Yes, wear a leash on a bodyboard. It keeps the board near you after a wipeout, so you do not have to swim after it. Editors’ rule of thumb: a coiled wrist leash suits most beginners.
WaterSportHQ editors have not used the leashes named here. The facts below come from named sources and from Amazon listings checked on 2026-10-21. For the full comparison, see best bodyboard leashes.
Do you need a leash for a bodyboard?
Yes. Surf Life Saving Australia’s Beachsafe site says to wear a leg rope (leash) whatever surfboard you ride. It gives two reasons: a lost board will not wash all the way to shore, which saves you a swim, and it will not hit someone in its path. Its “Fins and leashes” paragraph also says that even when learning to bodyboard, you use fins and a leash. The two leg rope reasons are stated for surfboards; editors’ rule of thumb: they apply to a bodyboard too, which is light and floats away fast.
Editors’ rule of thumb: a leash is not a flotation device, and it does not replace swimming ability or checking surf conditions.
Wrist or bicep leash
- Wrist leash: the cuff goes on your wrist. All three wrist leashes on the leash comparison page list a neoprene cuff with a hook and loop (Velcro) strap.
- Bicep leash: the cuff goes on your upper arm. Dakine says its bicep-mounted coil “keeps cord clear of your stroke”.
Editors’ rule of thumb: a wrist cuff is the easiest to fit, which suits beginners and children. A bicep cuff suits riders who paddle hard and do not want a cord running from the hand. Editors found no source ranking one as safer; pick the one you will wear every session.
What to look for in a bodyboard leash
- A coiled cord. The BPS Storm PRO listing says “Tightly coiled cord to avoid leash drag”, and the Dakine listing title calls its leash coiled.
- Swivels. A swivel lets the cord turn without twisting. Dakine lists “100% marine grade stainless steel swivels” and BPS lists “dual anti-tangle stainless steel swivels” on its Storm PRO. The basic BPS Storm names none.
- A plug. The plug is the part that anchors the cord to the board. BPS and Tribe list a plug in the box; Dakine’s listing names none. Morey’s board listings (see best bodyboards) show a pre-installed leash plug, so check your board before you buy a second one.
- A cuff that fits. eBodyboarding’s Tribe listing shows a bicep leash in three arm sizes (small 8.5 to 9.5 inches, medium 10.5 to 12, large 13 to 14), so measure your arm first.
Editors’ rule of thumb: check the cord, swivels and Velcro before each session, and replace a leash with a cracked cord.
Where to attach the leash
Check the board maker’s instructions first. They decide where the plug goes. Editors’ rule of thumb: attach the cord to the plug on the board, and wear the cuff on the arm you use least to paddle, so the cord stays clear of your stroke. Before you go in the water, tug the cord to check the plug is firm and the cuff is closed.
Three current leashes, on their listed specs
| Leash | Attaches | Length listed | Swivels listed | Plug included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPS Storm | Wrist | 4 ft | None | Yes |
| BPS Storm PRO | Wrist | Not given | Two, stainless | Yes |
| Dakine Coiled Bicep | Bicep | 4 ft | Stainless | Not listed |
Sources: each leash’s Amazon listing, checked 2026-10-21.
- See the BPS Storm leash on Amazon: coiled wrist leash, padded neoprene cuff, quick release, spare plug. BPS lists the age range as kid. It names no swivel and fits the wrist only.
- See the BPS Storm PRO leash on Amazon: adds dual stainless swivels and a key pocket in the cuff. BPS lists the age range as kid and teen. No length is given.
- See the Dakine Coiled Bicep leash on Amazon: 4 ft by 1/4 inch coil, neoprene bicep cuff, listed size small with no arm range. Its materials row says ethylene vinyl acetate, which does not match the neoprene cuff and urethane cord in its own bullets.
Editors’ rule of thumb: surfboards use ankle leashes rather than wrist or bicep ones. See the surfboard leash guide. To pick the board itself, read how to choose a bodyboard.