[RBSurf]

Anyone know if a leash plug can be installed to a board. I just got a new longboard that doesnt have one.  If so is It easy to install?

[LocalsSurf]

It's not terribly difficult.  You'll need a bit (I use a Diablo bit for Home Depot) 1.25" in diameter (about an 1/8" larger then the widest diameter of the plug).  Measure about a shaka signs length up from the tail on the top of the board along the stringer.  Mark it.  Drill slowly no more than a 1/16" deeper then your plug.  Test fit the plug as you go to avoid making the hole to deep.  Prepare an ounce of resin.  I add a bit of white pigment to it (not necessary).  Some guys will clean or prepare the plug by wiping it with acetone, I usually forgo this step.  Fill the hole about 1/4 of the way full.  It should be slightly more then what the hole can hold with the plug installed.  Slowly sink the plug into the hole with the resin, all the while, twisting the plug bag and forth to displace and trapped air.  If all is well, only a little excess resin should dribble out the hole and the plug should be pretty flush with the top of the board.  Wipe off any excess resin and allow to set.  Good luck!

[Crackie Onassis]

Do not drill into your board. Either get one of those stick-on jobs or make a leash loop out of resin and fin rope. Either can be easily removed when you learn to ride a longboard without a leash and hold onto it when you fall.

[Kyle]

Preach it, Crackie...

[Dorado]

i put a leash plug in a board by using a hole saw . Was showed  to use a little white pigment and actually a little bit of cloth before you put the cup in . I did this however under the supervision of tommy Bunger and by his instructions . for a long board I would agree with the stick on joint .

[NJ Longboarder]

ez plug.  they hold pretty good. usually around 7 bucks.  local shop or online.  they come in clear so not too ugly.
http://www.foamez.com/ez-stickon-plug-p-614.html
 

[Twilly]

Hi NJ Long-- Just got my first longboard and it's a very heavy vintage 60's.
Will the lick 'm stick 'm leash hold in your experience?  I will prepare the surface of the deck carefully and so on...

[UNCLE!!]

Hi NJ Long-- Just got my first longboard and it's a very heavy vintage 60's.
Will the lick 'm stick 'm leash hold in your experience?  I will prepare the surface of the deck carefully and so on...

It will stick, but that said, a leash isn't a life saving device. It is for convenience mostly. The stick on leash deal works really good and you won't have to disfigure your board to install it. Make sure to wait 72 hours after installation before you use the board.

[Twilly]

Thank you! 
Now forgive my ignorance on a point of style...
Is it considered to be totally irresponsible to ride a longboard without a leash?
I'll not be surfing it in crowds, normally the Outer Banks October, November.
I can control the board paddling out, kicking out, and in most falls.  It's pretty hard to fall off this board. 
I am sure that anyone who has been injured by one of these heavy old things (a friend of mine recently)
has a strong opinion about this but these incidents happen (as his did) when the board is leashed, right?
Just wondering what the thought is...

ps In case you need to get out of my way out there I'm about 6'7", I weigh 135 pounds, I have a blond beard, blond dreadlocks, a leather thong bathing suit,
and the lyrics to the Michael Martin Murphy song "Wildfire" tattooed on my chest   

[Crackie Onassis]

I don't think it's irresponsible if you avoid closeouts and hold onto your board.

[NJ Longboarder]

the ez plug will be fine in big stuff.  haven't lost a plug on a board yet, but am good with my death grip on my longboards in bigger surf.
 
if you are unsure about surfing with a leash or without, surf with it, but pretend you don't have it on.  When you can get through a few sessions without a tug on your foot, you can start going leashless. 
 
i always wear a leash in crowds.  accidents happen and I don't want my board to hit anyone.  i've seen some of the kewl kids loose their stuff and it come flying through the inside.  not worth it for the cool factor, buy fancy board shorts to impress the ladies instead.

[HydroGlide]

surfing a log leashless in decent waves means that it will eventually go unridden - an unguided missile - no matter how great you think you are - if everyone around you has his/head on a swivel at all times - no one should be surprised and get slammed by the unexpected  ghost board down the line - that is a big "if" though


PS: don't ride leashless when kids are around you

[Twilly]

PS: don't ride leashless when kids are around you

Word.

[Mako25]

Drill a small hole in your fin just big enough to put a piece of parachute cord through it..Make sure you dill at a strong point in the fin (not next to a edge)..With about a five inch piece of cord put it through the hole and make a loop, there ya go attach your leash. Don't know if its a recommended way but its the way I have it on my long-board.

[Twilly]

Cool!  and no noticeable drag from the cord?