Leash length: 5' comp for a 5'11" soft top?

[Ratfinksurfer]

So I'm riding a 5'11" soft top and the last time I took it out I realize now I was using a 7ft leash. I don't know if other folks get tangled up in their leash but I've been getting pretty annoyed with mine lately. It's a 1/4 inch in diameter so I am definitely going to replace it with a comp leash. I recently rented a 5'5" version soft top of the same 5'11" board I'm riding now and used a 5' comp leash and loved it. So thin, I never even knew it was there. Should I get a 5' leash for my 5'11" soft top is my question?

[dtc]

My understanding of leash length is that its designed to stop the board smacking you in the head when you fall off. If you have an 8ft board and a 5ft leash, then the risk of some of that board being too close to your head increases dramatically

Thus normally for a 5'11 you would use a 6ft leash. However, given its a soft top and it smacking you in the head perhaps doesnt have the same drastic consequences (although they still can break noses etc), I guess you can go for a 5ft leash.

The length of the leash doesnt really affect whether you get tangled up in it though. Leashes cause some drag and might catch on rocks etc, so its worth staying short as reasonable. But a short leash can tangle you up just as much as a long leash. You need to consider why its causing problems - is there a drift that is wrapping it around your foot, is your pop up just not quite right and keeps hitting the leash, do you put your leash on properly etc

[waikikikichan]

For most brands, the stated length is the urethane cord from mount to mount. It doesn’t take into account the rail saver and the stand away portion on the ankle wrap. I always use a 8’ x 1/4” on my 9’0 longboards. After the first wipeout, it‘s plenty long enough. Comps even stretch out more. But be fair warned, comp leashes don’t come with a warranty. ( they’re for “competition use only” )

[Ratfinksurfer]

Thanks for the replies dtc and waikikichan. I went ahead and got the 5' comp leash. Yeah, finally I read somewhere that a 5' leash was fine for boards up to 5'11". Yes, I totally agree that after the first wipeout, it's plenty long enough! The only thing I've changed to help with getting tangled up in my leash is I now 1) Put it on tighter, so it's not moving around. And 2) I put it pointing to the side as opposed to facing "back" as I used to put it. i.e. I think the less it's moving around has helped. Appreciate the comments boys!