Only lost track of my board twice in 2 years. Once when I lost it in very heavy surf (40 knots side shore)... I found it 200 yards down wind in the surf. Another time when I crashed my kite and tangled my lines at North Skyway. It was strong Northeast and it got pushed towards the skyway bridge. Jayson and (? can't remember who else, Billy?) rescued it for me. I was grateful.

Neither time would I have had time to connect a leash because it was a very hard fall followed by looping and crashing kite that separated it from me.

Aside from that, I have never had a problem body dragging for my board even in 40mph and head high surf.

Agree the Floats on the board would help in onshore winds, but not so much in side shore. I think bayflite is selling those now, and will even rent them out cheap on nasty days.

I don't use a board leash.. if I need to relaunch and can't hold onto my board, I put the kite leash through the handle.