How to choose your bodyboard fin leash

Choosing your bodyboard fin clip is something that not everyone pays too much attention to, but just imagine; you’re in an epic day, boogie waves, sun, friends, and suddenly BOOM! A monster roll and you’ve lost a fin. Nightmare right?

So that this does not happen to you, we are going to explain here the different types of fin holders that exist, how to place them, and the pros and cons of each one.

A fin clip is simply a tool for when the wave wants to snatch them away, you are the one who wins the game. There can be several types.

Ankle strap with Velcro:

This type of fin holder consists of a rope that is tied to the strip of the bodyboard fin with a simple knot, and reaches the ankle with a velcro strap. The advantage of this is that it is tied to the ankle with padding. This way if the fin gets loose in a roll, it won’t hurt when you pull it.

Ankle leash with cord:

They consist of a single rope, which is also tied to the strap of the fin, and the other end is attached to the ankle either by pressure such as the pride fin laces, by a click system as the fin tethers creatures or by a node such as the NMD or Found system. They are less bulky, lighter and you don’t notice it on your ankle. The only handicap that it can have is when your fin slips and it pulls a roll, it can hurt your ankle, no more than a small chafing, nothing that a rider cannot bear!

Heel strap system:

Finally, we have a fairly new variation. It consists of a neoprene protection that is placed on the fin strap and a strap on the instep. It is ideal to protect the ankle tendon and have fins with greater support and comfort. Apart from holding the foot to the fin more tightly, it is comfortable to put on and does not get in the way when surfing. They are also a very good option for when you are in doubt between two sizes of fins, since this type of fin holder will make the support better.

WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT DO!

It is not advisable to tie the fins with the typical shoelace by hanging and tightening the fin webbing too much. In this way, if it ever escapes us, the pressure of the wave pulling it on your ankle can make it very likely to cut the strap in two, thus breaking and losing our fins. Here you can see some images of real clients with this problem.