8 Best Surfboard Leashes for 2025
Surfboard leashes have come a long way, and we’re fortunate to have a wide variety of options to choose from. Depending on the size of the waves you’re surfing and your skill level, there’s a specific surf leash for you - from the longboarder hanging 10 to the shortboard aerialist. In this blog, we'll dive into the best surf leashes of 2025, exploring the latest innovations and designs ranging from shortboard to mid-length to big wave gun leashes. Finding the right surfboard leash for your situation is key to an enjoyable and safe session.
Best Surfboard Leashes Reviewed
Best serious swell leash: Dakine Kainui Team Leash - $33.00+
New for 2025: Firewire All Day Leash - $36.00+
Best bang for buck leash: Hotline Stage 3 Leash - $33.95+
Best overall construction leash: FCS All Round Essential Leash - $42.00+
Best versatility surfboard leash: Pro-Lite Freesurf Leash - $36.00+
Most durable big wave leash: FCS Protect Big Wave Leash - $50.00
High-end, strong, minimalistic comp leash: VEIA Explorer Comp Leash - $37.95
Best pro model team rider leash: Channel Islands Michael February Everyday Leash - $40.00
Industry Insights and Updates
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New for 2025, Firewire is selling Surfboard bags, leashes, and other accessories. Check out the full review here.
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Many brands offer calf and knee leashes as an alternative to ankle leashes. You can find calf leashes here, and Knee leashes here.
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Surfboard leashes are better than ever before. With the latest tech, we’re fortunate to have a wide selection to choose from. Here is a link to all of our available surfboard leashes.
Dakine Kainui Team - $33.00+
“Maximum Strength”
Pros
- Heavy-duty design
- Durable Opti-Flex Leash ends
- Comfortable cuff
Cons
- Might be a little much
- Not the lightest option available
Our Take: The Kainui Team leash is built to withstand the harshest of conditions. With the highest quality urethane dura-chord, you won’t have to worry about this leash breaking, not even in double overhead waves.
The stainless steel swivels and Opti-Flex ends are another two features that maximize the strength. Some customers consider this leash stiff at first; however, once it gets pulled a couple of times, it loosens up nicely. If you need a strong leash for big swells or to protect your precious boards, check out the Kainui leash on our today!
Firewire All Day - $36.00
“Newest Addition”
Pros
- Reliable construction
- Comfortable neoprene strap
- Durable corrosion-resistant
- Recyclable PET webbing
Cons
- Only offered in 3 lengths
- Newer product
Our Take: The Firewire All Day surf leash focuses on durability, comfort, and reliability, making it an excellent addition to your quiver of trusted leashes. The silicon-printed grip keeps the leash securely fastened to your ankle. With this surfboard leash, you can forget about everything except your surf session.
Hotline Stage 3 - $33.95+
“Bang for your Buck”
Pros
- Strong and durable
- Hand-tied in the US
- Ankle and knee leash options
Cons
- Doesn’t swivel at the ankle
- Not a minimalistic design
Our Take: The Hotline Stage 3 is a great leash if you’re looking for a high-quality option at a reasonable cost. It’s by far the most durable leash on this blog and is an employee favorite here at Cleanline. In fact, many of our rental surfboards are complemented by the Hotline Stage 3.
The Stage 3 isn’t as high-tech as some surfboard leashes mentioned in this blog; however, it’s a classic with everything you need. Each leash is hand-tied here in the US and uses a premium-grade urethane cord, also made in the US. Lastly, the durable anti-corrosive swivel is rigid enough to withstand the saltwater ocean year after year.
FCS All Round Essential - $42.00+
“Everything you need”
Pros
- Lightweight
- Reliable Strength
- Comfortable In-cuff Silicone grip
- Easy Hypalon pull tab
Cons
- Slightly more expensive
Our Take: The FCS All-Round Essential surfboard leash is one of my all-time favorites. It has a sleek look and feel, and with a focus on comfort and durability, this leash has everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Out of the multiple features offered, the silicone grip cuff and extended-over mold are my two favorites. Another key feature is the contoured horn swivel that keeps the leash from tangling.
Pro-Lite Freesurf - $36.00+
“Strong Reputation”
Pros
- Lightweight tough urethane
- Durable 7mm thickness
- Offered from 6’0” to 10’0”
- Ankle cuff key pocket
Cons
- Not as heavy-duty as other options
- Not recommended for bigger waves
Our Take: Pro-Lite built the Freesurf leash for waves ranging from small to overhead. It is one of the best options for a leash that accommodates a variety of conditions. With the lightweight, tough urethane and 7mm of thickness, this leash might initially seem a little bulky, but it is as strong as an Ox.
Another key feature of this leash is the stainless steel double swivel. The swivel helps the leash spin smoothly and prevents tangles from happening. Like most leashes, this surf leash excels after a couple of uses.
FCS Protect Big Wave - $50.00
“Reliable, heavy-duty surf leash”
Pros
- Strong 8mm cord
- Non-tangle construction
- Comfortable ankle strap
- Durable stainless steel swivel
Cons
- Could be considered bulky
- Limited sizes available
Our Take: The FCS Protect Big Wave leash includes all of the high-end features of the FCS Essential leash but is more durable with an 8mm cord and additional velcro strength. If you plan to be big wave surfing and like the feel of FCS leashes, this is the best available option on the market.
It is hard to beat the comfort of an FCS leash, thanks to the contoured horns that help conform to the shape of your ankle. It is like a custom-fit leash built for everyone.
VEIA Explorer Comp - $37.95
“Professional Comp Performance”
Pros
- Ultralite micro velcro
- Durable dual swivel
- Comfortable neoprene cuff
- Minimalistic 5mm thickness
Cons
- Less known brand
- Only two colorways offered
Our Take: The VEIA Explorer Comp leash is an affordable option with high-end features, including the low-profile rail saver and an ultralight micro Velcro strap. VEIA is new to the surf industry, but it makes high-quality surf accessories. The owner of VEIA is John John Florence, the first-place winner of the 2024 WSL CT.
Channel Islands Michael February Everyday - $40.00
“Team Rider Quality"
Pros
- Minimal drag
- Durable marine-grade stainless steel
- Non-slip ankle cuff
- Recently updated/improved
Cons
- Limited length availability
- Slightly more expensive
Our Take: The Channel Islands Michael February Everyday leash is built with new innovative designs as of 2024. The patented Hex cord, flex ring, and no-slip ankle cuff are all standout features of this leash. The 6.5mm of cord thickness is a perfect balance of a minimalistic design and strong reliability.
Honorable Mentions
Dakine Kainui Easy Clip Leash—This heavy-duty Dakine leash is ideal for surfing any size of wave. It is offered in multiple sizes and is an excellent option for a one-quiver leash.Other Blogs We've Written
- 7 Best Surf Boots for 2025 - Review of the best surf boots offered in 2025. Deep dive into high-end surf boots available to keep your feet warm in the coldest of waters.
- The 7 Best Surfboard Travel Bags for 2025 - Review of the 7 best surf travel bags for 2025. Including a deep dive into each bag's cost, construction, and overall quality.
- The 8 Best Surf Helmets of 2025 - This review highlights the best surf helmets available, including the Oakley WTR, Gath EVA Surf helmet, and more.
Final Thoughts
Well, that is a wrap for our 8 best surfboard leashes of 2025. A surfboard leash is a lifeline, and it is important to purchase one or two that will keep you and your precious quiver safe.
You may be asking, How do I choose a surfboard leash? Whether you prioritize durability, flexibility, or enhanced safety features, the surf leashes mentioned in this blog offer a range of options. The most durable? Consider the FCS Protect Big Wave. The latest tech? Check out the Firewire All Day. Or are you looking to throw airs and need something lightweight? The VEIA Explorer is your pick.
Here's to an epic year of surfing ahead, tethered to the 8 best leashes that 2025 has to offer! If you have any leash questions, you can always call us at 1-888-546-6176, drop a comment below, or send an email to support@cleanlinesurf.com.
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