Longboard leashes are thinner than shortboard leashes, which makes them suitable for advanced surfers who want to minimize drag and increase speed. Beginner surfers, however, should not use a long leash. They should stick to a leash that is less than a foot longer than the board's length. Using a leash of more than a foot will increase the area of the leash that can hit people.
A surfboard rail saver is a device that helps prevent a surfboard leash from slicing through the tail. It connects to the leash plug or cup and is normally made of a thick protective fabric that is secured to the surfboard's tail with velcro. Its function is to keep the surfboard leash from slicing the tail of the surfboard due to the drag caused by the leash.
Rail savers are attached to the leash by a narrow velcro strap that can be attached to the tail of the surfboard. This strap has two stainless steel swivels that keep the leash from tangling and protect the tail of the surfboard during a wipeout. Some surfers prefer to place rail savers at their calf while others prefer to place them below the knee.
Most surf leashes are made of urethane, which offers a slight stretch without damaging the surfboard. A leash that is wrapped too tightly is not only going to kink and cause the leash to snap back, but will also damage your fins.
There are a few differences between longboard leashes and shortboard leashes. The first is the width. You should have at least four inches of extra length between the leash and the board. If you're surfing in a large body of water, the extra length will help you stay stable.
A well-engineered leash will return your board faster. Cheap leashes tend to get caught in the pull of a wave and end up in the impact zone, which is one of the most dangerous places to be. Not only will you get slammed into the waves, but you'll also be hit by more waves. You don't want to get stuck in the impact zone, where other surfers are taking off.
In addition to the length of the leash, there are some other differences between the two. Longboard leashes tend to be longer than shortboard ones, and are thicker than shortboard leashes. If you're just learning to surf, you may want to consider a shorter leash for beginners.
The rail saver is an attachment for your leash that prevents it from snagging on your board's tail. The rail saver is usually made of a thick, protective fabric and is secured with velcro. They help protect your board's tail from the harsh pressure caused by the leash's pull. They are also thick and soft so they don't splinter or tear the tail.
There are several different types of rail savers. You should be able to find one that fits your needs. Some are made with a velcro strap and others have a sewn strap. If you're going for the former type, make sure you purchase one that has a long enough cord to keep your board in place.
The leash cord is made from a polyurethane material. A thicker cord creates more drag than a thin one. Both types of leashes have rail savers to protect your board's tail. A longboard leash may contain a single swivel, while a shortboard leash may have multiple swivels.