Leashes and Deck Pads: FAQ
Answers from HSS in Honolulu on surf leashes and deck pads.
What length leash do I need?
About the same length as your board, or up to 1 ft longer. Never go shorter than the board. Quick guide from the site: up to 6'0" board = 6 ft leash; 6'1"–7'0" = 7 ft; 7'1"–8'0" = 8 ft; 8'1"–9'0" = 9 ft; 9'1" and longer = 10 ft.
What leash thickness do I need for bigger waves?
Thicker cord for bigger waves. Per the site's FCS guide: 5–5.5 mm competition leashes for waves up to about 4 ft; 6.5 mm for 0–8 ft all-round; 7 mm for 2–8 ft; big-wave leashes for larger surf. Beginners are better off with a thicker cord (about 7 mm).
Are competition leashes OK for everyday surfing?
Not usually. They are thinner for less drag but more likely to break, so they are best for advanced surfers in small waves. Example: "FCS Leash Competition Essential (5'- 6')".
What leash should I use for a longboard?
A 9–10 ft leash, often with a calf cuff to keep the cord out from under your feet when noseriding. Examples: "FCS Leash HELIX Calf (9') 6.5mm Natural Black" and "FCS Leash All Round Ankle Essential 10' - 7mm".
What leash is good for big-wave surfing?
"VEIA Leash JJF Big Wave 10'-12' Night" is built for big surf on 10 ft-plus boards: 10 ft cord, release pin, dual swivel; VEIA states that all VEIA gear is backed by its VEIA Lifetime Warranty against defects in workmanship and materials. Warranty is handled by VEIA, not by HSS: Warranty
Veia Leash Jjf Big Wave 10 Night
What leash do you recommend for a typical shortboard?
For most shortboards in small to moderate waves, a 6 ft leash. HSS carries FCS, VEIA and Creatures of Leisure, for example "VEIA Leash JJF PRO (5'- 8')" Veia Leash Jjf Pro Hawaii and "CreaturesofLeisure Leash Reliance 2.0 Lite Duty 6"" Creaturesofleisure Leash Reliance 2 0 Lite Duty 6
How do I choose a deck pad?
Pick by tail shape (round vs squash), pad pieces (1-piece vs 3-piece for custom placement) and grip feel. Example: "VEIA Deckpad Alpha Round Tail - Orbiter" is a 3-piece pad with a corduroy-topped diamond grip, built for board feel; "VEIA Deckpad 3 Piece Explorer Night" is another 3-piece option.
Veia Alpha Round Tail Traction Pad Orbiter · Veia Deckpad 3 Piece Explorer Night · all pads: Shop Deckpads
Does HSS carry FCS and Futures deck pads?
Yes: FCS pad lines (e.g. "FCS Deckpad Crosby Colapinto Black Blue"), Futures, Firewire, Creatures of Leisure, Blak Bear and VEIA.
More questions? Call or text HSS at (808) 597-9055 or email sales@hawaiiansouthshore.com.