Why do bodyboarders not use ankle leashes as often as wrist and bicep leashes?

Question

And what's dropknee riding?

Answer 1

A few things...

Bodyboards/ sponges are only from 38" to 44" long.  Leashes are placed up to the front fifth of the board.  People are generally around 5 feet tall, up to 6+.  That leaves about two feet of someone's body and legs hanging off the board.  It's not practical to have a leash that long as it creates drag in the water, not to mention makes it uncomfortable.

Bodyboards are generally ridden either prone(on the stomach) or dropknee.  You want the leash to be closer to where you control your board.  In this case it's your arms.

Drop knee (DK) is where you're half-way standing/ kneeling.  One knee is on the board, and the opposite leg is up.with the foot on the board.

See video below:  The first wave is prone, the second is DK.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/547029/dro...

Answer 2

On other reason they don't use leashes is the fact they have those big fins attached to their feet. Drop Knee riding is like if you are on the board with your knees to your feet on the board and your bottom is almost touching your calf.