A leash plug is a small component with an important job. Its position affects drag, the load placed on the board and the chance of the leash interfering with your feet.
Rustyâs approach is to position the plug as close to the tail as the available foam thickness safely allows. When a surfer falls, a connection point farther forward makes the board pull through more water. That additional resistance increases stress on the leash, plug and surrounding laminate.
A forward plug can also allow the cord to slide beneath the back foot or wrap around the surfer more easily. Keeping the attachment near the tail block reduces this tendency and lets the board align more naturally with the pull of the leash.
Some alternative and big wave boards use a fibreglass loop built directly onto the tail block. These loops can be extremely strong, but the best solution still depends on the tail thickness, construction and intended use of the board.
Adapted with permission from Rusty Surfboards USA.
