I recently acquired a nice 6’8" singlefin that weighs in around 15 lbs. It doesn’t have a glass loop or leash plug but it does have a hole in the fin. The fin is glassed in very well but do I risk any damage running my leash sans rail guard through the fin hole? Should I go for a stick-on plug or better yet glass a loop myself? I’m a fairly clean ding repairer but haven’t taken on anything major yet so I’m not sure if I can handle it.
Fareast,
Either the glass leash loop, or a recessed plug, are your two best options. With ding repair experience, you have the necessary skill to do either job. I know there was an extensive thread in the past that covered the “how to” of glass loops, as well as plugs. I personally don’t trust stick-on products. Someone out there remember the name of that thread?
Personally I would go with the glass loop over a stick on. I just put a stick on leash loop on a fish I have and a glass on leash loop on an old Hobie funboard and the glass loop looks 10X better and feels very strong. In fact I plan to replace the stick on with a glass loop whenever I have a minute.
Attaching your leash to your fin is very old hat, and the reason you hardly see anyone do it these days is because it’s a pretty crap idea. Good way of getting a fin in the head. Your best bet is to forget a stick on pad or glass on loop and fit a leash plug.
DO IT
LEASH LOOP!
Not hard at all.
Lots of info in archives about doing them.
Or just install a cup.
Less artistry needed, but will work jsut as well.
http://www.swaylocks.com/forum/gforum.cgi?post=200752;search_string=leash%20loop;#200752
Even have some of my handy-work in thatis thread.
Drew
thanks for the replies and the link - nice work on your first loop drew. i really do not want to cut into this board and the loops look really nice if i can do it right. i also don’t want a 10" fin to the head which i didn’t think of. seems like a must do.
From thread journey of a quad by oldy. It goes through the steps he took. Thought it might be helpful. http://www.swaylocks.com/…_reply;so=ASC;mh=25;
fareast,
Any reason this board cannot be ridden leashless? If your going to go “soul seventies” why not go for it? Of course, consider possible damage to other riders and the board. Mike
Stick-on leash loop. $5.95.
leg rope plug $1.50aus
drilling, mixing, sanding, cleaning up – priceless
If you’re nervous about doing the leash loop you could always practice on a broken board or a glassed piece of wood… I was thinking about doing just that since I’ve no experience to speak of, but have wanted to put leash loops on a couple of boards in the past.
It is nice to ride leashless, and I don’t mind swimming… but some beaches, especially in the summer have crowds of kids playing in the shorebreak and it seems irresponsible to chance dinging one of them 
it will be ridden leashless but not when it’s crowded and people are dropping in on you when you’re cheating 5. beach break conditions chest high + (chopped up more than not) also make me opt to wear a leash.
i’m on my 2nd attempt. the first one came out too thin, the second is thicker but i have a feeling not thick enough. waiting for it to set.
Quote:
Stick-on leash loop. $5.95.
which is why they suck as$
go with a leash plug… router, milled fiberglass or q cell, a lil bit o cloth, some tape, and some hot coat and youre good…
good times good times
If you really want the complete retro experience, you gotta have a six foot bungie chord with a leather ankle strap tied on to the fin. Nothing will take you back to 1970 faster than a pintail to the forehead…
That’s so true, LeeV! I know a guy who still has one that has not turned to powder. Like baseball card bubble gum. He does not use it, of course. mike
Where in NJ are you? If you can’t get it to come out right, feel free to stop by and I can help you. That is if you’re anywhere near LBI. I should be around all day saturday.
leash through a hole in the fin is a slowdown as well.
.