Buying A Bodyboard Leash

The Importance of a Good Leash

A good quality leash will not only save you hours of swimming after losing your board it could also, potentially save your life – so make sure that you have the best one that you can afford. 

A leash is made up of numerous different features, the more that you pay; the better these are likely to be. We have analysed them below:

 

 

 

 

The Plug

Most leashes come with a sturdy plastic leash plug. Always choose the type that has a flat plastic head so that it limits the likelihood of you banging your face on it if you land a move wrong.

Ensure that the thread on the plug anchors the two sides together and use a coin to screw it tight. It shouldn't stand proud of the boards deck or slick skin if possible. Cheap leash plugs will break. So invest in the best that you can afford.

The best plugs are only £2.99 so it's worth the investment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The String

Make sure that the string on your leash is tied tightly together; test it by giving it a good yank. The shorter that your leash string is, the better. 

Found leash strings are only £0.75 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cord

Most bodyboard leashes are coiled. This enables the cord to stay out of the way more efficiently when you are bodyboarding. It is generally agreed that the more coiled that the leash is, the better it works. A tightly coiled leash that doesn't get 'loose' after it has been yanked by waves during wipeouts is what you are looking for. Once your leash has lost its ability to stay coiled it is time to think about getting a new one. Many bodyboarders coil their leash up as tightly as possible when it isn't being used and fasten it tight with the Velcro strap. This can improve the leashes ability to stay coiled.

 

 

 

 

 

The Connectors

The small connectors between the cord and the leash string and the cord and the wrist or bicep attachment are called 'swivel's'.

Brass swivels are the best. To have a swivel at each end of the leash means a maximum freedom of movement and the least amount of tangling.

These leashes are referred as having 'double swivels'.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Wrist or Bicep Cuff

The strap that goes around your wrist or your bicep should be well padded with neoprene to avoid rubbing. It's important that it is well stitched so that it can handle the worsed wipeouts. The Velcro should offer a strong hold and be a suitable length to comfortably reach around your wrist or bicep. Some leashes come in different sizes so be sure to ask for a bigger one if you have thicker arms. Or if you are in the shop, ask to try one on. Remember that if you are going to wear a thick wetsuit it needs to fit the extra diameter of your arm. Generally, most bodyboarders prefer bicep coils as they stay out of the way and you can often forget that you even have one on. Some bodyboarders that spend a lot of time riding in the Drop Knee stance prefer wrist leashes as they find that it gives them extra control.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Wear It

You should wear your leash with the cord coming away from the inside of your arm. So when the strap is attached, the cord should come away from the 'thumb side' of your arm. This will allow your leash to sit on the deck of the board when you are paddling. This will minimise the amount of time that the leash spends in the water creating drag or getting caught under your arm or snagging on the nose of the board. If you want your leash to be fitted on to your board when you order it, just stipulate when you order and we will take care of it.