As we battle and jeapordize our safety in unforgiving surf, our boards are also put to the test.  The leash is our savior, but as we unmercifully get rag-dolled by the water, it can also cause potential damage to our board.

When we lose our boards the water turbulence causes the leash to stretch completely.   Sometimes, the pressure from the leash is applied to the board's fragile polyurethane tail (not epoxy or wood).  This is especially true when the surfer creates even more tention by pulling on the leash for additional safety.  The result can be a dreadful gash that looks as if someone took a hand saw right through your once pristine tail. Yes, this will ruin any surfers day, but with a few easy steps, you might avoid this altogether.

Here's how:

(See photo above)

First, make sure your knot looks like the one in the pictures.  This is done by grabbing both ends and looping it into a knot.  This knot should end up at 3/4 length of the entire string.  Don't tie it too tight just yet because you might need to adjust it. 

Now grab the end of the string furthest from the knot and thread it under the little metal bar located in the hole, on the tail.  

(See photo on right)

Next, feed the knot through the loop and pull.   The string will securely wrap around the little bar in the hole.  Now, the most important part, make sure the knot lies well inside the tails edge, but leaves just enough room for your leash to attach.  This is what eliminates the possibility of the ding.

~ Enjoy