Georges Hennebutte, one of the famous French surfers of the 50s and 60s, decided in 1958 to attach the board to the surfer. He filed a patent concerning only France and unfortunately his invention had no success, an invention he named “fil à la patte”.
The leash returned a few years later on the French coast but this time patented by the United States. Pat O’Neill, an American from Santa Cruz, claims to be the inventor of the surf leash. The first leashes put on sale were made with surgical tubes. Little by little the accessory spread all over the world and the leash became an essential piece of kit in the practice of surfing.
Even if some people consider the leash an “annoying” accessory, it has many advantages;
- With a leash, the board never goes far after a wipeout or a big run
- Helps the surfer conserve energy, not tiring from swimming back and forth to collect board
- Surfer stays close to his board, can prevent drowning in case of a problem
As with all surfing equipment, it is important the leash is properly-fitted when in use to avoid
injury, and maintained after use to prolong it’s life.
Nowadays, the major brands of surfing accessories have developed the leash, mainly in terms
of ergonomics and solidity, and now sustainability.
Here at Azul Guesthouse our Head Surf Coach recommends the following brands;
- Madness: this is the brand we are using at the surfcamp. Reliable and strong, you will keep your leash for a long time.
- Dakine: with FCS, it’s a major brand for surf equipment and their leashes have great designs and innovation (for example, to avoid the leash to roll up on itself).
- Eco-option: for those that prefer to shop with environment in mind, check out The Slater Designs Revolwe surfboard leashes. Part made using Yulex, natural rubber sourced from forests supported by the Forest Stewardship Council, and a polyester yarn made from certified post-consumer PET (recycled plastic bottles).
If you have any comments or questions on which leash would work for you and your board type,
we’d be happy to help you. And come try ours out anytime!
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