Surfing Waves

Thinking about getting a new leash... Mine is about 3 years old now. It still looks good but I'd rather not wait for it to snap on me. What made me think this way was a recent episode on Oahu. I was renting some old NSP board and the leash broke during a botched takeoff. Good thing someone caught the board. Those who have been at Diamond Head Lighthouse know that it's a long long swim in. I tied the leash back to the board somehow and kept surfing. I think it's a good idea to spend $30 on a new leash rather than risk damaging my board (some of the spots I surf at home are quite rocky). But it better be a very reliable leash. What system is the most durable? I am thinking about getting an FSC.

Having great success with my Poorboy leash

The Da Kine leashes are more stout than most. I like 'em very much.

Hmm.. Da Kine is what I have right now, and it hasn't let me down yet (knock on wood). Maybe I should stick to the same model and just get a replacement every couple of years or so. How long does it take a leash to wear out to the point of being unreliable?

Length of time before leash wears beyond reliability? This is related to how the leash is treated. Does the owner leave it to bake in direct sunlight? Does the owner wash it with fresh water following surfing? When is use in the water, does it get raked across reefs or rocks? Does it get stretched tightly in rough surf during wipe outs?

Yes, you should replace a high quality leash every two or three years if you are a casual surfer.