Modern leashes consist of a urethane cord where one end has a band with a velcro strap attached to the surfer's trailing foot, and the opposite has a velcro strap attached to the tail end of the surfboard.

His initial designs consisted of surgical cord attached to a board with a suction cup.

At the 1971 Malibu international surfing competition, Pat offered leashes to his competitors in the event.

[1] Pat's father, Jack O'Neill, lost his left eye in a surf leash accident as the surgical tubing used in the early designs allowed the leash to overstretch, causing the surfboard to fly back towards the surfer.

Modern leg rope consists of four parts cuff, swivel, cord and rail saver.