Every bodyboarder should be able to install a bodyboard leash. It may appear tough at first. Anyone can put up and connect a bodyboard leash with the help of this book.
New bodyboards seldom come with leash plug installation. A few easy steps, some easy tools accessible, and BAM! Your bodyboard is ready to go surfing.
It’s simple to attach your bodyboard. You’re a novice surfer. You’ve acquired a new bodyboard without a leash connection. Do you want to waste time searching YouTube for answers?
Do you require a clear and simple direction? Don’t be alarmed. All you have to do now is concentrate and follow the instructions in this post. It will just take 5 minutes of your time, at most.
A leash plug is a two-piece device made of plastic that contains a male and female component. The male component is placed on top of the board. The female component is inserted into the bottom of the bodyboard. To unplug your bodyboard, remove the plug by twisting it out.
Take the top portion of the leash. Insert it into the hole. Attach the bottom part of the leash to the other side now. Finally, tighten the screw and connect your leash with the plug.
This article will walk you through each stage of installing your bodyboard leash and plug in a safe and thorough manner.
Installing leash to bodyboards with preinstalled plug
There are various sorts of bodyboards. The majority of entry-level boards include a preinstalled plug in the center of the board. The plug may or may not have a string attached to it, depending on the model. This style of bodyboard does not require any additional equipment for leash installation.
A leash is included with the preinstalled plug without a string. At the edge of the leash, there is a loop of string. Simply take that loop and thread it beneath the bar of the plug. To the other side, pull it through entirely. Take all of the leash through the loop of string completely.
To install a leash, or a plug with a string attached, start by connecting the wire to the plug. Enter one end of the rope beneath the bar using one edge of the rope. Make a loop out of two sides of the rope by tying knots in both locations.
Make sure the knot does not come off. Your leash now has a similar string loop to the plug, allowing you to feed it in and install it just as before. Install your leash into the plug using the same method, feeding it through the string loop and then into place.
Leash installment on bodyboards without a plug
Required tools
- Screwdriver
- A marker/ pencil
- Electric or gas burner. In this situation, a gaslit burner is required if you are using a screwdriver. If you utilize a drill, you will not require any gaslit burner.
- Plyers
- 50-piece coin.
A plug may not be included in some higher-end bodyboards.
Where a leash usually goes
There are three basic bodyboard leash plug postures as far as we know. These positions may be classified depending on the rider’s preference.
The leash goes to the right side of the board for right-handed surfers. Because it is simpler and more pleasant to ride if you attach the leash cuff to your right arm.
For standard foot drop knee riders, the leash should be placed on the right side in the case of a drop knee stance.
You can install the plug on the left side if you’re a lefty. If you want your right knee dropped, install the leash on the board’s left side.
If you’re comfortable going left and right, you can insert the leash into the board’s center. Make sure to install the plug on the top center of the board; otherwise, your leash chords may get tangled up with your legs when riding.
Step 1
To begin, make a pencil or pen mark on the ground where you wish to connect your leash. Steer clear of the board’s stringer. The bodyboard’s balance is aided by stiffening rods known as stringers.
It’s possible that plugging through the stringers will damage the board. In that instance, you won’t be eligible for a refund for this move.
They also use stickers to identify the stringers on a bodyboard.
Stringers on a double stringer board are midway between the board’s center and its sides. If that’s the case, position the leash in the board’s upper middle.
The stringer always goes in the middle on single stringer boards. At least 6 to 7 inches below the nose, make a mark. You may use a trick to determine where to plug the hole quickly. Make an “L” shaped gesture with your hand.
Place your thumb on the edge of the board (on the right or left side depending on where you want your leash to go). Now see where your index finger reaches. Make a mark at that location. Alternatively, use a ruler to measure.
Step 2
To fill a hole, lay your bodyboard on the floor or on another flat surface such as a table or another board. This will make it easier to plug the gap straight. Otherwise, you risk jamming in an angle. You don’t want to damage your designated leash plug position when you’re done using it.
Make sure the drill bit is as small or smaller than the screw and that it has the same diameter. Otherwise, the hole may expand excessively, causing the screw to become loose after fixing.
In the event that you’re using a screwdriver, preheat it on the burner to prevent harm to the board. As the screwdriver goes into the board, heat will seal up the side of the hole, preventing water damage later.
Step 3
To the other side, push the drill or heated screwdriver straight through the board. With care, pull the drill /screwdriver out of the board. To remove the drill from the board, rotate it or provide an additional push.
The leash plug is now installed on your bodyboard.
Step 4
Remove the male and female components of the plug. Insert the male component of the plug through the hole on top of the board. Apply additional pressure with your palm to ensure that the component firmly attaches to the board. The bottom end of things is where it gets interesting!
If your bodyboard is thin, the female screw might be longer for attachment. In that situation, cut the screw with a pair of pliers to match the other component of the plug.
Step 5
Use a flat screwdriver or a 50-piece coin to tighten the screws on both sides. Twist it a few times for good measure. Confirm that the screw is not loose before moving on. Attach the leash to the top prong of the plug. Your bodyboard is now ready for use.
Connect the leash to the top end of the plug and you’re ready to shred.
Isn’t it simple and quick? If you still lack confidence in your ability to install the leash plug on your own, get in touch with a specialist. Take it to a shop and have a professional help you connect your bodyboard and insert the leash.
Types of bodyboard leashes
There are usually two distinct types of bodyboard leashes.
- Wrist leashes: They’re the most popular sort of leashes. Wrist leashes are attached to your wrists. Straight wrist leashes are included in entry-level bodyboards. These aren’t appropriate for bodyboarding. Wrist leashes come in a variety of styles, from basic to high-end, with prices ranging from inexpensive to premium. When facing larger waves, you could get caught up in these longer cable leashes. If your goal is to be a good bodyboarder, these leashes are not appropriate.
- Bicep Leashes: Bicep leashes are best suited for surfing. The bodyboard is connected to your biceps with these leashes. Surfing is enhanced by utilizing your biceps while paddling. Bicep leashes are more expensive than wrist leashes. These, however, are quite efficient as a professional surfer. These leashes are shorter and less likely to get tangled, making them safer for surfing.
Parts of a leash
- Leash Plug: The screw is attached to the bodyboard via the plug. There are two parts to it: a male component and a female component. On the top of the board, the male component is placed, while on the underside, the female component connects.
- A cord is a coiled long string that is attached to the cuff and the plug. They previously manufactured straight cords. The coil-shaped cord makes it easier for a bodyboarder not to get tangled up while bodyboarding. It guarantees a pleasant bodyboarding experience by preventing tangles.
- The component that you connect to your arm is the cuff. It encircles your wrist/arm and is connected to the cord via a swivel. The plug goes into the bodyboard, and the cable connects it.
- A swivel is a stainless steel or brass fitting that connects a rope to the cuffs.
Best bodyboard leashes to buy
A good quality leash will set you back around $20 to $30. The Buckle Velcro cuff and Wider cuffs are among the most popular leashes. The best-selling bodyboard leashes include the Storm Coiled Pro Bodyboard Leash, Coiled Bicep leash, and the Iron Black Surf Leash.
Maintenance of bodyboard and the leash
Regularly clean your leash. Your leash may be damaged by saltwater and sand. To give it a good wash, thoroughly rinse it.
Clean your bodyboard in the same manner.
When transporting the bodyboard bag, make sure the leash and bodyboard are kept seperately. You won’t damage your bodyboard or leash by compressing it against the leash if you do this. It will prevent your board from being damaged or dented.
Few facts about bodyboards
Bodyboard core types
Triathlon fins are available in three core materials.
- EPS is the most cost-effective core material. EPS is a generic term for extruded Polystyrene.
- Polypropylene Core (PP): Polypropylene is the greatest bodyboarding core available. PP is a lightweight and robust material. These cores include 1-2 stringer and foam beading. It makes the board more resistant to water and more stable.
- Polyethylene Cores (PE): These cores were first created in the mid-1970s.
Bodyboard vs Boogieboard
Boogieboarding is usually practiced on smaller waves. Bodyboarding, on the other hand, is used to ride bigger waves. Skilled bodyboarders utilize bodyboarding for expert surfing. Novice boogieboarders learn to surf via boogieboards.
There are several branded boogieboards on the market. Tom Morey invented surfing boogieboard in 1971 as the most enjoyable way to ride.
The market introduced the Morey boogie board in his name. The Morey March 7 boogieboard is one of the most popular. Thurs. Surf Quill, Go Plus, and South Bay Onda are among this year’s best-selling boogie boards.
Conclusion
A leash keeps you connected to the board while surfing. It’s important bodyboard safety gear. Your leash can prevent you from drowning. If your bodyboard is lost during bigger-wave surfing, your leash might be able to save your life.
As a result, when riding the huge sea, it is critical to properly connect the leash and plug it in appropriately.
FAQ
Is Bodyboarding easier than Surfing?
Bodyboarding is less complicated than surfing. One of the main reasons is that bodyboarders don’t have to stand on their boards like surfers do. Surfers have to stand up on the board, but bodyboarders can lie down on theirs. This posture enables the boarder to gain greater control of the wave.
Surfing and bodyboarding are two similar sports in which a person lies on a board and rides waves. This operation is simpler to carry out while lying on a bodyboard rather than standing on a surfing board. In the comparison of bodyboarding vs surfing, I’d choose bodyboarding since it is easier.
Does a bodyboard require a leash?
Yes, a leash is included with your bodyboard to ensure your own safety. The stringer can be useful in hazardous situations such as surfing bigger waves away from the beach. If you lose the board while bodyboarding, it might save your life.
What side do you wear a leash on a bodyboard?
Leash placement is critical in bodyboarding. The leash and board should be plugged on the same side most of the time. If you plug your bodyboard to the right, make sure your leash is also placed on the right-hand side.
For lefties and right-handers, for example. In some cases, you may wear your leash just in front of your nose.
Is bodyboarding a good exercise?
Surfing is a fantastic form of exercise. It not only burns a tremendous quantity of calories, but it also enhances the development of skinny muscles. When paddling and kicking in large waves, your arms and legs operate together as you stroke and propel yourself. This activity promotes good fitness and excellent posture.
What size board should I get for bodyboarding?
A bodyboard’s size is determined by the height of the rider. When standing on the ground, you should be able to touch your belly button with the board. When held in a vertical position in front of you, it should be as tall as your knees to your chin.
