Last updated on April 2nd, 2024 at 08:58 am
If you are looking for a good surfboard leash, you came to the right place. In this post, you will find our top recommendations for a surf leash that will keep your board connected to your feet during the critical moments of a wipeout.
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About Surfboard Leashes
A top-quality surf leash ensures maximum safety, reliability, and peace of mind. Offering optimum stretch, strength, and a comfortable fit enhances your overall surfing experience, allowing you to push your limits without fearing losing your board.
So today, we will look at 10 of the best leashes available on the market, from traditional coiled styles to modernized, lightweight models. Let’s dive in!
The 10 Best Surfboard Leashes
1. Abahub Premium Surfboard Leash – Tangle Free
Experience tangle-free surfing with Abahub’s Premium Surfboard Leash. This leash is available in 8 different colors and 5 sizes to fit any type of surfboard. It covers shortboards, fishboards, longboards, funboards, SUP, and paddleboards.
This leash is made of a 7mm TPU cord, providing strength and durability. The included double anti-corrosive steel swivels ensure the leash can spin freely without getting tangled. Furthermore, the padded ankle cuff features a quick-release pull tab, making it easy to detach yourself from the board when needed.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Strong polyurethane cord.
● Stainless steel swivels.
● Comfortable cuff with a thin leash.
Cons
● Limited color choices.
2. BPS New Zealand ‘Storm’ Surfboard Leash – Sturdy Leash
This leash is extremely strong and reliable. It has double stainless-steel swivels and triple-wrap rail savers for maximum durability. It also has precision molded fittings to ensure a secure fit.
You can choose from 5 to 10 feet lengths with a 7.2mm or 8mm urethane cord to find the perfect leash setup for your needs. So, whether surfing or paddle boarding, you can experience peace of mind knowing that you have the best leash.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Superb durability.
● Tangle-free design.
● Full money-back guarantee.
Cons
● Stiff in cold water.
3. SYMPL Premium Surfboard Leash – Quick Release Ankle Cuff
The SYMPL Premium Surfboard Leash is an excellent choice for surfers who want reliability. It features quick-release ankle cuffs that prevent it from breaking, leaving you to swim looking for your board. The leash is constructed of a lightweight urethane cord that reduces drag while you paddle out and has a secure fit around your ankle.
These leashes are available in sizes 5 ft, 6 ft, 7 ft, and 9 ft to fit different surfboards, longboards, and paddle boards. For added convenience, the leash cord’s ankle cuffs and rail-saver ends have a double swivel to prevent them from getting tangled or wrapping around your surfboard.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Stylish aesthetic.
● High-strength Velcro.
● Precision molded fittings.
Cons
● Not a budget leash.
4. AQUARM Surfboard Leash – 360° Swivel Function
The AQUARM Surfboard Leash is designed to keep you safe and secure in challenging surf conditions. It is made with a strong 7mm urethane cord that is highly durable and tear-resistant. You will also appreciate the double stainless steel swivels, which provide ultimate corrosion resistance even after extended exposure to seawater.
For added safety, this leash features a 360° swivel function, allowing for flexibility on your surfboard without affecting your mobility as a surfer. So, when it comes time to tackle those waves, you can rest assured that this surfboard leash will give you the peace of mind you need while offering maximum freedom.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Lightweight.
● Quick-release tab.
● Flexible coil design.
Cons
● Length not adjustable.
5. HEYTUR Coiled SUP Surfboard Leash – Lightweight
The HEYTUR Coiled SUP Surfboard Leash is the perfect solution for anyone who needs to stay secure and in control while out on the waves. This 10 ft leash is made of a 5 mm urethane cord, making it incredibly lightweight yet strong and reliable. Its Classic Telephone Line design ensures more portability, effectiveness, flexibility, and improved safety across various water environments. Also, this leash is suitable for stand-up paddling, surfing, and kayaking, offering total freedom and mobility, allowing you to explore every wave with confidence and ease. The simple setup makes it easy to use, so you can just grab your board and go.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● The coiled design reduces drag.
● Double stainless-steel swivels.
● Includes a waterproof wallet.
Cons
● The coil could overstretch.
6. WOOWAVE Surfboard Leash – Suitable for Longboards & Short Boards
The WOOWAVE Surfboard Leash allows you to stay connected to your surfboard regardless of the waves and weather conditions. Designed with durability in mind, it has a strong 7mm urethane cord that can handle even the longest and heaviest of boards. The connection hardware is also made of durable marine-grade stainless steel, resistant to seawater corrosion, so it can last through rough conditions. Moreover, this leash will fit all your needs with its adjustable sizes that are suitable for both long and shortboards.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Reliable under pressure.
● Value for money.
● Durable, thicker leashes.
Cons
● Bulky ankle strap
7. Ho Stevie Surf Leash – Comfortable
The Ho Stevie Surf Leash is a highly durable and comfortable product designed and tested in California. It will keep your surfboard attached securely throughout your surfing session. Depending on your height and surfing style, you can choose from four sizes (6ft, 7ft, 8ft, and 9ft). Each leash has a cozy high-density Neoprene padded ankle cuff that won’t slip while you surf.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Simple to attach.
● Lighter and stronger cord.
● Minimalist design.
Cons
● Single color option.
8. Catch Surf Beater Leash – PU Material Leash
Catch Surf Beater Leash is made of durable yet lightweight PU material and has a Velcro closure around the ankle for a snug fit. The other end of the leash also has a Velcro closure, which can be attached to a board. Basically, this design helps prevent any slack from occurring between the surfer and their board. This leash can be used with both shortboards and longboards. With its sleek design and PU material construction, the Catch Surf Beater Leash will surely enhance your surfing experience while keeping you securely attached to your board.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Designed for Beater boards.
● Stable in waves, so there’s no chance of leash tangles.
● Comes in fun colors.
Cons
● Less versatile.
9. FCS Freedom Helix Comp Leash – Naturally Sourced
The FCS Freedom Helix Comp Leash is a reliable choice for all types of surfers. It is made of 100% neoprene and can handle waves up to 8ft. Its construction uses Bio-Resin, is made from corn, and is lightweight and durable. This feature ensures that you can enjoy your water activities with ease of mind. Plus, its inner helix straightens under load to absorb shock and amplify strength. With its silicone grip print cuff, you can be sure that your ankle won’t slip out while you’re trying to paddle into waves.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● High-performance and oriented.
● Innovative cord design.
● Light yet strong.
Cons
● Not for beginners.
10. XM Surfboard Leash – Ultra Strong Velcro
With the XM Surfboard Leash, Surfers get an extra layer of safety and security, especially when surfing near reefs, jetties, piers, lobster trap lines, and rock bottoms. This leash features a patented XM EZ-Grip Yellow Pull Ring to provide greater safety while out on the water.
The 313-inch diameter urethane cord is thicker and stronger than most cords, making it perfect for big waves and harsh conditions. Furthermore, it comes with a 2-inch hook and loop single-wrap strap with ultra-strong Velcro to ensure maximum performance in any condition.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● UV-protected cord.
● Great selection of lengths.
● Longboard leash.
Cons
● Possible Velcro wear.
Buying Guide – What to Look for Before Choosing a Surfboard Leash?
Choosing the best surf leash can significantly improve your surfing experience. Several factors come into play when making this decision, and it’s essential to make an informed choice for the best results. Here are three key aspects you should consider before choosing the best surfboard leashes.
1. Length of the Leash
The length of your surfboard leash plays a crucial role in ensuring your safety and comfort. Ideally, your leash should be roughly the same length as your surfboard. This prevents the board from springing back too quickly after a wipeout while still keeping it within swimming distance.
2. Leash Thickness
Leash thickness correlates directly to its strength and durability. Heavy-duty leashes are more suitable for big-wave surfing, offering high resistance and endurance. On the other hand, thinner leashes provide less drag and are ideal for small to medium wave conditions.
3. Cuff Comfort and Size
The cuff of your leash should be comfortable and secure around your ankle. An adjustable cuff will ensure a good fit, and padding will prevent chafing during long surf sessions.
How Did We Choose the Best Surfboard Leashes?
Surfing without a quality leash is a dangerous game. When selecting the 10 best surfboard leashes for our research, we put in some serious hours to ensure that we only included products that could be trusted to keep you and your board safe.
From testing the durability of longboard leashes to analyzing the comfort level of ankle straps, we left no stone unturned. So, after all our research and testing, we’re confident that our list of the top 10 surfboard leashes will help you choose the perfect one for your wave-riding adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
1. Why is it important to have a surfboard leash?
A surfboard leash is an essential piece of surfing equipment. It keeps your board close by when you wipe out and prevents the board from becoming a hazard to other surfers. The leash connects your ankle to the board, ensuring the waves won’t sweep it away.
2. What is the best leash length for my surfboard?
Typically, your leash should be roughly the same length as your surfboard. For example, if you have a 6-foot surfboard, you should aim for a leash around 6 feet long. This balance ensures the leash is long enough to allow flexibility but not so long that it increases drag.
3. What materials are surfboard leashes typically made from?
Surfboard leashes are generally made from urethane, a type of durable plastic. The cords are solid yet flexible, providing an ideal combination of performance and durability. The cuff that attaches to the surfer’s ankle is usually made of neoprene for comfort and adjustability.
Conclusion – The Bottom Line
In conclusion, surfboard leashes have revolutionized the surfing experience by ensuring our boards are always within reach. The best surfboard leashes seamlessly meld strength, flexibility, and comfort. However, always remember that the perfect leash is the one that best suits your needs and provides a comfortable, worry-free surfing experience.
We hope this guide helped you select the most suitable surfboard leash for your needs. Have fun on the waves!
For more surf product reviews, check out our post about the best surf rash guards and the best surf wax.
