How long ago did surfers use leashes? and what is the purpose for them?

Question

I know, I know....STOOOOPID question! I'm learnin' here!

Answer 1

Leashes are a great idea. before leashes, there were times I would loose my board and swim FOREVER to get it back, and then paddle all the way out through the break again. Also, There were times when I wold loose my board, and I was scared to death that it would mow down a half a dozen little kids splashing around at the water's edge. Or even worse, collide with another surfboard, and ding my board.

They first showed up in the early 70's. I never used one until about 1987/88 when I got thrown off a beach by the life guards because I didn't have one. then, like an idiot, I had a leash cup put in my classic twin fin.

There are some downsides to using a leash. First of all lots of us (me included, for sure) are really careless about how we end our rides. We used to really carefully kick out and grab out board. Now lots of us (not everybody, but lots) just sort of flop down, and let the leash keep a hold of the board for us.

Also, I got caught on an obstruction (and outfall pipe piling), and I washed toward the beach, my board washed toward the beach, and the board and I got banged around while the leash was caught. It is tough to try to bend over and undo that strap in heavy water. Of course, alls well that ends well, both the board and I made it.

About two years after that, i got hung up on a pier. Same story, same ending.

I use one all the time. I know some guys don't like 'em, but I'm way too old to take those long swims. besides, lots of beaches that I surf require them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surfboard

http://360guide.info/surfing/surfboard-l...

Answer 2

Wow, I always thought we started using leashes to protect the kids that swim close to shore.  They used to get wacked in the head with some of our old heavy longboards.  

Leashes have been used at some beaches for more than twenty years.  Insisted on by lifeguards, protecting swimmers.

Answer 3

the straps are there so board doesn't float away if you fall down

i think they started to use the straps in the 50's/60's don't really know

Answer 4

Hmm, maybe 15 years ago?

They were used because the boards could get away, it saved time to keep them close...

Then noses got broken when the bungees slapped the boards into the wearer's face, so the leashes went to hexx.

Answer 5

i still use them and it helps because if you wipout on a wave the board stays attached to you and does not float away

Answer 6

you dont know what there used for.

uuuuuuuuummmm, mabye cuz people got over swimming into the shore after almost ever wave

Answer 7

thought they always used.  it keeps track of where your board is.

Answer 8

hmmm? maybe so they didn't let loose of the board, after they fall off they could real it in. ??

Answer 9

so when you fall off you don't have to look for your board cuz ur attached to it

Answer 10

thay use them because if thay fall the surfboard wont wash all the way back to the beach

Answer 11

Leashes are attached to the board and then attached to your ankle.

It's to make sure that when you go under(a wave) your surfboard doesn't float away. It also helps with big wave surfing. If you fall and go under you're attached to a leash so you know which way is up becuase when your under it's very disorienting. .