knee leash on a wetsuit???

[thaya]

I've just bought a longboard and I decided to get a knee leash to avoid tripping all over it (thinking way ahead like someday I'll be able to noseride ). The problem is, it's making my wetsuit frey (is that the word???). I've used it for a week solid and on my wetsuit around the back of my knee it's gone all weird like the leash is chaffing and wearing out the wetsuit. What should I do? Are these leashes designed for warmer climates where you don't wear a wettie? Should I get a normal leash? Should I bother trying to take the other one back (bearing in mind it's in a state now). I don't want it to damage my wetsuit which cost a fortune!

[Driftingalong]

First off, welcome to longboarding!

Second, I've got that kind of leash too. I put it on right below my knee and above to top of my calf. I've never had any problems...
Maybe it is due to the particular make of the leash? Does the loop (soft) part of the velcro wrap all the way around your leg, so there isn't a gap where the hook (rough) part can get to the suit? Or, are the edges causing you the problem?

[thaya]

thanks! it's the whole area around the back. The front bit of the leash has an extra bit of padding on it (which is probably why the front of my wetsuit leg is fine) but the back is just a normal velcro strap and there's a sort of inch wide worn out bit of my wetsuit the whole way round

any ideas? should I get a new leash?

[^*^BATMAN^*^]

thanks! it's the whole area around the back. The front bit of the leash has an extra bit of padding on it (which is probably why the front of my wetsuit leg is fine) but the back is just a normal velcro strap and there's a sort of inch wide worn out bit of my wetsuit the whole way round

any ideas? should I get a new leash?

I would go for a new one. What costs more, a new wetsuit, or a new leash? Though I am sure with some imagination you can make your own modification to it. Just figure out how much of the velcro is rubbing on the suit, and sew some material onto it so it isnt directly on the wetsuit......

[zerphyr]

I use a calf leash also. I wear it about 2" below my knee. I have never had a problem wearing it with my oneal psycho zen suit. I can see where it would be a problem if it were positioned further up as the constant rubbing would damage your suit. Oh and make sure when your wearing the leash the cord is pointing away from you. that might help might not. otherwise make mods to your existing leash or get a new one. I would chuck my leash before i let it eat a whole in a suit that cost hundreds. Or you can ride leash less, i do that sometimes too but you have to be prepared to swim if you lose the board.

[grub]

I always use a knee-nose rider leash and over time I have seen a bit of wear but nothing over the top... check the velcro (rough/spiky side); it may be wider than the softer side, if so a little trim might help.

I use to use O&E but have been using Creatures of leasure (has a C and a star as the symbol) for some time now and feel they are of good quality.

I just sore a shot of your leash in the Longboard pic thread... burford blanks Australia... nothing better then a bit of aussie plank under ya (even if it has been Englatised )



Looks to have a fair bit of padding, balin is generaly fine so no ideas hear.

[thaya]

yeah, you can't really tell from the pic, and I'm not gonna go get it out the garage again (too much hassle!) to take a closer pic, but the front bit where it goes round under your knee has an extra flap of foam padding, whereas the back doesn't. Maybe I just need to get hold of somore more padding and stitch it to the back... not sure where I'd get it from or how I'd stitch is securely as the velcro bit is quite thick. I might ask at my local surf shop and see what ideas they have.

thanks for the all the advice. any more suggestions welcome