Is this the worlds most expensive surf destination?
The Maldives, with its picture-perfect scenery and world-class reef breaks, has earned a well-deserved spot in our top 5 most popular surf destinations. But this
What is a Surf leash
A surf leash otherwise known as a leg rope has multiple components and is used to keep your surfboard attached to you when you fall. Ultimately, the surf leash connects to your ankle, as well as connects to an area close to the tail of your surfboard known as the leash plug. So, its main function is to help you keep your board in close proximity to you when you wipe out. I mean, it would suck to have to swim for your board after every wipeout. So, you need to know how to tie surf leash knot in order for the leash to function properly
Is the Surf Leash Overrated?
Did you know?
When the Surf leash was first invented, most surfers were against using them. Ironically, it was actually frowned upon to use a leash and you were considered a 'kook'.
The Surf Leash Knot
The HoStevie! surf leash is made up of a few different parts. Subsequently, each of these parts plays a large role in its function and has been adapted over time. Surfers only adopted the idea of a leash in the 1970s and the product has progressed in functionality over time.
Attaching the HoStevie! leash to your surfboard correctly means the difference between treading water for an hour and never have to worry about losing your board. The leash string is the part of the leash that attaches the ‘rail saver’ part of the leash to your surfboard by using a surf leash knot. Ironically, the way you attach this tiny, seemingly insignificant part of the HoStevie leash to your leash plug impacts the leash’s performance. Consequently, it damages your board if you don’t attach it properly
How to Tie Surf Leash Knot
When you buy a HoStevie! surf leash comes with a little string attached to it. You need to tie this string strategically to avoid damaging your board and stop the surf leash from breaking. If you have already untied the leash string, you can skip the first two steps.
Step 1:
Firstly, make sure you disconnect the leash string from your surf leash so that you only have the leash string in your hand.
Step 2:
Next, If the surf leash string is tied together, untie it so you have two loose ends.
Now that you have an untied surf leash string, you can continue to tie the leash string.
Step 3:
Take the two loose ends and place them next to each other so that you make a loop in the string.
Step 4:
Now, while holding the two loose ends together, take the loose ends of the string and fold them towards the loop.
Step 5:
Next, wrap the loose ends of the string around the looped part of the string
Step 6:
Then, take the loose ends and push them through the newly created loop of your surf leash string
Step 7:
Finally, pull tight while allowing the looped part to be as big as possible without pulling the loose ends through the newly created surf leash knot.
You're Almost There
Now that you have tied your knot, it is time to attach the leash string to the leash plug. This part is really simple. Next, take the looped part of the leash string and push it through the leash plug, keeping space on both sides between the leash string. Lastly, take your rail saver and push it through the two loops on either side, and voila!
Why Like This?
There are other ways of tying your surf leash knot, but the important takeaways are that the leash is double-wrapped for extra strength. Thus, the force created by the rail saver and the leash plug isn’t affecting the knot. Additionally, this knot also limits the length of the leash string. Lastly, the leash string should never touch the rail of your surfboard. I have seen whole chunks of the board taken out by the leash string. That is why the part that connects the leash string to the swivel is called the rail saver.
Don't Do This!
To conclude, you do not necessarily have to tie your leash like this. However, it is a really practical option, this method also makes it really easy to remove the leash string if you find yourself in an unlikely scenario. Don’t forget the most important aspects. The leash string should be tied well, short enough that it doesn’t touch the rail of your board, and in such a way that the pressure is not put on the leash string knot.
Do Like This!
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Don't Do This!
There are other ways of tying your surf leash knot, but the important take aways are that the leash is double wrapped for extra strength. In this case the force created by the rail saver and the leash plug isn’t affecting the knot. This knot also limits the length of the leash string. The leash string should never touch the rail of your surfboard. I have seen whole chunks of the board taken out by the leash string. That is why the part that connects the leash string to the swivel is called the rail saver.
There are other ways of tying your surf leash knot, but the important take aways are that the leash is double wrapped for extra strength. In this case the force created by the rail saver and the leash plug isn’t affecting the knot. This knot also limits the length of the leash string. The leash string should never touch the rail of your surfboard. I have seen whole chunks of the board taken out by the leash string. That is why the part that connects the leash string to the swivel is called the rail saver.