I am about to buy a new leash and was wondering what type should I get. What diameter it has to be for SUP? 8 mm? And how long should it be for a 2013 Starboard Pocket Rocket on medium size waves? 9' is ok? Do they have to be special for SUP or any thick and long leash is ok?
I don't know much about brands, but the ones they offer on the surf shop are:

-Komunity (Kelly Slater's leashes.)
-BIC Sport SUP 9' Multi-Leash
-FCS
-On a Mission
-XM
-Creatures.com.au
-Local Motion

The Komunity ones are the ones that have the better look of all but it is a new brand.
Please, I need recommendations.
Thank you.

Creatures do good leashs but lately I been using
O an E sup leash in waves to double overhead my left leg is a bit longer but the leash is holding up well

I have had long life out of creatures leashes.

I have also recently got a shorter (for small crowded days) DaKine leash that is pretty good.

Agree with paddling Ben, when I bought my SUP a coiled leash was thrown in for free, but it is a dog! The thing is tangled up after every wipeout, and somehow manages to work its way between my toes or under my feet on regular occasion.

Be careful on some leashes held together where the ankle strap meets the cord by a grub screw...
Sometimes the screw can work itself out and leave you with a runaway board.. Easily fixed with a bit of super glue to hold the screw in place but best to check it regularly anyways....

hgrimberg said...
Ok, so any leash 8 mm x 10" long is ok for SUP for what you guys say.
What about this brand Komunity from Kelly Slater?
Thank you.

I don't know those brands.. I do know that O&E.. Creatures.. DaKine.. and Balin are the brands that I know are good and trust.

DJ

Hi, My two bob's worth, stick with brands you know.
I agree with DavidJohn have used all those brands, with my preference the O&E or the Creatures. On my 6'4" short board I use a 6' leash, my 9'4" mal a 9' leash, my 10'6" Laird sup a 10' leash, as they all stretch over time, so in your case a 9' leash for a 9' board should be OK.
By the way I only use knee leashes on my long board and sup, hate the strap around my ankle, always gets in the way.

Cheers
Sandsy1

O&E and Creatures are australian brands. Are you all guys australians in this forum? In any case, I live in the very south of South america and we have both aussie and American (north) brands for leashes here.

DavidJohn said...

Chris_M said...
Agree with paddling Ben, when I bought my SUP a coiled leash was thrown in for free, but it is a dog! The thing is tangled up after every wipeout, and somehow manages to work its way between my toes or under my feet on regular occasion.

I agree.. Coiled leashes are great for flat water paddling.. downwinders.. and surfing small surf where you don't fall off much.. But in bigger surf or surf where you are falling a lot a straight leash is better.. I like the Balin brand.. They're the only real Aussie made leash.. .. About 8mm thick x 10' long is what I recomend.

DJ

+1
I have a Balin in both coiled and straight and have a good sturdy feel and are comfortable to wear. Love the coiled one for just paddling around, in the wind and small waves, long gone is the anoying "drag" and snagged weed.

Piros said...

aus301 said...
I have had long life out of creatures leashes.

I have also recently got a shorter (for small crowded days) DaKine leash that is pretty good.

Yeah DaKine 7ft x 7mm

Gotta agree with you Rob... the DaKine 7ft 7mm doesn't turn into spaghetti like alot of the others do.

After breaking 3 leashes in as many sessions a couple of us went with these -

www.psups.com.au/sup-shop/

Plus they discount for multiple purchases. I've used it in some dodgy conditions & now got my confidence back. A gutsy leash with the right amount of spring & I know I won't be left out the back if I get crunched by a close-out.

I would advise to have 2 leashes:
- a light one for everyday use. You will definitely notice the reduced drag from a thinner cord. "Comp" model for small waves are especially great.
- a strong one ("big wave" model) for bigger waves, and when you do not want your leash to break: rocky shore, crowds... This way this leash get less worn out from daily use. Change it regularly (every 50 sessions?)

On brands, I use only Creatures and O&E ONE. I had Balins and Da Kine break at the junction between the cord and the swivel, which means a bad design to me. Creatures and O&E ONE have special ways to avoid rupture-inducing stress points there.

PS: sand the rear of your fins to avoid fin cuts to the leash.

$80 for a leash!!!

Ehh I remember in the ol days when they were 2 n sixpence.