Choosing The Right Surfboard Leash

The leash is a vital piece of equipment for surfing and surf safety. It stops you from losing your board, helps you to retrieve your board quickly after wiping out, and stops it from hitting other water users when adrift.

A lot of surfers have a story and a scar related to another surfer going without a leash.

There are four types of leash from which to choose: 

• Comp leashes are short, 5 or 6ft in length with a thin cord thickness of 5 – 6mm and for small waves up to 4ft. Often used for higher performance surfing.
• Regular leashes are 6 - 8ft in length with a cord thickness of 7mm. Ideal for waves in the 2-8ft range. This is the go-to leash for most surfers regardless of ability.
• Longboard leashes are generally 9ft in length with thickness of 7mm and are ideal for waves in the range of 2-8ft.
• Big Wave leashes are 8-12ft with thick 8mm cord and are used most commonly in waves from 8-15ft.

Despite its simple appearance, the leash is actually a precise piece of engineering. The various parts are detailed below:

Cuff

The cuff is the part that attaches to your leg. They are usually made of neoprene padding with adjustable Velcro. The thicker the foam the more comfortable it will be but this does also make it more cumbersome.

Swivel

The swivel allows the leash to spin and twist to help avoid tangles. Most leashes come with either a single or double swivel which can sit between the cuff and cord and also between the cord and rail saver. Do not buy a leash without at least one swivel (bezel).

Cord

Cords come in all different lengths and widths. The thicker the leash cord, the sturdier and stronger it is making it harder to break. However, the thicker the cord, the more drag it will create in the water to slow you down

Rail Saver and string

Attaches your leash to your surfboard (via the leash string). Using a sturdy fabric construction with Velcro. The rail saver protects your board rail from the leash string when strain is put on your leash.

When attaching the string to the leash plug make sure the string is not too long and the rail saver is over the rail not the string.

Correct, rail saver sits over the rail of the board

Incorrect, the cord is too long and rail saver is not sitting over the rail of the board. Out in the surf, the force of the waves will cause the string to damage your board. You can see the damage in this photo.

Tips for beginner surfers:

You may like to ride with a bigger leash just so you're a little further away from your board when you wipe out. But don't go more than 1ft bigger than your board it could be dangerous for other water users! Also, don't go too short or you might get a nice head bruise or worse when you fall off and the board rebounds straight back at you.

And never forget, the leash is a vital piece of safety equipment not just yourself, but also for those in the water around you. Leash up, surf well and stay safe!

 

main image by bengt nyman