What is A Surfboard Leash and Why Do You Need One?

A surfboard leash is a long rope that you attach to the tail of your surfboard.  You then attach the other end of the surf leash to your leg.

What a surfboard leash does is it keeps your surfboard attached  to your body at all times while surfing regardless of if you bail or fall of your surfboard.  This prevents you from losing your surfboard and is believed to be the most important surfing accessory.

Quit Swimming For Your Surfboard

Before the surfboard leash was invented surfers would swim to shore to get their surfboard every time they lost it and this obviously became quite a nuisance.

And imagine if you are surfing at a reef break where the shore is very rocky and sharp!  You could kiss your brand new surfboard goodbye as you watch it smack against the rocks.

If you are a beginner surfer you will fall off your surfboard many times when trying to learn how to stand up on your board for the first time.  You therefore must make sure to pick yourself up a surf leash before you even step foot in the water!

Safety For All Surfers

The surfboard leash also plays a vital role in the safety of other surfers in the ocean.

Imagine for a moment that you are paddling back out to the line-up after a gnarly ride and a surfer riding a wave coming towards you, slips and falls off his surfboard.

Without a surfboard leash his surfboard will continue to ride the wave without him and head straight at you.  Most often than not the surfboard will hit you and it will most likely hit you in your face or head.

The reverse is also possible if you are the one ridding the wave and some poor sole is paddling out.

But I See Guys Surfing Without A Surfboard Leash!

However not every surfer surfs with a surf leash.  Many surfing coaches believe that surfboard leashes add a sense of security to intermediate surfers.

Without the fear of losing your surfboard surfers are more reluctant to complete maneuvers in tricky situations and stay up on their feet.  They will bail midway through a maneuver knowing that they can easily grab their board and paddle back out.

This therefore hinders their progression.

Many up and coming surfers and professionals will surf without a surfboard leash to help improve their balance and skill level.  But don’t worry…your time will come to try surfing without a leash. Baby steps first!

What is A Surfboard Leash Made Of And What is The Purpose Of Its Different Parts?
Most surfboard leashes are made of strong urethane and come with a leash string, rail saver, swivels, cord and cuff.

Different Types of Surfboard Leashes – 5 Surf Leashes To Choose From
There are 5 main types of surfboard leashes for you to choose from. Make sure you choose the right surfboard leash type for your wave conditions.

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