XM | SURF MORE Leashes and Accessories Re-launches One of the Surf Industry’s Original Brands

Following the passing of XM | SURF MORE founder Bob Nealy, the pioneering accessories brand is ready to continue advancing the world of surf leashes and accessories

It’s been about a year now since the passing of XM | SURF MORE founder, Bob Nealy.

Back in 1973, Nealy was one of first commercial surf leash manufacturers in the world. Notably, he was the first to implement the Velcro strap, which remains the industry standard. For more than 40 years, Nealy never stopped innovating. His game changing inventions like the Power Clip quick cord release system and the Tangle Free no drag, no tangle slider system have kept XM | SURF MORE on the leading edge of the industry.

Throughout his career, he continued teaching high school, and coaching water polo and surf teams around his home-town of San Clemente, CA, while his trusted protégé Craig Ephraim managed the day-to-day business of XM. Nealy was a committed surfer, a constant traveller and consummate people person, and the influences of XM | SURF MORE ran deeper than connecting people to their boards… he connected people to each other.

Nealy hired 17-year-old Craig Ephraim straight out of high school in 1981. He started tying knots for $3.50 an hour, and 36 plus years and a few million leashes later, Ephraim is now one of the most experienced and knowledgeable leash experts in the world. He’s the guy big wave surfing legend Greg Long calls to invent the perfect XXL leash. He’s the guy top pro surfers, the Gudauskas brothers, turn to for San Clemente High comp leashes. He’s a legitimate, leash-making legend. And he’s still making them. Every day. Right here in the US of A.

So, welcome to the re-launch of XM | SURF MORE. This is a journey with deep roots and high ideals. This blog is here to share our stoke, Craig’s and the rest of the teams wisdom, to keep you updated on our innovations and community programs, and tap into the latest happenings of our team riders.

We mourn the loss of one of surfing’s unsung innovators, but we know nothing would have made him prouder than to see XM | SURF MORE continue to lead the world in high-quality leashes in his honor.

[XM | SURF MORE creates the highest quality action sports leashes and accessories. Founded in 1973 by South California garage inventor Bob Nealy, XM leashes were the first to incorporate the Velcro strap and have continued to pioneer with inventions like the Power Clip, Tangle Free system and EZ Fit. Also providing leash solutions for Stand-Up Paddle (SUP), kayaks, body-boards and big wave surfing, as well as roof-racks, board-bags and traction.  XM | SURF MORE Leashes are proudly made by hand in the USA.]

PHOTOS BY BIELMANN