I’ll put my hand up and say I rarely check my leash, but looking back over the years, I have had 3 snap on me, although one was faulty, the other two snapped in big conditions and I had scary long swims and a battering back to shore, so it got me thinking, should we consider checking or replacing our leashes every so often and if so, how frequently? There are a few factors that come into it, so read on to find out if you think yours has passed its “use-by date” Staff Member, Charlotte
Leashes come in different sizes. The rule of thumb is to purchase one that matches nearest to your board length so that if you were to wipe out, it is its board length away from you (and hits everyone else)
Down to smaller details, leashes also come in different thicknesses from 5-8mm. Leashes for longer boards or bigger volumed, heavier boards, for example, longboards, are commonly up to 8mm thick which minimises the chances of it snapping after a wipeout when a heavy board is pulled away from you by moving water whilst attached to your ankle or knee.
It is said, that even if your leash isn't showing any signs of wear and tear or damage it is still advisable to change it at least once a year.
Factors to consider
There could be endless reasons why a leash snaps, but there can be a few factors to consider that could determine when it's time to replace it before any accidents happen.
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How old your current leash is (condition or materials)
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How often do you go surfing
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The size and type of waves you’re surfing
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Wipeouts in the water, including collisions/dings.
How old is your current leash?
When did you purchase your current leash? Was it included with a secondhand board purchase, if so you might not know its age or how much use it's had?
It's important to regularly check the condition of your leash, before and after each surf. Check for any nigs or marks along the leash, check the strap is all still intact with no fraying, does the velcro still securely fasten and does the swivel still rotate freely as it should?
If you notice anything abnormal, then it's time to replace your leash.
How often do you go surfing?
If you have a relatively new leash, then consider how often you get to surf. If you live by your local break and get in often, say 4-5 times a week, then your leash will be getting more use resulting in more wear and tear in comparison, for example, to someone who works Monday to Friday and only gets in on weekends. Again, checking your leash before and after each surf can help determine if you need a new one.
The size and type of the waves you’re surfing
The size of the waves you're surfing can make a difference. For example, if you are out in big, heavy powerful waves with a 5mm leash and you happen to fall off and wipe out, think of the strain on your leash when your board is being pulled in all directions until the turbulence of the wave has settled.
Shoulder to head high wave - Llangennith, surfing a 7'6 Mal with an FCS All Round Essential 8ft x 7mm Leash
If you're surfing smaller waves, the chances of a new leash snapping, unless faulty, are slimmer. But again, it is still advisable to check the condition of your leash before and after every surf, no matter what size or type of wave you're surfing.
Small knee-to-thigh wave - Coney, on a 5'4 board with a Sola 5'6ft x 5mm Leash 
The type of wave you're surfing can also have an effect. As mentioned previously, if you're surfing green waves there is more strain on your leash when you fall off from all that water pummeling over on you and your board whereas if you're surfing whitewash (a wave that has already broken), most of the wave's power has started and will be gradually becoming weaker as it continues its way to the shore.
Wipeouts including collisions and dings
No matter what size or type of wave you're surfing, when you wipeout it will cause strain to the leash in some way or another by the water movement. You know, that familiar feeling when you feel your leg almost being pulled out of its hip joint.
Wipeouts that involve collisions can increase the chances of damage not only to you or your board but also to your leash. The other person's fins may have gone over your leash so it's important to check everything after an impromptu meet with a fellow surfer.
Unique board/leash ding
Dings
"This crazy ding above happened when I was surfing Coney a few years ago during the winter swells. It was around 3-4ft and I got wiped out by a signature dumping Coney wave. When I resurfaced, no matter where I put my foot, the tail of the board was right in my face. It took me a while to realise what had happened. Somehow, the leash went straight through the nose of my board.
The leash didn't snap, but did I check the condition of it after taking these awesome photos? No.
A few weeks later, I was surfing a big day at Rest Bay, different board same leash. I saw a set roll in and went for the second wave, it was well over my head on the drop and straight after I bottom turned, it clamped on me and 'ping!' Leash snapped and there goes my board.
It took me a good few minutes to try and swim to get back into shallow enough water for my feet to touch the ground.
Where the leash snapped wasn't where it went through my board a few weeks prior but it could have been weakened in this spot. If you look at the photo above, my fin also could have had involvement."
In conclusion, always check your leash for damage before and after each surf and consider changing your leash if you think you should. It could save you a very long, exhausting swim in.
Browse all our leashes here, with selected leashes in our surf sale