Leash or No Leash? That's the question!

I have recently seen and heard a lot of debate about whether one should wear a leash. I see 99% of the surfers (good ones too) wearing a leash. I see the occasional longboarder not wearing a leash but generally those guys have been ripping for over 35 years and they generally stay out of steep heavy surf so they don't take out the whole population in the lineup. Growing up surfing in contests, etc. I never went without a leash unless I was out on a really small day, uncrowded day, or close inside in shorebreak where nobody is swimming, bodyboarding, or wading. Some people call leashes "kook chords".

In reality, if someone loses their board even once and gets close to or does happen to hit someone with their board that is the truest of all kook moves. We've all done it, but to avoid it by wearing a leash is key. Wearing a leash is a sign of respect and safety for other surfers. Not wearing one because you think you're cool, you think you're an old timer (unless you're 50 or higher save it), or you just plain think you rip it up and you're the coolest guy out there makes no sense when it comes to real surfing ability. It makes no sense whatsoever on any crowded day not to wear a leash. For the safety and enjoyment of other people's surf sessions please always wear a leash unless it's two feet, mushy, and breaking gently through the inside....Like I said..If you're a seasoned longboarder who just doesn't lose his/her board, more power to you...Leave the leashless surfs to two foot mush..wear one out when I'm out there because I'd like to not make a visit to urgent care for stitches before work.