Wondering what size leash you need for your surfboard? You’ve come to the right place!
There are loads of surf leashes out there, all of different materials, different lengths and different quality. The leash you need will depend on your surf level, personal preference, and what size surfboard you use.
In this article we have outlined everything you need to know to choose the correct leash length for you. Including different sizes for specific boards, materials and general considerations.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in, and discover what length leash for surfboard you need!
Different length leashes that you use for surfing
What is a surf leash?
First things first, what is a surf leash? A surf leash is basically a rope, which you tie one end to your foot and the other to the surfboard. This is to ensure that if you fall over in a wave, you don’t lose your surfboard in the sea.
However, it’s not just any leg rope. Surf leashes are made with a special elastic and flexible material, so that if you do fall in the water, the board comes back to you and doesn’t drag you away with it.
They are also made with specific components to make your surfing experience easier. One of these is the velcro cuff, so that you are sure it’s securely placed, but can also be easily removed with a quick release in case of emergency.
Some surf leashes also have rotors. These are to enable freedom of movement, and it’s important to choose a leash that has them on both ends and with 360° range.
The leash is a very important surf essential, as it greatly influences your surf session and it could also save your life, so choose carefully what type of leash for surfboard you are going to use.
Ale surfing in Tenerife, Spain
What size leash for surfboard should I get?
Wondering how to choose the correct surf leash, which will ensure that your surf board does not escape in the water?
In order to choose the right surfboard leash, you first have to know the size of your surfboard. That’s because the size and measurements of your board will influence the length and thickness of your leash.
Today there are millions of different surf accessories, but choosing the right length leash and thickness is one of the most crucial things you will decide in your surfing journey.
Greta surfing in Tenerife, Spain
Length of leash for short boards
If you surf with a short board, the best leashes you can use are those of 5mm or 6mm in thickness, and about 6 feet long.
These are very light, and have enough length to not lose your board, but aren’t long enough to get tangled with your legs in the water.
Ale going for a surf session
Leash size for a fun board or mini malibu
If you surf with a funboard or mini malibu, we could go up in size but not too much, for example you could use a leash that is 8mm thick and 7 or 8 feet long on your board.
Leash length for a longboard
Now, if you want to surf with a longboard, we have to increase the measurements of your leash so that it supports the weight of your board, and won’t break in the water when your board gets swept away by a wave.
Longboards generally measure between 9 and 10 feet, so you need longer leashes. The length of the leash for a longboard would need to be 9 feet long and about 8mm thick.
Ale surfing in Tenerife, Spain
Other elements of surf leashes to take into account
Besides the length, there are other important elements to take into account when it comes choosing the perfect surf leash.
Rotors
Most surf leashes come with rotors on both ends; at the end that is attached to the board, as well as at the other end that is attached to your ankle.
Some leashes come with screws to disassemble them if necessary, and some only come with fixed rivets.
These rotors allow you to have better performance in the water, and they prevent the leash from getting tangled, something very important when you fall from your board and are getting tumbled around.
If you get the rope wrapped around your body during a fall, it can become quite uncomfortable and dangerous.
However not all surf leashes have rotors at both ends. Some of the early leashes or cheaper models might not have this feature. So regardless of the leash size you’re choosing, make sure it has rotors at both ends.
Ale doing a tail snap on the lip while surfing in Tenerife, Spain
Cuff
This refers to the double wrap-around velcro cuff that you tie around your ankle. Generally speaking, they all tend to be quite similar, but you want to make sure you pick one that feels comfortable around your ankle.
You don’t want an uncomfortable one that will feel like it’s rubbing your leg constantly while surfing.
It’s not something that will impact how long it takes you to learn to surf, or whether you’re able to stand up on a board, but it can definitely make your surfing journey smoother if you have a comfortable one.
A right hand wave at El Dedo in Las Americas, Tenerife
Type of waves
The types of waves won’t have a huge effect on the surf leash you need as a beginner surfers, as generally speaking you will likely surf in smaller waves.
However, for advanced surfers that surf also in big waves, wave size is something to take into account when choosing their leash.
Especially for big wave surfers, they to ensure their foot leash is made with high-quality materials and is particularly resistant, as losing their board in those powerful waves would be extremely dangerous.
Generally speaking, when you surf in bigger waves you will probably use a bigger board, which means the length of your leash should be longer.
This however is more of a consequence of the bigger board, it’s not directly related to the big waves. You should also avoid thinner leashes and opt for a thicker cord, as it’s usually more resistant.
A perfect surfing wave in Tenerife, Spain
Our favourite surf leash
There are loads of great surf leashes out there, but our personal favourite, as long time surfers that have been surfing for 20+ years and have tried our fair share of surf leashes, is the FCS Freedom Helix Leash.
This leash will literally give you a feeling of freedom, as if you were not even wearing a leash, as it’s much lighter than most other leashes on the market.
Its innovative Helix design (spiral-shaped external edge) at the ends of the rope, where it receives tension, makes it much lighter than others without losing its resistance.
Made with highly resistant and sustainable natural Bio-Resin, its anklet is extremely comfortable. Of course it also comes with silicone lines to prevent twisting.
The rail protector is much thinner than the others, but with extra flexible rubber that protects the tail of your board very well.
In short, this is the most versatile, innovative and lightest surf leash on the market, which defines itself as “the perfect combination of weightlessness.” It also has a useful key pocket, where you can store your car key while surfing.
Click here to purchase your FCS Freedom Helix Leash!
Ale surfing in Tenerife, Spain
Final thoughts on leash size for a surfboard
There you have it, the ultimate guide to what size surfboard leash you need! Have you tried different surfboard leashes before? How did you find them? Let us know in the comments below!
Ultimately, the length of your surf leash will be dictated by the length of your board.
As a general rule of thumb, if you have a larger board like a big foam beginner surfboard or a longboard, you will need a longer leash. If you surf with a shorter board, you’ll be fine with shorter leashes.
If your board is heavy, you need thicker leashes, to ensure it doesn’t break if you fall over and lose your board.
If you’re buying a surf leash as a gift for a surfer, make sure you check the exact size of board they have, so you buy the right leash for their board!
I hope you found this guide useful in figuring out what size leash for surfboard you need. If you have any questions, just let us know in the comments below!
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