Short answer: pick a leg rope about the same length as your board. A 6ft board takes a 6ft leash, an 8ft mini mal takes an 8ft leash. If you're between sizes, go one size longer. A leash that's a bit long is fine. One that's too short pulls the board back at you.
Watch: Surf Leash 101
Which legrope is right for you? Branchy runs through the parts of a leash, picking the right length for your board, and how to tie it on so the string never cuts your tail – in 80 seconds.
Leg rope size chart
| Your board | Leg rope | Cord |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 5'6groms, small shortboards | 5ft | 6mm |
| 5'6 – 6'2shortboard | 6ft | 6mm |
| 6'2 – 7'0fish, mid length | 7ft | 7mm |
| 7'0 – 8'0mini mal, funboard | 8ft | 7mm |
| 8'0 – 9'0big mini mal, longboard | 9ft | 7mm |
| 9'0 and overlongboard | 10ft | 8mm |
| Boogie board | Wrist coil Bicep coil |
6mm |
It's your board length that matters, not your height. Longer leashes are often thicker too, because of the weight of the bigger board pulling on it.
What about Big Wave leashes?
Big Wave leg ropes are the step up again: 8mm cord and a wider 50mm cuff. The wider cuff gives extra closure strength and more comfort, spreading the pressure across your ankle. The 10ft Big Wave is the one to reach for on boards 7'6 and over when you're surfing solid surf. There's a 7ft Big Wave as well, for shorter step-ups in heavy waves.
The parts of a leash, in plain English
- Cuff – the padded strap around your ankle. Goes on your back foot, buckle facing out.
- Cord – the stretchy bit. Thinner cord has less drag, thicker cord is stronger. 7mm is the sensible default for almost everyone: enough strength for solid surf, not enough drag to notice.
- Swivel – lets the cord spin so it doesn't twist around your leg. Two swivels (one at each end) tangle far less than one. All our leashes run a double swivel.
- Rail saver – the triple-velcro strap that attaches to your board's string loop. It stops the cord cutting into your tail. Keep the string loop short enough that the knot sits inside the rail saver, not against the rail.
Ankle or knee leash on a longboard?
If you walk the board, go a knee/calf leash. It sits just below the knee so the cord stays out from under your feet when you cross-step. If you mostly stay put, an ankle leash is fine.
My picks
Summer vibes 7ft Leash – Black ($39.99)
The one most people should buy. 7mm cord, double swivels, and the right length for anything from a 6'2 fish up to a 7'0 mid length.
Summer vibes 9ft Knee/Calf Longboard Leash – White/Black ($55.99)
For walking the board without tripping on your leash. Also in White/Pink and White/Lilac if you'd rather match it to your board.
Summer vibes 7ft Big Wave Leash – Black/Orange ($49.99)
8mm cord and a 50mm cuff. The one for serious waves on a step-up, where a standard 7mm is working harder than it should.
Every Summer vibes leash is covered by our 12-month replacement guarantee if it legitimately snaps (fin cuts not covered).
Common mistakes
- Leash shorter than the board. The board springs back at you. This is how people get hit.
- Leaving it in a hot car. Heat and sun wear the cord out faster than surfing does.
- Knot sitting outside the rail saver. The cord then rubs straight on your rail and cuts in.
- Surfing a stretched leash. If it doesn't spring back to its length, replace it.
- Surfboard leash on a boogie board. Use a wrist or bicep coil instead.
FAQ
Can I use a 6ft leash on a 7ft board?
You can, but don't. The board comes back closer to you when you fall. Go 7ft.
Leg rope or leash – what's the difference?
Nothing. Leg rope is the Aussie name, leash is the American one.
Which leg does it go on?
Your back foot. Regular footers wear it on the right, goofy footers on the left.
How long does a leg rope last?
One to two years of regular surfing. Check the cord and cuff every few sessions and replace it if the cord stays stretched.
Do I need a leash on a softboard?
Yes. A softboard floats high and the wind carries it a long way, straight at whoever's behind you.
Are coiled leashes good for surfing?
No. Coils are for SUP and boogie boards. In waves they fire the board back at you.
Do I go thicker if I'm heavier?
It's the board's size that loads the leg rope, not your weight. But if you're on a big board in solid surf, go 8mm or step up to a Big Wave.
Next
Leash sorted? Grip is next – read Do you need a traction pad? or browse all Leashes & Leg Ropes. Free shipping on all surf hardware over $60.
Cheers,
Branchy
Chris “Branchy” Branch, founder of Summer vibes – 25+ years in surf hardware product development. Designed & developed on the Gold Coast, QLD.