How to install a leash in a bodyboard with eBodyboarding.com's Jay Reale

eBodyboarding.com co-owner Jay Reale shows you not only HOW to install a leash, but WHERE to install it. If you already know WHERE you want the leash, fast forward to 3:45.
Don't be intimidated to install your leash! It's SUPER easy and if you can tie shoes, you can install a leash!

[@reif44]

Thanks for the tip on trimming the end. I was looking all over for a shorter one

[@zesilva5062]

Very helpful 👍

[@trailrider759]

I bought a board a couple of years ago it was plugged too far back not only was the rope getting under my chest but I found numerous times when id come off the rope would be between my legs around the back of the left hamstring nearly drowning me in the white water on waves that shouldn't,got another board haven't had that problem.

[@andreadoll1824]

Awesome! Thanks Bud!!🤘

[@nancybashista1390]

Thanks, Jay!

[@marcielynn4886]

I always used a Philips screwdriver.

[@MikeHoncho69420]

How tight should I crank down on the plug when tightening? Do I have to worry about cracking the slick bottom?

[@eBodyboardingcom]

Mike, you won't "crack" the slick. Ideally, you want the plug to be slightly recessed on top and bottom.

[@jbaguam80]

Thanks for posting Jay, and thanks for pointing out the importance of stringer location. Using a drill is a method I did not know about. I use the phillips screw driver method, heat up the driver and then poke it through. I suppose it seals the deck layer, core and slick from soaking water. I look forward to more of your videos.

[@eBodyboardingcom]

Thanks! I've never felt the need to seal a leash plug. I know some riders do, but I've never had issues with waterlogging.

[@mystic2982]

I bought a second hand body board and the leash was installed on the bottom right of the board, like it was meant for an ankle? Is that weird? I've never seen a leash in that spot before, im a bit hesitant on putting another hole in it to move the strap.

[@eBodyboardingcom]

Hi "Potato". Ankle leashes for bodyboards were a thing in the late 80s. Not sure how old that secondhand board is, but you can just leave that leash plug there and get a new bicep or wrist leash and put a new hole/leash plug up top in the proper spot.

[@jezlucas3878]

Not been bodyboarding before, so don't know what side to put plug in as have no experience. I 100% won't be doing drop knee due to mobility issues. I guess as iam right handed maybe best to choose left plug as some of the time will paddling with right dominant hand

[@eBodyboardingcom]

Hi Jez, I cover this in the video. Most people would wear their leash on their dominant side. Therefore, they'd have the plug put on that same side.

[@jack91g]

How about 3 stringer boards? Thx

[@eBodyboardingcom]

Those have a stringer in the middle, and one on each side halfway between the center and the rail, so go 2"-3" either side of center and you're fine.

[@boogieheads]

If u wanna get fancy, look into the hot screwdriver technique

[@eBodyboardingcom]

Yeah, that's one of many ways to do it, but in my opinion, leash plug holes don't need to be sealed. Haven't ever had to do that and I've been bodyboarding since 1979.

[@boogieheads]

@@eBodyboardingcom 100% I have only done this to one board so far, in my 15 year experience and it was the most satisfying one yet haha, thanks for the reply, Jay.

[@cmc214]

Do you want to install with the shrink wrap on for any specific reason? Does it make a better seal?

[@cmc214]

@@boogieheads He does in the video

[@franckymatmat7025]

Am I the only one sticking my plugs? I glue them with SpongeRez. This way I can be sure that water doesn't get into the board, because with time the foam becomes softer and water can get in. In addition, the plug of the more solid, there is less risk that the plug does not dislodge. This is only my opinion, some people tell me that it is a sacrilege, but in the meantime, my boards have a longer life span... 😁

[@eBodyboardingcom]

Francky, I've been bodyboarding since 1979 and never felt the need the seal a leash plug. If a bodyboard is well-made, it shouldn't absorb water.

[@franckymatmat7025]

@@eBodyboardingcom Hi Jay, I don't quite agree with you about the water absorption, it depends on the material of the foam used, if it is cross-linked or not cross-linked, that is if the cells are closed or not. If the cells are not closed, the water passes from cell to cell. PE (polyethylene) is not cross-linked, PP (polypropylene) is. The best test is to weigh an old dry board before and after a session. The difference in weight will be the amount of water inside. I did it and there was a good glass of water difference

[@diegoadlong8400]

Can you do it without the plastic on it?

[@eBodyboardingcom]

Absolutely.

[@brandonclaypool1533]

I myself don't even use a leash, if I lose my bodyboard I just bodysurf in to fetch my board.. 💦

[@zach-lc2zb]

Why didn't you take the plastic covering to the original board so it doesn't have loose little pieces of plastic 😡

[@JayReale]

Sorry, not sure what you mean about loose little pieces of plastic. After I drill the hole in the board, through the plastic, I mount the plug and the plastic comes off when you remove it from the board.