Leashes are one of the most overlooked — and most important — parts of surfboard fishing.
Unlike kayak fishing, where gear sits inside a hull, surfboard and SUP anglers are one slip away from losing critical equipment.
This guide breaks down which leashes you actually need, how to use them safely, and common mistakes beginners make.
Why Leashes Matter More in Surfboard Fishing
When fishing from a board:
You are exposed to wind and waves
Gear is on an open deck
Falling off is normal — and expected
Leashes prevent:
Losing your board (your flotation)
Losing your rod during a bite or wave
Dangerous lunges that throw you off balance
Rule: If losing it would end the session or create risk — leash it.
The Three Leashes Every Beginner Should Understand
Most safe setups use three types of leashes:
Board Leash
Mandatory
Rod Leash
Highly Recommended
Gear Leash
Optional but Smart
You do not need all three on day one — but you must understand them.
1. Board Leash (Mandatory)
Your board leash is your lifeline.
What It Does
Keeps your board attached if you fall
Provides flotation
Gives you something visible to hold onto
What to Look For
SUP-rated leash (thicker than surf leashes)
Reinforced cuff (ankle or calf)
Stainless or marine-grade swivel
Length equal to or slightly longer than board
Ankle Leash
Familiar for surfers
Fine for sitting
Calf Leash
Preferred by many anglers
Less tangling
Beginner rule: No board leash = no fishing session.
2. Rod Leash (Highly Recommended)
Rod leashes prevent sudden reactions that cause falls.
Why Rod Leashes Matter
Losing a rod offshore often causes:
Panic grabs
Sudden weight shifts
Loss of balance
A simple rod leash removes that risk entirely.
Best Rod Leash Features
Coiled design (stays out of the way)
Lightweight
Quick-release clip
Corrosion-resistant hardware
Where to Attach
Clip to the rod butt or reel frame
Attach leash to crate, deck rigging, or D-ring
Beginner advice: Use one rod + one leash until comfortable.
3. Gear Leashes (Optional but Smart)
Gear leashes are used for:
Crates
Deck bags
Coolers
Anchors or drift socks
When Gear Leashes Make Sense
Choppy conditions
Heavier storage
Offshore drift fishing
When to Skip Them
Very light setups
Short trips in flat water
Tip: Leash heavy items only — too many leashes create entanglement risk.
Coiled vs Straight Leashes
Coiled Leashes
Best for:
Rods
Light gear
Deck accessories
Pros
Stay off the deck
Reduce snagging
Cons
Limited stretch under heavy load
Straight Leashes
Best for:
Board leashes
Heavy gear
Pros
Strong
Predictable stretch
Cons
Can drag if poorly managed
What NOT to Leash (Important)
Some items should not be leashed directly to your body:
Anchors
Heavy crates tied to your ankle
Anything that could pull you under
Safety rule: Nothing heavy should ever be leashed to you.
Common Beginner Leash Mistakes
Using thin surf leashes instead of SUP leashes
Leashing too many items
Letting leashes cross walking/remount areas
Forgetting corrosion maintenance
Attaching gear to ankle instead of board
If your deck looks like spaghetti — simplify.
Minimal Beginner Leash Setup (Recommended)
Start with:
1 SUP-rated board leash
1 coiled rod leash
That's enough for 90% of beginner sessions.
Add gear leashes only if:
Conditions require it
Gear weight increases
You gain experience managing lines
Leashes and Safety Go Together
Leashes should:
Reduce panic
Increase confidence
Keep movements slow and controlled
They should never create:
Entanglement hazards
Pull risks
False confidence in bad conditions
Final Recommendation
Leashes are cheap insurance.
Spend more thought on how you leash than how many you leash. A clean, simple leash system makes surfboard fishing safer, calmer, and more enjoyable.