Getting separated from your bodyboard while you’re in the water is inconvenient and dangerous for you or others in the water. So you need a bodyboard leash to keep it nearby and under control when you come off of it. We review the ten best bodyboarding leashes for quality, comfort and durability. Details of lengths, colors, accessories and warranties are also here for comparison. If you’re new to the sport, our Buyers Guide will help you figure out which leash and features are best for you and your board. We also answer the most common questions from buyers and cover how to wear your leash, install the plug, and how to decide between wrist and bicep bodyboarding leashes.

Popular Choice

Bodyboard Coiled Wrist Leash MAYMII

★★★★★MAYMII Bodyboard Coiled Wrist four-foot bodyboarding leashes

Top PickMost Popular

Coiled Bodyboard Leash BPS 'PRO'

★★★★★BPS 'PRO' Coiled Bodyboard Leash- Tight coil reduces leash drag-Super comfortable wrist cuff

Best Value

Ryan Hardy Leash CREATURES OF LEISURE

★★★★★CREATURES OF LEISURE Ryan Hardy lightweight best bodyboarding Leash with 360-degree rotating swivel

ALL THE BODYBOARDING LEASHES THAT WE TESTED

BPS 'PRO' Coiled Bodyboard Leash

OUR TOP PICK

BPS 'PRO' Coiled Bodyboard Leash- Tight coil reduces leash drag-Super comfortable wrist cuff

General Impression

With its powerful neoprene cuff and affordable price tag, these bodyboard leashes from BPS is one of the best on the market. It will ensure you stay attached to your board in even the roughest waters and during heavy impacts. Adding to this is a quick-release tab (if you need to rapidly release your board), as well as a hidden pocket to stash your keys. While the tight coil minimizes any leash drag, the dual anti-tangle stainless steel swivels not only prevent you from getting tangled but are corrosion resistant for outstanding longevity. You’ll never be more than four feet from your board at any time with this bodyboard wrist leash.

Specifications

BRAND: BPS
LEASH CONNECTION: Wrist
COLORS: Green, Red, White, Black, Clear
LEASH PLUG INCLUDED: Yes (dual stainless steel swivels)
CORD: 4 ft long, 7.2 mm thick, thermoplastic polyurethane
CUFF: Strong and comfortable neoprene cuff for all-day wear
WARRANTY: 1 Year “Next level guarantee”

PROS

  • Dual stainless-steel swivels to prevent tangling
  • Variety of color options available
  • Tight coil reduces leash drag
  • Super comfortable wrist cuff

CONS

  • Lacks a toggle where cuff meets leash
  • Cuff size may be too large for some wrists

CREATURES OF LEISURE Ryan Hardy Leash

BEST VALUE

CREATURES OF LEISURE Ryan Hardy lightweight best bodyboarding Leash with 360-degree rotating swivel

General Impression

Meticulously designed to last, this signature model from Creatures of Leisure is one of the best bodyboarding leashes on the market. It’s lightweight and can easily be stashed in your kit bag if you’re planning on traveling. Not to mention it boasts a DNA cuff mold that absorbs any impact from waves. Compared to other bodyboard wrist leashes on the market, it has an edge when it comes to strength and resistance, as well as a 360-degree rotating swivel system to eliminate tangling. The cuff will adapt to and move with your arm while in the water, without slipping down during your session.

Specifications

BRAND: CREATURES OF LEISURE
LEASH CONNECTION: Wrist/Bicep
COLORS: Black, Cyan
LEASH PLUG INCLUDED: Yes (dual stainless steel swivels)
CORD: 4 ft long, 7 mm thick, heat-bonded urethane cord
CUFF: Super comfortable neo-mesh cuff
WARRANTY: 2 Year Warranty

PROS

  • DNA flex mold for superior comfort
  • Cuff doesn’t slip down your arm
  • Outstanding cord durability
  • Fast release leash tag

CONS

  • Short if you want to ride drop-knee
  • Cable knots need to be properly secured

MAYMII Bodyboard Coiled Wrist Leash

General Impression

Easy to set up and use, these four-foot bodyboarding leashes from Maymii. It comes with a durable cuff made from soft neoprene that won’t rub or chafe as well as a hidden pocket so you can stash your car keys rather than leaving them on the beach. The strong velcro closure means you’ll never accidentally become untethered from your board and, if you do need to release in case of emergency, there’s a quick-release tab that does the job.

Specifications

BRAND: MAYMII
LEASH CONNECTION: Wrist/Bicep
COLORS: Black, Blue, Orange
LEASH PLUG INCLUDED: Yes (dual stainless steel swivels)
CORD: 4 ft long, 7 mm thick, thermoplastic polyurethane
CUFF: Comfortable neoprene cuff
WARRANTY: Raystreak guarantee: replacement or refund if there is an issue

PROS

  • Quick-release tab for easy untethering
  • Comfortable padded cuff
  • Equipped with a boogie board leash plug

CONS

  • Velcro not as “sticky” as other leashes
  • Not heavily padded compared to other leashes

A ALPENFLOW 4' Coiled Bodyboard Wrist Leash

General Impression

Manufactured with a durable 7mm cord, these A Alpenflow bodyboarding leashes for bodyboarding are both comfortable and lightweight. The comfortable neoprene wrist cuff has a hidden pocket where you can secure your keys, as well as an easy-access pull tab if you need to release your board in a hurry. The flexible, stainless steel double-swivel system is designed to prevent the leash from wrapping around your legs or getting tangled in submerged objects. And for in-water style, the wrist cuffs match the cord colors!

Specifications

BRAND: A ALPENFLOW
LEASH CONNECTION: Wrist
COLORS: Pink, Orange, Green, Blue
LEASH PLUG INCLUDED: Yes (dual stainless steel swivels)
CORD: 4 ft long, 7 mm thick, thermoplastic polyurethane
CUFF: Comfortable neoprene cuff
WARRANTY: No

PROS

  • Four colors available
  • Hidden key pocket in the cuff
  • Quick release pull tab
  • Nylon triple-wrap rail saver

CONS

  • Replacement screws not always provided
  • There’s a hard plastic piece on the leash that can dig in

TAGVO Body Board Leash

General Impression

If you’re after affordability, you can’t go past this four-foot bodyboarding leashes, bicep/wrist, from Tagvo. It features a soft, padded neoprene cuff that can be fixed around the wrist or bicep and comes complete with a hidden pocket for keeping your keys safe. The 7mm high-strength cord extends to four feet in length before recoiling to eliminate leash drag and avoid snagging any on submerged objects. It’s also equipped with fin tethers to prevent your fins from getting lost, although some users have noted that they’re prone to breakage.

Specifications

BRAND: TAGVO
LEASH CONNECTION: Wrist/Bicep
COLORS: Black
LEASH PLUG INCLUDED: Yes (dual stainless steel swivels)
CORD: 4 ft long, 7 mm thick, thermoplastic polyurethane
CUFF: Padded neoprene cuff
WARRANTY: No

PROS

  • Easily stretchable coil
  • Comfortable wrist/bicep cuff
  • The dual-swivel system prevents cord tangling
  • Key pocket in the cuff

CONS

  • Fin tethers easily break
  • Difficult to tighten the cuff

DAKINE Coiled Bicep Leash

General Impression

If you’re after bodyboard leashes for your bicep that feels like it isn’t there, then consider this lightweight option from Dakine. The molded neoprene cuff is designed to secure around your bicep (and is among the smallest on the bodyboarding market) while the high-quality coiled urethane cord offers plenty of strength. It’s equipped with swivels constructed from marine-grade stainless steel, as well as secure Posi-Lock hook and loop closures. All in all – an affordable choice that will see you riding with the peace of mind that you and your board won’t become separated.

Specifications

BRAND: DAKINE
LEASH CONNECTION: Bicep
COLORS: Black, Cyan/Pink
LEASH PLUG INCLUDED: Yes (dual stainless steel swivels)
CORD: 4 ft long, 7 mm thick, thermoplastic polyurethane
CUFF: Comfortable neoprene cuff
WARRANTY: 2 Year Warranty

PROS

  • 100% marine-grade stainless steel swivels
  • High-quality coiled urethane cord
  • Soft, flexible and small cuff

CONS

  • Limited color options
  • Cuff may feel too small for some

OWN THE WAVE “Nemesis” Bodyboard Leash

General Impression

Designed not only for bodyboarding but also for paddleboarding and other water sports, this affordable boogie board strap from Own the Wave offers everything you need in high-quality bodyboarding leashes. The ultra-strong polyurethane coil can extend to 10 feet in length before rapidly re-coiling to stop any leash drag or unwanted snagging. It’s equipped with double stainless-steel swivels and a triple wrap rail saver, while the padded neoprene cuff boasts a hidden key pocket. The quick-release tab allows you to easily detach the leash if you need, without the boogie board cord untethering when you least want it to.

Specifications

BRAND: OWN THE WAVE
LEASH CONNECTION: Wrist/Bicep
COLORS: Black, Blue
LEASH PLUG INCLUDED: Yes (dual stainless steel swivels)
CORD: 10 ft long, 7.2 mm thick, thermoplastic polyurethane
CUFF: Comfortable neoprene cuff for all-day wear
WARRANTY: 1 Year Warranty

PROS

  • Ultra-strong 10-foot cord
  • Quick-release tab for untethering
  • Dual stainless-steel swivels
  • Comfortable padded neoprene cuff

CONS

  • Stitching could be stronger
  • The coil can be prone to tangling

HYDRO Bicep Coil BodyBoard Leash

General Impression

Designed for big waves and heavy slabs, this high-quality boogie board replacement strap from Hydro is available in several color combinations. It comes with a strong leash plug anchor and dual stainless-steel swivels which help to protect the rails of your bodyboard. As for the ultra-secure velcro cuff, the hook and loop webbing make it easier to use and remove the cuff, which is comfortable enough to wear for long sessions.

Specifications

BRAND: HYDRO
LEASH CONNECTION: Bicep
COLORS: Black/White, Charcoal/Green, Charcoal/Blue
LEASH PLUG INCLUDED: Yes (dual stainless steel swivels)
CORD: 4 ft long, 7.2 mm thick, thermoplastic polyurethane
CUFF: Super comfortable neoprene cuff
WARRANTY: No

PROS

  • Double stainless-steel swivels
  • Padded bicep strap with hook and loop webbing
  • Can handle big wave conditions
  • 360-degree swivel system

CONS

  • May be too small for some biceps
  • Only available in black/charcoal colors

NMD Bicep Bodyboard Leash

General Impression

With its heavy-duty coil and comfortable neoprene padded strap, these bodyboarding leashes continues NMD’s commitment to making high-quality hardware for bodyboarders. They worked with three-time World Champion Ben Player to engineer the leash, which is designed for use in small-to-medium-sized waves. It features double marine-grade stainless steel swivels for freedom of movement and a heavy-duty bodyboard leash plug.

Specifications

BRAND: NMD
LEASH CONNECTION: Bicep
COLORS: Black, Orange, Yellow
LEASH PLUG INCLUDED: Yes (dual stainless steel swivels)
CORD: 4 ft long, 7 mm thick, thermoplastic polyurethane
CUFF: Comfortable neoprene cuff
WARRANTY: No

PROS

  • Adjustable neoprene padded strap
  • Marine-grade stainless steel swivels
  • Heavy-duty release bodyboard leash plug

CONS

  • Not for big wave conditions
  • Limited color options

XM Bodyboard Leash

General Impression

Designed and manufactured in California, this option from XM is strong and easy to secure. The hook and loop single wrap are made from strong velcro which keeps you tethered to your board in all conditions and with a comfortable neoprene liner, it is one of the best boogie bodyboarding leashes you can buy. You can select from a variety of colors – red, yellow, blue, or black – although the design is not as “rugged” as some boarders might like. A big plus of purchasing this leash is its three-year warranty, which few other brands offer.

Specifications

BRAND: XM
LEASH CONNECTION: Bicep
COLORS: Black, Red, Blue, White
LEASH PLUG INCLUDED: Yes (dual stainless steel swivels)
CORD: 4 ft long, 7 mm thick, thermoplastic polyurethane
CUFF: Neoprene cuff
WARRANTY: 3 Year Warranty

PROS

  • Available in various colors
  • Features a double swivel
  • Three-year warranty
  • Cuff boasts hook and loop technology

CONS

  • Non-padded cuff
  • Not a rugged design

BEST BODYBOARDING LEACHES
Buyer's Guide

A bodyboarding leash is a must-have piece of equipment to prevent your board from getting washed away from you (or injuring someone else) and ensuring it’s always within arm’s reach. Whether you secure them to your wrist or bicep, the best bodyboarding leashes won’t break in big-wave conditions or on heavy impact. In this guide, we’ll discuss the various features you should look for when purchasing the best boogie board leash and how to find the one that’s right for you.

Wrist vs bicep leashes

While some bodyboarding leashes are specifically designed to be worn around either your wrist or bicep, others are versatile and can be used for both. A boogie board wrist leash is a good option for those new to bodyboarding as it’s easy to grab the cord and pull your board back when you come off a wave. They’re also popular with drop-knee bodyboarders, ensuring the distance between your cuff and board isn’t too far or creating unwanted tension.

However, bicep leashes have a big advantage. As they don’t get in your way when you’re paddling, they automatically give you greater freedom of movement. They’re best used by experienced boarders who are already skilled at retrieving their board.

Cuffs

Most bodyboarding cuffs are made from neoprene (which is both strong and comfortable) and a velcro strap that can be adjusted to your desired fit. Wider cuffs with some padding are generally more comfortable to wear, although they will be slightly heavier. When purchasing a boogie board wrist strap, look for a cuff with a long-lasting brass connector that joins to the coil and allows plenty of freedom of movement. Other features to consider are an easy-release tab so you can untether yourself from the board if you become trapped, as well as a hidden pocket where you can stash your keys. Some of the best bodyboarding leashes come with hook and loop webbing, which makes securing your leash much easier.

Coils

Another important thing to consider when buying the best bodyboard leash is the length of the coil. You want it to be long enough that you have freedom of movement, without being too long that it will get caught around your feet or on submerged objects. A four-foot coil that rapidly springs back into a compact form is ideal for most bodyboarding situations, ensuring you can easily reach the board when you come off. Most coils are made from a durable polyurethane material that’s designed to last.

cheap bodyboard leash

Plugs and strings

While most bodyboarding leashes come with a plug, it’s important to always check first so you don’t have to buy additional equipment. The plug is what attaches your leash to the board and needs to be strong enough to withstand the impact of big waves and strong swells. The best boogie board leash will have a plug end that sits flush with the board, rather than sticking out. You should also look for plugs designed so that the string (which joins the plug and coils together) can be attached internally. The string needs to be incredibly rugged so that it doesn’t snap when pulled and is tied tight enough that it won’t slacken over time and eventually come loose.

Swivels

Swivels prevent the leash from getting tangled around your arm, those made from marine-grade metal or stainless steel are best known for their long-lasting properties. The best bodyboarding leashes come with a double or dual swivel. This means that it has swivels at both ends – one near the cuff and the other on the leash plug – for greater flexibility.

BEST BODYBOARDING LEACHES
FAQs

1. What is the difference between surfing and bodyboarding?

Surfing and bodyboarding are both water sports that involve riding waves. Surfing is done in an upright position on longer boards while bodyboarding requires you to lie flat (or sometimes in a drop-knee position) on a shorter board. Bodyboarding tends to be easier for people to learn as it doesn’t require you to “pop-up” into a standing position.

The material for bodyboarding also tends to be more affordable and you won’t have to worry about fitting a long, heavy board into your vehicle. Bodyboarding can be done in small waves that are relatively close to the shore while surfing sometimes requires you to paddle further out. Some surfers feel that standing on the board while riding the wave is more fun than lying down and love the thrill of catching bigger waves than bodyboarding allows.

2. Is bodyboarding easier than surfing?

Bodyboarding tends to be easier to learn than surfing as you don’t have to get into a standing position, which can be difficult if you’re new to riding waves. The chance of falling off the board into the water is also minimal compared to surfing and the sport doesn’t require as much balance.

In addition to being easier to master than surfing, bodyboarding has the added advantage of being a more affordable water sport to get into as the boards are cheaper to buy. They’re light enough for children to carry to and from the beach, as well as being compact enough that they can fit into almost any vehicle, without having to worry about roof racks.

3. How do you wear a leash on a bodyboard?

A bodyboarding leash should be worn either around your bicep or wrist, with the cord pointing away from the inside of your arm. This means the leash won’t get in your way when paddling and will stop getting snagged on the nose of the board. After determining your bodyboard leash placement, simply secure the velcro so that it fits snug (and without cutting off your circulation) or utilize the hook and loop webbing system if your leash is equipped with it.

It’s important that you always wear a leash when you’re out bodyboarding as you won’t have to swim long distances to recover your board. It could also be a lifesaver in difficult conditions and will prevent your board from injuring others who are in the water.

4. Should I use a bodyboard bicep leash or a wrist leash?

Most beginners start with wrist bodyboarding leashes as it makes it easier to retrieve your board after you wipe out. They are also preferred by drop-knee riders as a leash worn around the wrist reduces the distance between the cuff and plug. The disadvantage of a wrist leash is that it can inhibit your paddling ability, with the strap and coil dragging through the water with each stroke. Therefore, most bodyboarders transition to a bicep leash once they become more comfortable in the water and are confident when it comes to retrieving their board. A bicep leash should be positioned just above your elbow, keeping the coil out of your way while paddling and riding waves.

5. How do you put on a bicep or wrist leash?

After deciding whether you want to place bodyboarding leashes on your wrist or your bicep, simply slip your hand through the cuff and tighten it using the velcro strap. If you’re positioning it on your wrist, put it just above your joint. If you’re putting it on your bicep, it should be positioned just above your elbow. You want the cuff to be tight enough that it won’t slip down your arm but without it cutting off your circulation. The leash shouldn’t be digging into your skin or leave any unwanted marks.

6. How do you install a bodyboard leash plug?

Most bodyboarders like their plug to be positioned around 6-8 inches from the nose. After marking your preferred position (avoiding the stringer), carefully push a screwdriver through the board at a 90-degree angle until you reach the plastic deck. Then turn the bodyboard and find the position on the other side where the hole will meet. After heating your screwdriver with a lighter, push it into the board again until the holes meet. Insert the top part of the leash (with the coil) and the bottom part (with the screw) and ensure they’re tightly connected using a screwdriver or a coin. Then put the rope end of the leash through the plug and feed the cuff end all the way through until the rope makes a neat and secure loop.

best boogie board leash

REACH OUT

As always, we create our content with you, fellow adventurers, in mind. So, how’d we do? Did you find this informative? Did it help you make a decision? Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear from you below. Thanks for reading and we hope your next adventure is a great one!

David Stefanoski

David Stefanoski is an avid outdoorsman who loves to explore the deepest, most exciting crevices of nature and then write about them. From the maximum depth that a scuba suit can go, to the maximum heights that his legs will take him, David enjoys the outdoors in its warmest, sunniest days on the prairie, to the iciest, dampest little spots in Eastern Europe. After 15 years of trudging, his favorite outdoorsman activity is still chopping wood due to his large body size. He says it's like splitting toothpicks!

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