How to Attach and Wear a Surf Leash: 5 Steps and a Pre-Surf Check

You have a new leash. How does it connect to the board, and which leg does the cuff go on? This guide covers it in 5 steps, from the board end to the leg end, with a checklist before you paddle out.

Note: this article is about the leash that connects your surfboard to your ankle, not an ankle bracelet.

The short answer

• The cuff goes on your back leg. Regular (left foot forward) wears it on the right leg; goofy (right foot forward) wears it on the left leg.
• At the board: the leash string goes through the leash plug, and the rail saver wraps the string.
• The string must not extend past the edge of the tail.
• Before every session, spend 30 seconds checking the plug, the string, the cuff and the Velcro.

Three parts to know

• Leash plug: the small metal bar at the tail of the board, where the whole leash attaches.
• Leash string: the thin cord that goes through the plug, with the leash at its other end.
• Rail saver: a double Velcro strap that keeps the string away from the rail so it cannot cut the board when it is pulled.

Part diagrams and what each part does: How to Choose the Right Surf Leash? EP1 and EP3

Step 1: Check the string runs through the plug

Shops usually tie the string for you when you buy a board. If you are swapping leashes, you do not need to remove the string, just reconnect the leash end.

If you need to tie it yourself: tie a knot in the string, keep the knot at the tail side, pass the string under the bar of the plug and pull it out the other side, and pull both sides to the same length.

Step 2: Wrap the string with the rail saver

1. Open all the Velcro on the rail saver.
2. Slide it through the loop between the knot and the plug.
3. Set the knot in the crease between the Velcro pads, then fold the Velcro closed so the string is fully enclosed.

Key point: if the string is long enough, pass it through the plug, fold it, and connect it to the rail saver. If it is too short to fold, adjust the length so that when the leash is taut, the string does not extend past the edge of the tail.

A video demonstration: leash installation video (the same one used in EP3).

Step 3: Check the leash runs straight

Pull the leash straight from the tail and check that the cord is not twisted. A leash with double swivels turns freely and rarely knots, but give it a pull before every session anyway.

Step 4: Put the cuff on your back leg

The back leg is the one closer to the tail when you stand up:

• Regular (left foot forward): right leg.
• Goofy (right foot forward): left leg.
• Not sure which you are? Think about which foot you naturally put in front when you stand up.

The plug is at the tail, so a cuff on the front leg is more likely to tangle with your feet.

Ankle leash (shortboard): the cuff sits just above the ankle.
Knee leash (longboard): the cuff goes just below the knee on the upper calf, still on the back leg.

Tighten the cuff until it does not spin around the leg, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation. Press the Velcro down fully with no loose corners.

Step 5: Check before you paddle out

• ☐ Is the leash plug loose or cracked?
• ☐ Is the string worn or frayed?
• ☐ Is the rail saver Velcro stuck firmly?
• ☐ Any cracks or knots in the cord?
• ☐ Does the cuff Velcro still grip?
• ☐ Does the quick-release pull tab open? (Try pulling it once.)

Common mistakes

1. String too long, past the edge of the tail: it can wear the rail when pulled.
2. Cuff on the front leg: it tangles with your feet.
3. Wrapping the leash tight around the tail: the cord sets in a bend and trips you in the water.
4. Dragging the leash on the ground: sand and stones wear the cuff lining.
5. Leaving it in the sun all day: the cord is sensitive to UV and ages faster.

For the full care rules, see the "three don'ts and two dos" in How to Choose the Right Surf Leash? EP1.

Do not have your own leash yet?

How to choose one: How to Choose a Surf Leash: 6 Things to Check Before You Buy. To see styles and colours, go to the Pro Series surf leash collection.

Reader reward

Enter the code BLOGOFF10 at checkout for 10% off.

Sources: the plug, string and rail saver steps follow Down The Line's leash installation guide; the back-leg rule follows the vvanat surf guide.