Essential Guide to Choosing the Best Surfboard Leashes

Discover how to choose the perfect surf leash for your needs and enhance your surfing experience with our team's key tips.

Choosing the right surfboard leash is essential to ensure safety and performance in the water. They are designed to keep your board within reach after a wipeout, reducing the risk of it hitting others or drifting away and getting damaged.

A properly sized and durable leash ensures confidence while paddling and riding waves, which in turn allows you to focus more on your performance and have fun! A good leash is a vital part of your gear in any condition so let's dive a little deeper and figure out what would work best for you.

What is a Surf Leash

A surfboard leash is a vital piece of equipment that connects the surfer to their board and its basic purpose is to prevent the board from drifting away after a wipeout, protecting both the surfer and others in the water. It is designed with a few key components that we recommend ensuring you look for when purchasing a new leash for optimal performance in the water.

Surfboard Leash Key Components

Key Components:

Cuff: Attaches to the surfer's ankle or calf, secured with Velcro.

Cord: The durable, stretchy connection between the cuff and the board that keeps the board attached.

Rail Saver: Protects the board's tail from leash damage.

Swivel: Prevents tangling by allowing the cord to rotate freely.

Quick release Strap: Enables easy detachment in emergencies. We highly recommend this feature if you are surfing bigger waves or spots that have sharp reefs or rocks below.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Leash

Now that we've outlined the key components of a surfboard leash, it's important to consider factors like board size, wave conditions, and skill level. These elements are crucial in selecting the ideal leash to suit your surfing needs. By addressing these considerations, you can find the perfect leash that ensures both safety and freedom of movement while enhancing your overall surfing experience and allowing you to get the most out of your surf session.

Board Size: The leash length should correspond to your surfboard size. A leash that matches your board’s length ensures optimal control and safety, typically around the same length as the board or slightly longer. For example, if you are riding a 5ft8 Surf Board a 6ft leash is perfect.


Leash Length Chart

Wave Conditions: Regular leashes and big wave leashes with thicker mm are better options for sizer waves thanks to their durability as they are less likely to snap. Smaller waves can be tackled with thinner leashes for less drag such as our comp leash range. The urethane cord thicknesses dependent on wave size and this is a key factor when a customer picks a leash.

Surfer Skill Level: Beginners benefit from longer leashes that provide extra space from the board, while advanced surfers might prefer shorter, more responsive options for precision and less drag.

Leash Length Guide

Choosing the correct leash length is essential. The right leash will ensure that you get the most enjoyment out of your session.

Shortboard Leash: Use a leash approximately the same length as your board, usually around 6-7 feet. If you surf a board just under 6ft using a 6ft leash is still ideal.

Minimal Leash: Opt for a leash matching the board size, typically 7-8 feet.

Longboard Leash: Longer boards require leashes of 9-10 feet to accommodate their size and maintain safety. Longer leashes ensure proper distance between you and the board during falls, enhancing both safety and control.

SUPs (Stand-Up Paddleboards) Leash: These demand even longer leashes, around 10+ feet, to provide adequate range and reduce tangling risks.

Popular Leash Brands and Recommendations

Creatures of Leisure Leash

When it comes to surfboard leashes, trusted brands like FCS, Channel Islands, Ocean and Earth and Creatures of Leisure consistently deliver quality and reliability and we stock a massive range of colours to choose from.

FCS: Known for innovative designs and durable materials, their leashes cater to a variety of surfing conditions. We highly recommend this brand as there is a wide variety of options on offer for all surfing levels.

Channel Islands: Offers a wide range of leashes with reinforced cords and comfortable cuffs, ideal for both beginners and pros that have been designed alongside some of the world's best surfers like Mikey Feb and Dane Reynolds.

Creatures of Leisure: Renowned for performance-focused leashes with features like double swivels and quick-release options.

Ocean and Earth: Offers innovative designs like the "One-Piece Leash," known for its strength and durability under heavy conditions and is super affordable.

Explore models tailored to different board types and wave conditions to find your perfect fit and be sure to use the tips we provided to ensure you grab the right one for you!

Some Final Pointers

Surfing

A well-chosen leash provides essential security, and comfort, and enhances your time in the water. We recommend opting for a high-quality leash from reputable brands like FCS, Creatures of Leisure, or Ocean & Earth to ensure you're equipped for any surf session. A well-chosen leash provides essential security, and comfort, and enhances your time in the water.

If you are unsure which ankle to pop your leash around and you forgot to ask someone before heading down for a surf, don't stress! Just do a little practice pop-up on the beach and whichever foot lands at the back is the one your leash needs to be attached to.

As you progress you might start to notice some longboarders opt to not wear leashes. We recommend still wearing one to ensure the safety of the people around you no matter how good you are. In the long run you will save yourself money by avoiding hurting your board or anyone around you.