I saw Ben Wilson using a leash in a clip. Anyone in here using one? I know it can be really dangerous to use one but I'm getting sick of body dragging looking for my board, losing it completely when it's big or getting it smashed against the rocks. I was thinking I would cut off the leg part of a leash and tie a knot in the end. I could then hold on to the leash with my back hand and just let it go in case i get too much tension when I get dragged. A 4 feet leash would be enough i think. When I'm up for aerials i would just let it get dragged behind the board and in case I lose it it will be easier to get hold of the board again when body dragging up to the wave from behind.
I have also noticed that when i surf a wave and fall, I often still have my feet on the board but I'm getting dragged on my back with the board in front of me in the whitewater. Sometimes I'm in this position for a couple of seconds before losing it. It would then be pretty easy to get hold of the leash and I could concentrate on getting out of the whitewater with the leash in my hand.
What do you think?
The other more extreme idea I had was to tie a helium balloon with a 2 meter string to the leash plug. ...but i prefer something a little cooler!