Leash Tie Cord/ Leash Loop Crafting

When it comes to that little piece of cord that attaches your leash to your board, you have about as many choices of color as a Model A- black, black, and black. All out of nylon too- no "eco" green, or just plain cool materials.
I made my leash loop using a foam Kumihimo disk, which is available at a lot of craft stores these days. It creates a round braid, similar to one you probably did in Summer camp growing up. Basically, with thicker cord material, I do a 8 cord braid, or with thinner cord, I will do a 16 cord braid to make the cord more substantial. Instructions on making the Kumihimo braid are usually included in the package, but they can also be found here. Here's one I created using mercerized cotton in a variegated purple.



8 strand braid in cotton

 The fun part is coming up with color combos and using different materials to create a loop. Just make sure that the material you use can withstand saltwater and the conditions you will be using your board in. Cotton cord can be used in smaller waves, since the braid makes a strong rope, but keep a check on it often since it can deteriorate, but so can all leash loops. Other good materials are hemp, nylon cord (in colors!), and even in cut up grocery bags, also known in crafting circles as "plarn" (plastic yarn). Once the braid is complete, fold it in half, and put an overhand knot in it. Sometimes I may dot the knot with a bit of E-6000 industrial glue, which is waterproof and will keep the knot tight. The length of the loop you wish to make depends on your surfboard and leash type. Below are a few examples of completed cords:



Freshly made cotton 8 strand loops

 


Cotton braided leash loop used for several sessions

 

Wax Leavin' Solution

Ok, on other craft sites, I see a lot of how-to on what to do with soap slivers left over from baths and sinks, so I thought about all the wax bits from using up the bars I have that become just so small that they're hard to really use effectively to wax up the board, and I always end up with the left over bit becoming a big blob leavin' somewhere on the board, or left somewhere on the shelf to try to mash with other bits into a waxy cake to use later.
Well, I had this neat little ice cube tray I got at Ikea for like a buck, that makes those long, skinny ice cubes, like you'd use in sports drink bottles. Then, I thought, WAX CRAYONS!!
Instead of microwaving the wax down, I just let it melt into the forms outside by shaving and cutting up little chunks of wax with a knife and letting them sit in the sun to melt into the tray.

After it melted in, I popped the mold into the freezer, and voila! a wax crayon that is fun to use for both adults and kids to wax up the board. This is not recommended for a first wax coat, but is fun when getting ready to go for a surf.
If you get that color wax they have out now, woo hoo.. coloring fun for hours.

Leash Detangler

Ok, so I've seen where having a little weight on the leash, moving freely, can prevent it from snaring on your leg or ankle when you're going to take off on a wave. I would love having this on one of my longer leashes for my longboard since it always seems I've got the leash wrapped around me on the best waves.
I thought about how I could do this on one of my existing leashes. I went to the hardware store (or you can check your garage) for two rubber o-rings, like the ones used in plumbing. I used o-rings with 1 1/8" outside diameter, and a 1" inside diameter. Essentially, I tried to find ones that were thin enough to stretch over the end of the leash, but wouldn't slip off once on.



Two o-rings over leash end.

 Once I got them over the board leash attachment end, I needed a way to keep them together, add some weight, but not damage my board. For this, I thought hemp macrame might work. I cut one long piece of hemp string and made a simple overhand knot to secure the beginning of my work. From there, I started a series of square knots into a "sinnet" wrapped around the two o-rings. It ends up looking like one of those rings your hippie grandma made to hang the lovely house planter.


Starting overhand knot

Once the sinnet is completed the entire way around, I did a final square knot to complete the circle. I also used some E-6000 industrial and waterproof glue on a q-tip and dab it on the final knot to secure it. The o-rings, now joined together by the square knots, should slide up and down the length of the leash freely, but should not slip off.



Completed sinnet of square knots



Now to go try it out- I like experiments like these! If only we'd get some fun Summer longboard waves soon.....





Welcome to Crafty Surf!

I'm excited to combine my three favorite activities: crafting, surfing, and paddleboarding. I hope to include DIY hacks, helpful crafts to use while surfing, SUP'ing, and other surfing related sports!
Let's hit the water!