Coiled Ankle Leash, Tracking Fin & High-Pressure Pump

Inflate, fit and tether your board so it tracks straight and stays with you.

Beginner

4 min

COILED ANKLE LEASH, TRACKING FIN & HIGH-PRESSURE PUMP
[ ] 10' Coiled Leash
[ ] 9" Center Fin
[ ] 15-20 PSI Dual-Action Pump

15-20 PSI Dual-Action Pump: the owner's pressure range. PSI is pounds per square inch. Your board's own limit decides the right number, so follow its label.
10' Coiled Leash: the owner's length. The usual rule is to match leash length to the board length, so check the maker's chart.
9" Center Fin: the owner's size. Check which fin box type your board uses (US box, slide-in or screw).

Match the leash to the water. In flat water, an ankle leash keeps your board close. In moving water such as a river, a leash can snag and hold you under, so many paddlers use a quick-release leash or none at all. Check the maker's advice and local guidance, and learn what suits your water.
Do not over-inflate. Pressure above the board's rated maximum can damage the board. Stop at the pressure printed on your board. Why it matters: a burst seam far from shore is a real problem.
Stay with the board. If you fall, hold on to the board and get back on from the side. Do not paddle in offshore wind, and stay close to shore.

Gear types only.

Dual-action SUP pump with a gauge
Coiled ankle or calf leash
Spare fin or fin screws, if your fin uses them
Repair patch kit
Wild Dirt headwear for sun on the water (headwear category)

Rules for stand-up paddleboards, leash use and required safety gear vary by state and waterway. In the United States a paddleboard used outside a swimming, surfing or bathing area is generally treated as a vessel by the U.S. Coast Guard, so check current local rules before you launch: uscgboating.org, your state boating agency and the managing agency for the water.

A firm board, a snug leash and a straight fin make the first paddle easy. Built by explorers, for the trail.

Inflate

15-20 PSI Dual-Action Pump with a working gauge
Check your board's own recommended pressure on the board or in its manual, and use that
Open the valve to its inflate position and attach the hose firmly
Pump steadily and stop at the pressure your board states
Press the board with your hand. It should feel firm, not squishy
Close the valve cap tightly

Fin

9" Center Fin locked into the fin box
Slide it in from the front and secure it as the maker directs
Check that it does not wobble
Choose a shorter or flexible fin for shallow water or weeds

Leash

10' Coiled Leash with the cuff snug on your ankle or calf
Clip the other end to the board's leash attachment point
Check the clip, cord and Velcro for wear
Make sure you know how to release the leash quickly, if it has a quick release

Pre-launch check

Check the board for leaks by listening and feeling around the valve and seams
Check the water and wind. Pick sheltered water for your first time
Wear a life jacket (see the Waist-Pack Inflatable PFD checklist)
Tell someone where you are going

After the paddle

Rinse the board, fin and leash with fresh water
Dry the board before you roll it
Store the leash uncoiled and away from sun

Inflate

15-20 PSI Dual-Action Pump with a working gauge
Check your board's own recommended pressure on the board or in its manual, and use that
Open the valve to its inflate position and attach the hose firmly
Pump steadily and stop at the pressure your board states
Press the board with your hand. It should feel firm, not squishy
Close the valve cap tightly

Fin

9" Center Fin locked into the fin box
Slide it in from the front and secure it as the maker directs
Check that it does not wobble
Choose a shorter or flexible fin for shallow water or weeds

Leash

10' Coiled Leash with the cuff snug on your ankle or calf
Clip the other end to the board's leash attachment point
Check the clip, cord and Velcro for wear
Make sure you know how to release the leash quickly, if it has a quick release

Pre-launch check

Check the board for leaks by listening and feeling around the valve and seams
Check the water and wind. Pick sheltered water for your first time
Wear a life jacket (see the Waist-Pack Inflatable PFD checklist)
Tell someone where you are going

After the paddle

Rinse the board, fin and leash with fresh water
Dry the board before you roll it
Store the leash uncoiled and away from sun