If you’re an avid bodyboarder, you want to make sure to get the best bodyboard leash to protect both you and your board.
There are a couple of different types of leashes and several brands available. It can be challenging to find the right leash, but these reviews can help you pick between the best of the best.
Our overall favorite is the TAGVO Bodyboard Leash With 2-Pack Fin Saver because it’s made of quality materials and has some bonus features that make it incredibly convenient. It’s also affordably priced.
Contents
Best Overall: TAGVO Bodyboard Leash With 2-Pack Fin Saver
Stars: 5 out of 5
- The cuff has a secret pocket to hold a key.
- The cord is coiled and made of durable urethane.
- The cuff is made of neoprene to protect your skin and keep the leash securely attached to your body.
- A double swivel mechanism keeps the cord from getting tangled.
- It comes with additional fin savers.
The TAGVO Bodyboard Leash has many of the features you expect in a quality bodyboard leash. The coiled cord is made of thick and strong urethane that can navigate even the roughest of waters. The cuff is designed for comfort and keeps the cuff from sliding around on your wrist.
This bodyboard leash also comes with some bonus features that’ll make your time in the water even better. The fin savers are perfect if you like to wear fins while bodyboarding, especially if you paddle farther out into rougher waters. You won’t have to worry about losing your fins.
The key keeper is also a nice feature. You can easily stow a single key inside your cuff, so you don’t have to worry about leaving it in your car or on the beach where it’s unprotected. The key keeper makes sure you always have it on you.
Best Quick Release: BPS ‘Storm 4’ Pro Coiled Bodyboard Leash
Stars: 4.5 out of 5
- The cuff is made of padded neoprene for superior comfort.
- This leash uses special coiling that keeps it from dragging.
- It comes with a quick-release tab for added safety.
- After purchase, the company sends you an installation guide and promptly responds to any questions you have.
- It comes with a 12-month warranty.
BPS is a small, but renowned company specializing in all things watersports. The ‘Storm 4’ is an affordable, high-quality bodyboard leash that offers a blend of comfort, convenience, and safety. The wrist cuff is designed for comfort with an adjustable velcro strap that’s durable enough to withstand the waves.
The cord is coiled in a way that keeps it from getting tangled or dragging in the water. The company also includes an extra plug in case something happens to the first one. The ‘Storm 4’ is available in four colors, so it’s easy to match your leash to your bodyboard.
Best on a Budget: THURSO SURF Bodyboard Wrist Leash
Stars: 4.5 out of 5
- The cord is made of durable urethane.
- The leash is coiled to prevent dragging and snagging underwater objects.
- The cuff has thick padding and is made of neoprene to hold it firmly in place.
- It comes with an extra leash plug in case your original one goes missing.
- Swivels are made of double stainless steel to keep the leash from tangling.
There’s a lot to like about the THURSO SURF Bodyboard Wrist Leash. If you struggle with your leash slipping on your wrist, you’ll appreciate the extra-strong velcro and neoprene material that keeps it in place so you can focus on riding the wave.
The cord is specially designed to prevent tangling and dragging in the water. It’s coiled and is connected with double stainless steel swivels.
This leash is well-made and durable and comes at a much lower cost than some other comparable leashes. There may be some minor difficulty attaching it to your board, but once it’s installed it’s very secure.
Best Premium Option: Tribe Bodyboarding QD (Quick Detach) Bicep Leash
Stars: 5 out of 5
- It comes in three sizes for different-sized bodyboarders.
- It has a feature that lets you easily detach the cord and leash.
- The cuff is made of neoprene for comfort and the prevention of slipping.
- The cord is shorter than previous models so that you don’t have any excess cord on the deck.
- A swivel on both ends keeps it from getting tangled while you’re on your board.
The Tribe Bodyboarding Bicep Leash is well-made and durable, exactly what you need for frequent bodyboarding. Professional bodyboarders Jay and Vicki Reale started the Tribe brand, so you know the products are well-designed.
With three different sizes available, it’s a good fit for male, female, and juvenile bodyboarders.
The velcro is strong enough to survive even the strongest swells and the quick detach function makes it easy to remove if you want to skim for a while.
The cord is shorter, making it a good choice for surfers who want to use a bicep cuff without having too much cord dragging in the water or causing issues on the board.
Best Beginner’s Leash: WOOWAVE Bodyboard Wrist Leash With Plug
Stars: 4.5 out of 5
- This leash is both lightweight and durable.
- The coiled cord is less likely to get tangled in the water.
- The wrist cuff is easily adjustable and has a quick release feature for added safety.
- It comes with an extra plug in case your board doesn’t have one.
- The cord is attached by marine-grade stainless steel swivels on either end.
The WOOWAVE Bodyboard Wrist Leash With Plug is our top choice for a beginner’s bodyboard leash. It’s easy to install and use and comes with everything you need to get started. This leash also makes a good replacement if the leash that came with your board breaks.
The cuff is made of high-density neoprene to give you a snug fit that won’t cause blistering after a long day in the water.
While this leash is lightweight, it’s also durable enough to withstand some pretty substantial waves. WOOWAVE is so confident in their product that they stand behind it with a lifetime guarantee. If your bodyboard leash is damaged through normal use, they’re happy to replace it. This leash is also affordable and comes in two fun colors to match your board.
Bodyboard Leash Buyer’s Guide
Before you purchase a bodyboard leash, there are several factors to consider. Read our buyer’s guide to learn more and make sure you’re making the best decision for your needs.
How to Choose the Best Bodyboard Leash
The first thing you’ll need to consider before choosing a bodyboard leash is whether you want a wrist or a bicep leash. The wrist leash is the most popular type as people tend to find them more comfortable.
You’re likely used to wearing a watch or bracelet, so it doesn’t feel as awkward to have a strap on your wrist as it does on your bicep. A wrist leash also makes it easier to grab your bodyboard if you have a wipeout.
A bicep leash also has some benefits for certain situations. If you’re paddling or surfing drop knee, you’ll find that the bicep leash helps keep the cord out of the water and prevents it from getting tangled on any debris that may be in the water. You may find the bicep leash uncomfortable at first, but as you get used to it, you may prefer it over the wrist leash.
When choosing a leash, you also want to consider what the cuff is made out of. Ideally, you want a material like neoprene, which is durable, comfortable, and isn’t likely to budge. A wider cuff is also a plus.
The cord is important, too. You need a durable material urethane to survive many uses and strong waves. A coiled, shorter cord is less likely to get tangled up on you or things in the water.
Other Features to Look For in a Bodyboard Leash
In addition to the basic features, there are some additional features in bodyboard leashes that can make your experience even better. Some leashes come with a quick-release function so that you can easily separate yourself from your board, whether you’re in an emergency or just want to skim for a while.
While some leashes have a straight connection, others come with a swivel connection on either end of the cord. The swivels give the cord freedom to move with you and can prevent tangling. The leash kit should come with a large plug made of high-quality plastic and with a flat head.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Bodyboard Leash?
The purpose of a bodyboard leash is to keep you attached to your board at all times. If you happen to wipe out, then the leash will prevent you from losing your board in the ocean or having to swim back to shore to retrieve it.
A bodyboard leash is also an important safety feature. In some situations, the waves may be so strong that it’s difficult for you to swim. Your board can serve as a makeshift floatation device. If you lose your board, you’ll be on your own in the rough surf.
How and Where to Install a Bodyboard Leash
If your bodyboard already has a plug installed, installing a leash will only take a few minutes. If your board doesn’t have a plug, you’ll need to install one before installing your leash.
Most leash kits come with a plug. In addition to your leash and plug, you’ll also need a marker, screwdriver, ruler, and a lighter.
Leash placement depends on your stance. If you’re regular stance, you’ll place your leash near the top-left corner of your board. If you’re a goofy stance rider, you’ll place your leash near the top-right corner of the board. Before settling on your placement, find the stringer and make sure you aren’t installing the plug over it.
Heat the screwdriver with the lighter and then drill through the board, but don’t go all the way through the slick. The hole should be about ½ inch. Insert the plug and screw it in tightly. Use the string on the leash to attach it to the plug. Again, make sure to tie a tight knot.
What’s the Best Way to Use a Bodyboard Leash?
You should use a bodyboard leash anytime you head out into the ocean. Leashes are particularly important if you’re bodyboarding far out from the shore, as they can prevent you from having to swim back if you lose your board.
You should always wear the leash on your wrist or bicep. Don’t use an ankle leash for the bodyboard. You should choose a wrist or bicep leash based on your comfort and whether you spend a lot of time surfing drop knee. Beginners often start with a wrist leash and graduate to a bicep leash as they grow in experience.
Precautions to Take When Using a Bodyboard Leash
While bodyboard leashes are designed to help you keep up with your board and can help keep you safe when bodyboarding in rough conditions, it’s always important to use any type of watersports equipment with caution.
Always use the leash as instructed by the manufacturer. It shouldn’t be worn anywhere other than on the wrist or bicep, depending on the type you choose. The cord should be short enough that it doesn’t become tangled on any underwater debris. It should also be easy for you to remove if you do get caught up in debris.
How to Care for Your Bodyboard Leash
If you buy a high-quality bodyboard leash it can last you through many years on the waves. As saltwater can be damaging to almost any materials, it’s important to thoroughly rinse your leash with fresh water after each use.
You should also avoid storing it in sunlight, as the sun can cause the material to deteriorate and can fade out the colors on your leash.
It’s important to inspect your bodyboard leash regularly to make sure all of the parts are intact and in good working order. You don’t want the leash to come apart while you’re out in the water.
Final Thoughts
Our favorite leash overall is the TAGVO Bodyboard Leash With 2-Pack Fin Saver. It has everything you’re looking for in a bodyboard leash, like a durable coiled cord and swivel connections, and some added features. If you’re a beginner, we like the WOOWAVE Bodyboard Wrist Leash With Plug because it’s easy to install and use. If you prefer a bicep leash, our vote is for the Tribe Bodyboarding Bicep Leash.
Any of these leashes are sure to elevate your bodyboarding experience and keep your board with you no matter how rough the surf.