What is the Surfboard Leash used for

The leash keeps the surfboard from running into other surfers or swimmers when a surfer falls off their surfboard.

The surfboard leash is a urethane cord that attaches to the tail of a surfboard and worn around a surfers ankle with the use of a Velcro strap. The purpose of the leash is to keep your surfboard close to you after sustaining a wipeout. While the surfboard leash can be seen as uncomfortable and sometimes hindering to a surfers performance, there is no question that if you are a beginner, you should always wear a leash.

As a beginner surfer, the first surfing maneuver you are likely to master is the wipeout. It’s going to happen a lot! The surfboard leash will prevent your runaway surfboard from flying into others surfers or swimmers, causing them harm. It will also keep the surfboard close to you so you don’t wear yourself out swimming after your surfboard every time you wipeout. Remember, you are going to wipe out a lot. When surfing in Kona, Hawaii it is important to wear a leash so your surfboard does not wash up onto the rocky shoreline.

Types of Surfboard Leashes

Choosing the right leash for your surfboard will depend on what size surfboard and waves you plan to ride.

There are many different styles of surfboard leashes and choosing the right one depends on what type of surfboard and waves you are going to be riding.

Short board Leash

These leashes range anywhere from 5 to 6 feet in length and can withstand a fair amount of tension before breaking. This is a good choice leash for surfing wave’s knee to double over head.

Comp Leashe

The comp leash is primarily designed to keep the surfboard close to the surfer in the event of a wipeout. It has a much lighter design that makes them appealing for faster, high performance surfing with less drag but may snap easily in bigger surf.

Longboard Leashe

The calf leash is popular with longboarders because it allows the surfer to walk up and down the surfboard without tripping over the leash.

The longboard leash ranges anywhere from 8 to 10 feet in length. Longboards are typically heavier than the standard short board so the longboard leash has a thicker urethane cord for added strength. Calf leashes are a popular type of longboard leash. The strap is worn high above the calf which allows the surfer to walk back and forth on the surfboard without tripping over the leash.

How to Attach and Wear a Surfboard Leash