Attaching Surfboard Leashes
18 commentsFor surfers who've done this before, stop reading now—you know how to do it. If you've never attached a leash to a surfboard, then our easy how to attach a surfboard leash tutorial will show you how. It is not rocket science.
Let's check the ingredients that we are going to need
- a surfboard
- a surfboard leash
- a leash cord (should come packaged with the leash when bought; replacements are available separately)
- fishing line (we might not need this)
Unpack your leash and make sure the cord is present. (It's the string bit that is separate from the main leash.) If it's not, then get back to the surf shop and have a tantrum in the middle of the store until you get the attachment and some sizeable compensation.
Tying the Leash String
There are lots of knots that you can use to attach the leash cord; however, we'll show you one that works well. (Consult your local Cub Scout or friendly fisherman for the full list.) Before tying the knot, check the type of leash you have. There are two typical connections that you'll find on a leash; either a sewn loop connection which the cord passes through or a Velcro strap that closes over the loop. With the sewn loop you must ensure that the cord has been threaded through the loop BEFORE you tie the knot. (You'll soon realise why if you do forget thread it). With the Velcro strap you can go right ahead and tie it.
Sewn Loop Leash
Velcro Leash
The first step is to tie the ends of the leash string together to create a loop. This has to be done leaving enough room to pass the leash through when attached to the leash plug on the board.
- Fold the cord in half and hold both ends.
- Create a loop in the cord and pass the unfastened ends through the loop. Don't forget—if you have a sewn loop leash as above, then you need to thread the cord through the leash loop first.
- Pulling towards the untied ends, close the loop tightly. Leave a little of the open ends sticking out so the knot will not pull free when it tightens in the water.
Cord with knot for Velcro tie surfboard leash
Cord with knot tied for sewn loop leash
With the sewn loop, move the knot round so it is covered by the leash loop. This will make it a little more comfortable when you are on your board and keep the knot out of the way for the next stage.
So that's the knot. As mentioned, there are other knots that you can use—just make sure you tie them tight.
Attaching Leash to Surfboard
Once the knot is tied you then need to thread the cord through the leash plug on your board.
- Straighten the cord out and pinch the end opposite the knot together.
- Thread the end through the plug and out.
- If you have problems threading through, then use some fishing line to help. Thread the line through the plug then through the tied cord and back through the loop. You can then use the fishing line to pull the cord loop through the plug.
- Now you need to attach the leash to the cord. (If you have the sewn loop type, then it will already be attached.)
- The Velcro leash needs to be threaded through both the loops of the cord. This ensures the strongest attachment and keeps the knot within the Velcro part and out of the way. Once threaded through, close the Velcro tight.
- If you have the sewn loop leash then you need to thread the entire loop through the cord loop.
- Take the leg attachment end and stuff it through the loop. Now's the time you find out if you've left enough room in your knot cord. If you can't get it through, then undo the knot, get back to the top, and try again!
- Pull the leash all the way through and tighten. Now you're done. Let's go surfing!
So here are the finished ties. Both the sewn loop and Velcro are shown, and both are (hopefully) solid as a rock.
The left-hand image above shows the Velcro board leash, and the right-hand image shows the sewn board leash. Notice anything different about them? Did you know that the Velcro-attached cord will have double the strength of the sewn cord? This makes the Velcro leash the recommended type based on cord strength, a factor to consider when buying a surfboard leash.
Things to Remember
- Got a sewn loop leash? Thread it before tying the knot.
- Leave a little of the ends of the loop showing. The knot will tighten when used for the first few sessions.
- Pull the knot as tight as possible to start with; it will save problems later.
- Check your cord for wear regularly, and replace it when it begins to fray.
- Don't make the loop too large. If the cord reaches the rail of your surfboard, the rail will become damaged while surfing. The loop should be a length that allows the leash's rail saver (the wide section of strap at the end of the leash) to rest on the board rail.
that doesn't really tell you what to do with first comers
I'm not sure I understand the question.
Thx, You helped me : )
Helped me thanks :)
what is the material of the cord made of?
It's made of polyethylene or something similar.
Thanks lots it works perfectly and i only started yesterday
I just bought a Billabong 6ft leash and the string at the back is linked with the sticker. So do I need to cut it off and make a loop?
@Guest on Jan 25, 2013: Don't cut through the string, you want that intact. Either cut through the sticker or peel it off.
you can use shoelaces too..
Great!
Thanks for the resource. Its helpful!I will be trying with Leash String soon.
James
Cheers for the help
Thanks Helped a Lot :)
My surfboard is a Billow 7 foot foamie and it has a different attachment on the board so I have no idea what to do? I can't find a tutorial anywhere... Not even on the website
Hi Olivia, take a photo and post it over on the surf hardware forum, you're sure to get some help with attaching your leash there.
Awesome guide!
i don't get it
What if there is no leash plug on your board?