Lots of surfboard owners like traveling with their boards, and a leash is one thing many people forget about their board. If you forgot to pick up a leash and you travel with your board to the beach, you may lose it in the waves.
However, the perfect board leash doesn’t have to be expensive, or dangerous. If you’re a regular board ripper and have been looking for the best-built leash for your board, check out my top 7 best surfboard leashes list you won’t regret it.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Dakine John John Florence Comp 6' X 3/16 | Best Overall |  |
| WOOWAVE Surfboard Leash Premium Surf Leash SUP Leg Rope Straight 6/7/8/9 feet | Budget Pick |  |
| Wave Tribe ECO Surfboard Leash 'Strong Like Bull Never Break' | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Dakine John John Florence Comp 6' X 3/16
This leash is easy to spot, because it is orange and black. It uses a plug-in connection, so you won’t have to deal with knots. The board leash is super easy to use. It just slips over the top of your leg and attaches with a quick-draw.
The leash is a three-part design, which means that you can disconnect the leash from the board if necessary. It’s also nice that the leash comes with a carabiner clip for clipping the other end of the leash to your leg.
It’s a really durable leash and somewhat heavier than other leashes, but not so heavy that it will slow you down in the water.
2. FCS Comp Essential Surf Leash
Pros:
- Very durable
- Affordable price
- Simple to use
- Has a quick release mechanism
- Suitable for all types of surfing
- Long enough, 3m
- Dries quickly
The FCS Comp Essential Surf Leash features a quick release mechanism, so you don’t have to worry about accidental entanglements with other boards.
The leash is easy to attach to the board thanks to its knob and Velcro closure system.
The leash is short compared to other products in the market, but it does provide the security you need when surfing. The leash comes in a bright red color, so you can easily spot it if it falls off due to capsizing or losing grip when performing a maneuver.
3. WOOWAVE Surfboard Leash Premium Surf Leash SUP Leg Rope Straight 6/7/8/9 feet
The WOOWAVE Surfboard leash is a premium product that is produced from a 3-ply outer material. It is both lightweight and strong. It has two connection points, meaning that it’s safe for your board, and it is able to resist against impact. The WOOWAVE Surfboard leash is 150% to 180% stronger than other leashes on the market and it is good for most surfboard thickness. It can be customized to any length. It even comes with a storage bag, so that you can keep it protected.
This WOOWAVE Surfboard leash can be purchased in a variety of lengths, from 6 feet to 9 feet.
The WOOWAVE Surfboard leash is made by the WOWOWA company, which offers excellent customer service if you should have any issues with your product.
4. Wave Tribe ECO Surfboard Leash 'Strong Like Bull Never Break'
Pros:
- Great for all surf types
- Very long
- Strong
- Fast drying
- Great looking
- Conforms to environment
- Eco-friendly
- Reasonably priced
- Good reviews
- Approved and certified by CE department
5. FCS Freedom Surfboard Leash
Pros:
- Perfect for a wide range of boards
- Comes in a wide range of colors
- Lightweight design, with easy to clean and store
6. Komunity Project Unisex KS 11 6 Ultimate Super Comp Leash 52mm Lime
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Good design
- Comfortable to hold
- Easy to use
- Available in multiple color patterns
The Komunity Project Unisex KS 11–6 is a really good choice in surfboard tie straps. If you are looking for a good overall option, it might be just what you need.
It is one of the longest in this review, which is why some of the ties may be a bit short if you are buying it for a shorter board. However, the good news is that the length of this kind of feature can be adjusted, so it won’t really be an issue at all. It is also made of neoprene, which makes it easy to adjust.
The Komunity has 3 adjustment holes, so you have a little room for error should your board be slightly narrower on the bottom. On the other hand, it is quite a long strap for a big board, so it might be too long for some.
7. Dakine Unisex Kainui 6'x 1/4'' Surf Leash
Pros:
- Features a soft EVA foam cover for the handle plus a soft rubber leash ring that doesn't get caught up easily
- Includes an external bungee system to ensure that it will not tie you up in knots if you are caught in a wave
- Has a Velcro® fastener to keep the carabiner within easy reach
- Includes an adjustable tail that eliminates the need to buy a separate extension.
- This leash is longer than 6 feet long so you will avoid dragging your board if you do end up going in over your head
- Wrapped in soft high density foam that is great if you are wearing gloves.
Cons:
- Doesn't have an extension if you always go over your head
- Can be a little heavy if you do end up taking a swim.
8. DAKINE Longboard Ankle 9' x 1/4 Inch Surf Leash
Pros:
- It has a multiple-surf wear factor with a 1000-pound rating
- It makes your surfing experience to be a great adventure
- It is well-made
- It is long and strong
- It can be used by different kinds of types of surfers
- It is a durable piece
- It is lightweight and has an easy-to-use design
- It is comfortable
- It provides security and convenience with its dual-cuff strapping system
- It is adjustable up to 48 inches
Cons:
- This item is a bit hefty
- It is not perfect for every single kind of longboard surfers
- It is not an ideal strap for everyone
- It has a bit of a bulk because of the double cuffs
- It may let your feet get hot if you use it on a warmer day
The DAKINE Longboard Ankle is one of the best board leashes in the market these days. It comes with durable and multi-surf wear factor with a 1000-pound rating,. It is well-made with a length of 36 inches. It makes your surfing experience to be a great adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best length for a surfboard leash?
Different surfers prefer varying leash lengths. Most prefer a 7-foot length for easier paddling and body surfing. While others prefer a longer wavier leash measuring 8-10 feet that provides a better range of motion
For wave riding, a shorter leash of 6-7ft is ideal because it is easier to take off by pulling the leash from the ankle instead of the shoulder. Longer leashes are good for boogie boarding in the surf or to be used when sup (paddle) boarding. They provide more freedom and mobility, so if you really enjoy body surfing, you should consider getting a longer leash.
What's the best type of surfboard for a beginner?
This depends almost entirely on your riding ability, the size and type of waves available to you, your budget, and whether you're a small child or an adult. Surfboards are created for different needs, locations and riding conditions. For instance, an 8-foot long newbie board will have a significantly different design and feel than a short, heavy-duty board that's designed for experienced, aggressive riders.
The best way to choose the right one for you, is to visit a surf shop where you can try out different board styles under various wave conditions. After this, you should then research options that meet your needs or budget.
How thick should my surfboard be?
There is a scientific formula which is used to determine the optimal dimensions for a board based on a surfer’s height and weight. Ideally, the board should be 2.75 x your weight. However, it is important to note that this is more of a guideline than a rule. While choosing a board, everyone selects a board based on personal preference. Typically, short to medium boards are considered good for beginners, while long boards are better for experienced surfers.
However, there isn’t a hard and fast rule that a six-foot tall relatively lightweight person can’t ride a 9” x 20”. Some people simply prefer this size to other board sizes. The pros of each board type also vary depending on the type of waves the surfer likes to ride the most.
Who is the best surfboard shaper?
(History)
Before the 1970s, surfboards did not contain fins. Then by 1978, Tom Blake had added fins to the boards. This was an important development because it meant that surfers around the world were able to enjoy surfing. Blake also invented the sand wedge, which was used to dig into wet sand. This offered additional stability for surfers.
Conclusion
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Dakine John John Florence Comp 6' X 3/16 | Best Overall | |
| WOOWAVE Surfboard Leash Premium Surf Leash SUP Leg Rope Straight 6/7/8/9 feet | Budget Pick | |
| Wave Tribe ECO Surfboard Leash 'Strong Like Bull Never Break' | Upgrade Pick | |