Surfing Waves

OK so basically, every time out learning I amtripping over my leash, getting it tangled round my legs and that's before I am even in the water properly! The other day during a windy surf (weather, not me...) I was getting it tangled round me, getting blown by the wind and generally looking like a kook. Any tips on how to get it out of my way. Always attach it to my back foot with the leash sticking outvbackwards and slightly to the outside.

Take up whatever slack in your board carrying hand! Leave enough to allow your stride!
Carry your board on the same side as your leash leg!
Do up the leash just before you enter the water, hold all the slack in your hand!

It also helps to wear the leash higher on your leg. I use this for cross stepping!

All that cold water has made you better looking Bo

1) Do you happen to have one of those "hollow" extruded urethane cords ? They float on the surface so as to not snag the reef below.

2) Did you pre-stretch your leash out before using it ? I usually wrap the cuff around a steel pole and pull on the other end. I don't trust another person pulling and then letting go ( happens at the shop ).

I don't store my leashes coiled up. They are loosely draped along the front of garage shelving.

Mine hang on the corner of the clothesline I have in a covered patio. Helps in keeping the kinks out.

Put the leash on your non dominant leg facing away from your body and get a leash as long as your board, after trying multiple sizes that's the sweet spot I've found.
Also don't wear your leash until you get in the water, little tip, strap it to your arm when walking to the water or out (I know it's unusual but it doesn't get tangled in your feet or drag in the sand, it's nice to keep them clean when going home).

I lift my ankle after putting the leash on and grab the cord and hold it in my hand (the one not holding the board) until I reach the water. If walking on reef I continue until I am ready to paddle.

Just do not wrap tightly your leash around the board! Put it in the bag without wrapping.
Wrapping results in permanent transformation and circling around the leg!
Furthermore, undo the knots immediately for the same reason.

Big H wrote:I lift my ankle after putting the leash on and grab the cord and hold it in my hand (the one not holding the board) until I reach the water. If walking on reef I continue until I am ready to paddle.

Life is so complicated elsewhere, I'm going to have lots of issues transitioning to dealing with reef on my trips during summer :/
Reef is kind of rare here since the waters are dark so I don't need to worry about my leash getting snagged by anything but another surfer.