What's your leash length? Thinking of going shorter ....

[linter]

i normally use a 9' leash with my 9'6" board but the other day i left it at home and borrowed a 6'er.  and loved how after coming up from a wipe out my board was right there waiting for me, no mad-dashing around trying to pull it back to me before the next wave crashes on my head.  i bet a 7' one would have the same effect, so that's what i'm thinking of trying.  what about you?  and, do shorter leashes = better odds of getting bonked by your board?  i sure hope not...

[eastbound]

i use a 6 and a 7 for my 8.4 and 9.5 respectively--safer for those around me, and easier to snap the board back to climb on and exit--long leash often has slack so you kick, nothing happens, and you have to reach down and pull the leash--by then, reworkage is inevitable

handle is key, though--and it's like pono said: push down hard on the tail, and even if you let go, the wash passes over, and youve given way less ground

[J-Bird]

I've been surfing with a 6 foot leash on my nine footer and it works great, much quicker recovery, and safer for those around you too.  I can even get to the nose when needed.

[madmax]

I'll have to try a shorter leash.  Mine is so stretched out I could attach a net and troll for shrimp.

[nachoSUP]

always bring to the beach:

1-extra leash (i have a 15´FCS Big Wave, the only one i didn´t broke yet and a 8´leash for less tan overhead conditions)
2-extra fins
3-fins key
4-screwdriver
5-extra wax

Not having any of these ítems can ruin your session

[linter]

or else if you forget #1, you'll learn something new you didn't know before!

btw/ anyone know of a thick 7' leash?  seems thickness starts at 8' and up from there.

[1tuberider]

I usually buy a leash the length of the board. When retired they may be 4 foot longer.

If your leash is to short you won't be hanging ten and it actually increases your chance of getting hit on the bounce back.
I have a scar on my eyebrow which is to close to my eye from a board bouncing back during the days of shock cords.

[J-Bird]

Linter, not sure you need to have an extra thick leash, just a well-made one.  I've been using Creatures regular surf leashes while SUP surfing in the biggest stuff RI can dish out.  Never had a problem with those, although I have broken an FCS and another off-brand leash (can't remember the name now) at the cuff-to-leash connection.  To me, that is the critical area to check when you buy a leash, some are solid, other's not so much.

[toddsup]

Every now and then I will come up from a wipeout and the board will be reversed and the nose in my face and am glad I have a longer leash than my board.

[SlatchJim]

always bring to the beach:

1-extra leash (i have a 15´FCS Big Wave, the only one i didn´t broke yet and a 8´leash for less tan overhead conditions)
2-extra fins
3-fins key
4-screwdriver
5-extra wax

Not having any of these ítems can ruin your session

Nacho described what I have in my "Bag of Tricks" that goes with us on every trip.

Also included: first aid kit, 2-part epoxy clay ding repair kit, spare rash guard, the next level up in wet suit gear, sunscreen, duct tape, and a zombie sword (ok, I may have overdone it with the sword  ).  I have pulled the leash plugs right out of my board once, but have never broken an XM leash yet.

[PonoBill]

I like shorter leashes, but realize that the likelihood of breaking one is a bit higher.  I generally use Creatures of Leisure of FCS Big Wave leashes at 8' for everything.

Yes, you are more likely to get bonked in the head, but you knew that before you asked.

[linter]

thanks, all.

bill: i probably ought to start wearing a helmet.  my brain cells are in tough enuf shape as it is, as i'm sure you have gathered from that pot-stock story  .

[eastbound]

safety first!

[Sup44]

6 foot on all shapes and sizes! I used to think you needed a bigger leash for sup's...I've found it's easier and safer with a smaller leash.

[Zooport]

I was given and told to use longer leashes as I started out in the sport but I'm finding they are a pain because the board is too far away when you come up after a fall.  I have gone back to the old surfing rule of using a leash roughly as long as the board you are riding.  In fact, I'm using an 8' regular prone surfboard leash on my 7'11.  No problems so far.