Prior to 1971 surfers that fell from their surfboards would quickly swim after their boards to retrieve them. Thankfully for all surfers the surfboard leash was invented by Pat O’ Neill, the son of O’ Neill founder Jack O’ Neill. The surfboard leash saves your board from being smashed on the rocks, & protects the other surfers & swimmers from being hit by your surfboard. Surfboard leashes have changed over time. Leashes are no longer made from elasticated cords that overstretch & cause the surfboards to fly back towards the surfer. Super strong & flexible urethane cord is now used for leashes instead. Padded ankle straps & swivels have also been introduced to ensure maximum comfort & flexibility for the surfer. The Billabong Girl 2.2m surfboard leash has all of these new leash features & more. The 2.2m leash from Billabong has a strong urethane cord that connects to a single swivel. The swivel helps to ensure that the surfer is not inconvenienced by the leash wrapping around his ankle. The swivel connects to a padded ankle strap that provides maximum comfort once the Velcro strap has been wrapped around the rider’s ankle. The Billabong leash also has a detachable Velcro rail saver so you can easily put the leash on & take the leash off. The picture shown is of the 1.8m leash, however the 2.2m leash is identical, only longer.