How to Attach a Body Board Cord
Whether you're not quite ready for the length of a surfboard or you just like lying down while riding the waves, the "boogie board" -- also called a bodyboard -- might be the thing for you. Since riding a bodyboard involves paddling out and then braving some potentially rough waves, many riders choose to attach a "
Whether you're not quite ready for the length of a surfboard or you just like lying down while riding the waves, the "boogie board" -- also called a bodyboard -- might be the thing for you. Since riding a bodyboard involves paddling out and then braving some potentially rough waves, many riders choose to attach a "leash" or cord to the board, which keeps the rider and board connected. New bodyboards often come without a leash attached, so you'll have to do your own installation.
Step 1
Measure down from the top and center of the board and make a mark with your pencil 8 inches from the top. Look on both sides of the board to make sure your mark is not positioned right over the "stringer," or the strip of wood that extends down the length of the board. Since the stringer provides more strength to the board, you don't want to insert your cord plug through it. Move your mark slightly to the right or left -- depending on what hand you'll attach the cord -- to avoid the stringer.
Step 2
Ignite a lighter and put the end of your screwdriver into the flame for 10 to 15 seconds.
Step 3
Place the end of the screwdriver over the mark you made on the board and then push the screwdriver through to the other side of the board. Move the screwdriver around a little bit to make the hole bigger and then remove it from the hole.
Step 4
Place the two ends of the cord plug into the hole, with the string side of the cord plug on the top side of the board. The two sides of the cord plug will screw together; use your hands to start tightening the plug and then use a coin to tighten it all the way.
Step 5
Thread one of the strings coming out from the plug through the hole on the end of your leash.
Step 6
Hold both ends of the cord plug string together, make a loop with the two ends and then pull the end of the cord through the loop tightly to make an overhand knot. Repeat the action a second time to make a second knot.
Step 7
Put your hand through the hand strap on the other end of the leash. Pull on the end of the strap to tighten it and then place one end of the hook-and-eye strap over the other end to attach the two sides together. The leash doesn't have to be tight on your wrist, but it should be tight enough so that it doesn't come off in the water.
Tip
Some people choose to attach the leash to an ankle instead of a wrist. Some prefer to place the plug hole so it is closer to the wrist on which the leash will be worn. In this case, if you're putting the plug to the left or right, measure about 6 inches from center and place the plug there.