Attaching Surfboard Leashes

For surfers who have done this once then stop reading now - you know how to do it. It is not rocket science and this easy how to attach a surfboard leash tutorial will show you how.

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)

>> Need a leash? Click Here <<

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 down 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 - we'll be showing you just one that works (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 main types of connection that you get on a leash. One with a sewn loop which the cord passes through and the other with 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 don't thread it). With the velcro strap type you can go right ahead and tie.

Sewn Loop Leash

Velcro Leash

The first step is to tie the leash string ends 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 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 and you are done

• 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 tight and 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 is the of the velcro attachment board leash and the right is the sewn board leash. Notice anything different about them? How about the fact that the velcro attached cord will have double the strength of the sewn cord - making it the recommended type of surfboard leash for 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 has started to fray
• Don't make the loop too large. If the cord reaches the rail of your surfboard it will damage it while surfing. The loop should be a length that sees the leash railsaver resting on the board rail