Surfing Waves

What's usually the weakest point on the leash? I've had two failures within 4 months both broke at the same part - where the polyurethane attaches to the ankle strap. Can anyone tell me who manufactures the strongest, most reliable leashes? Thanks.

usually the ankle pin and the attached string to board are what goes. Ive had my leash snap in really heavy surf before (16ft waves) it was mighty hairy getting back in.

I like dakine or oam for leashes.

I'm just learning to surf and already I understand the 'Love, Hate' feeling toward the leash! (wrapped around my left leg when I catch a good one) lol! I bought a very good quality leash, 8mm but was disappointed by the short life span of the cable. I searched the net and see that NO ONE sells just the cable that just happens to be designed to be changeable huh?! So to beat the money grubbers at the game of constantly needing my money I bought a roll of great quality 5/16" nylon cord, I cut to length I want and melt the ends. I am not in need of those breakable plastic rigs and the cord lasts super long time for mere pocket change in price. So don't throw away those ankle cuffs any more. Also some cord in your surf kit can also save an otherwise ruined day of surfing.

Ooops Zom, the neoprshock cord is deigned to progressively absorb the impact and drag of the board when the surf pulls.
Originally it was hollow surgical rubber with a longer nylon cord in the centre to limit stretch,. Problem was the board came back as fast as it stretched away, guaranteed impact with board on return, original fixed to board at the base of the fin guaranteed knife edge impact on return.
Straight cord good risk of some sort of strain sprain or dislocation of the limb it is attached to.

Other injuries available, degloving of fingers where someone grabs the rail save and finger gets caught up!
Straight cord also risks severe rope burns or cuts in a wrap around leg situation.
An even earlier model, nylon rope and handkerchief around ankle!

Your call

jaffa1949 Good info. I have noticed a good jolt on the ankle cuff using the nylon cord and a bit more leg tangle. I had to laugh when I read about the finger injury from pulling board by the tail strap (funny because I just got done re taping the splint on my fractured left hand bird finger from doing just that) Now I can't play my bass but still surfing! Net searched again for where to buy just the cable, still can't find them, you know where let me know. rock on.

I bought a gaggle of dakine leashes for 18.71 each off amazon when I was in the states last month. Pony up and get a proper leash.

Big H "I bought a gaggle of dakine leashes for 18.71 each off amazon when I was in the states last month. Pony up and get a proper leash."
Ah, no sir I won't pony up and spend $55,00 for another import leash in Costa Rica. Amazon or Alibaba is no good here with hold ups in Customs, My nylon cord leash is doing just fine in the learner size surf I use it in, of course I will stock up on fins and leashes when I too get back to the states next month. I would never expect a pro or a 'surf god' humm,,, too use it in double over head, I'm not stupid!

roczombie wrote: Ah, no sir I won't pony up and spend $55,00 for another import leash in Costa Rica. Amazon or Alibaba is no good here with hold ups in Customs,

I don't live in the US either....annual visits mean annual shopping....I brought back 5 leashes and and bunch of other odds and ends last month. Start filling your amazon cart up now!

BTW, if that cord happens to slice your tail like a cheese cutter, or if the pieced together leash fails and the board floats off or if the leash works too well and rips out the deck plug and the board floats away, that 55bucks might look like the cheaper option.

jaffa1949 wrote:Ooops Zom, the neoprshock cord is deigned to progressively absorb the impact and drag of the board when the surf pulls.
Originally it was hollow surgical rubber with a longer nylon cord in the centre to limit stretch,. Problem was the board came back as fast as it stretched away, guaranteed impact with board on return, original fixed to board at the base of the fin guaranteed knife edge impact on return.
Straight cord good risk of some sort of strain sprain or dislocation of the limb it is attached to.

Other injuries available, degloving of fingers where someone grabs the rail save and finger gets caught up!
Straight cord also risks severe rope burns or cuts in a wrap around leg situation.
An even earlier model, nylon rope and handkerchief around ankle!

Your call

I've seen a pic of "degloved hand." That was G N A R L Y. Granted it was from a wakeboarding handle with the strap wrapping around a hand. Gives me willies just thinking about it now. Totally worth $55. Even $100. Get one now, and stock up when you or your friends/family visit US or Aussie.

I had a snapped leash yesterday, it was a long swim back. The plastics that make the connection with the ankle strap broke. Just like the leash before that..
The first was a new Ripcurl leash, that had a production issue. The shop had a lot of complaints and gave me another leash without any questions asked . Yesterday it was an FCS leash that I only used a couple of times, but that I didn't use for over 2 years.
I wonder if the materials can deteriorate when storing a leash over a longer period, or maybe it was exposed to excessive heat in the back of my car? Any ideas?