first time. But once you get used to it, you wont even notice that its on your arm. Ive been using the same one for 4 years and have never had a problem.
have always despised leashes while sponging. did the ankle trick for years and years until eventually i got sick of that and started just not using one. took awhile when drop-kneeing, but eventually learned to never let the board go (used a scissor method with my legs and would keep one hand on the board at all times). and if per chance i did loose it, it only gives me some added exercise and the opportunity to do some bodysurfing. but getting older now, i do keep a plug in my boards and use a quick connect set up with a bicep when the surf is further out than i'd care to swim.
Thanks for the info.Well, next time this leash breaks. I'm going to spring for a coiled leash. http://www.albertstimer.com
i use a No Friends Slipknot Bicep Leash, i give that leash hell and it has retained its shape through 2 seasons so far.
I snapped my No Friends leash the strap is awesome so I saved that. I got 2 new Denizens from Spence Skip and always carry a backup and a plug or two. Always bring backup gear so your sesh ain't shot.
oh yeah for sure! i love becept leashes! (coil) dont have to worry about it at all, like its not even there. its great
