Dakine Peahi 12' big wave leash

[lopezwill]

  I hate loosing my board.

  I just bought this leash for my 12' Paddle Surf Hawaii sup as I broke my (less than 6 month old) leash this week.  I usually buy a new leash at the start of each winter.

  This Dakine is a monster of a leash and looks promising.  I paid $69.99  I'll attach it to my waist leash and see how it lasts?

[exiled]

The failure point on my Dakine leashes has always been the rope holding the swivel to the rail saver. Same place about 6 times over. Switched to leashlok, still haven't had a failure.

[lopezwill]

I'm trying Leashlok waist and leash next if this Dakine fails.  I've been using the Leashlok waist part only and really like it.

[jondrums]

Last swim in was because my leashlok waist leash failed at the place where the fitting enters the waist belt (same setup as you).  If you're serious about leash integrity, learn to hand-tie.  It's essentially a double sheet bend knot from parachute cord to the leash cord.  That's how I fixed my waist leash and it's going strong now.  I could post a picture of the knot I used if you wish

[jondrums]

[supthecreek]

I don't surf really BIG waves at all,
but I do surf up to 2x overhead, so I need a solid leash.

My first SUP was huge and heavy, at 11'2 x 36" and around 38 lbs
One of the first things I tried was a longer leash.
I bought an 11 footer.
It almost killed me.

My personal experience was that the long leash was so long, that it would get wrapped around my neck or arms.
Luckily I was always able to pop it off my neck before the wave yanked it tight....

After a couple of times, I realized: the added length was the problem.
the board would pull away and the leash would come by later..... just enough time for the leash to get hung up on me.

It was scary how many times the longer leash would get caught on my shoulder or neck.

Now, I always use a leash a 12" - 18"  shorter than the board I am riding.
The shorter leash follows the board immediately, and never gets hung up on my body.

I imagine in really big waves, you get good separation from your board, so the leash doesn't get a chance to wrap around you.

___________________

Bitch point about leashes:

I have thicker ankles, but not all that big.... fine with most leash cuffs
BUT, add a wetsuit and booties and most cuffs are too short to hold securely.

I need to buy Calf leashes and wear on my ankle.... then the cuff is too long and the end flaps freely
That allows the waves to unzip the cuff and take my board..... not awesome in the land of Great Whites

Some enterprising leash company should make "wetsuit length" ankle cuffs

ALL leash companies should, provide "cuff length" in description.... not just cuff width. 

[JimK]

I LOVE this leash and if its only a few weeks old I'll bet Dakine will warranty it.
You can take it back where you bought it and they will take care of it.

If you have a problem I'll be happy to help
jim@extremewindsurfing.com

JimK
Extreme Windsurfing

[lopezwill]

   That's a slick knot with great photos jondrums...thank you!

[surfsupla]

Hey Mr. Creek,

Check out Hotline out of Santa Cruz. Their main thing is wetsuits but they also make custom leashes. Ive ordered a few from them and they are great. They have a guy on staff who makes them in house. Im sure they can do a custom cuff for you. Give them a buzz!

[burchas]

I have thicker ankles, but not all that big....

XM Leashes standard ankle strap is about 10" while the calf strap is about 15".  The Big Wave leashes come with a 12" strap which is a good in between. I have somewhat fat ankles my self and the Big wave ankle one works great for me with a 4/3 wetsuit over 7mm booties with some room to spare. That's the only one I use with my 15' gun which is my go to board.

They also do custom attachment sizes. Maybe this would help if all else fails

[supthecreek]

Thanks surfsupLA, good info!

burchas, that sounds perfect, long enough, but not too long!