Ever dream of catching the perfect wave, only to be met with the frustrating puzzle of how to get your board to the beach? You’re not alone. Transporting your beloved surfboard can feel like a chore, and choosing the right car rack is a big part of that. There are so many different types, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to figure out which one will keep your board safe and sound without damaging your car.
But don’t let that stop you from chasing those swells! This blog post is here to make things simple. We’ll break down the important things to consider when picking out a surfboard rack for your car. You’ll learn what makes a rack a good fit for your board and your vehicle, and we’ll help you understand the pros and cons of different styles. Get ready to discover the best way to get your surfboard from your driveway to the ocean.
Our Top 5 Surfboard Racks For Car Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Surfboard Racks For Car Detailed Reviews
1. Ho Stevie! Surfboard Car Racks – Padded System
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to hit the waves with the Ho Stevie! Surfboard Car Racks. This system makes it super easy to carry up to three surfboards on your car’s roof. It’s designed to work with almost any car, even if it doesn’t have those fancy crossbar racks. Plus, it sets up really fast, so you can spend more time surfing and less time fiddling with gear.
What We Like:
- Holds up to 3 surfboards, so you can bring all your favorite boards or share rides.
- Fits any car, whether it has two doors or four doors. No special roof bars are needed.
- The soft padding protects your surfboards and your car’s roof from scratches.
- Strong straps and powerful buckles keep your boards secure, even on the highway.
- Silicone covers on the buckles protect your car’s paint and your boards from scratches.
- Super quick and easy to set up, taking only about 3 minutes.
- Comes with a carrying case so you can store it easily when not in use.
- Backed by a “Stoked Surfer Guarantee” – if you’re not happy, you can return it within 30 days.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the system is designed for ease, some users might find the initial strap adjustment takes a little practice to get perfectly snug.
- The system is great for standard surfboards; extremely bulky or unusually shaped boards might require a different solution.
This Ho Stevie! system is a fantastic way to transport your surfboards safely and easily. It’s built for surfers by surfers, ensuring a smooth and worry-free trip to the beach.
2. Abahub Soft Roof Rack Pads with 2 Tie Down Straps
Rating: 9.1/10
Ready to hit the road with all your adventure gear? The Abahub Soft Roof Rack Pads are your new best friend for carrying surfboards, kayaks, canoes, and more, no matter your car type. Forget those bulky crossbars; this system is designed for ultimate convenience and protection, making every trip smoother and safer.
What We Like:
- Super versatile! It fits almost any car, from SUVs to sedans, and works great for all sorts of fun gear like surfboards and kayaks.
- Keeps your car and gear safe with its tough, padded design that stops scratches and stops things from sliding around.
- Comes with everything you need to tie down your stuff securely. No extra trips to the store for straps!
- Easy to set up quickly, so you can spend more time playing and less time wrestling with your roof rack.
- The cam buckles have a special cover to protect your car paint.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction to throw the strap end without the buckle might take a little practice to get right without scratching.
This Abahub roof rack system is a fantastic, easy-to-use solution for anyone who loves to bring their favorite outdoor toys along for the ride.
3. WONITAGO Soft Roof Rack Pads with Two 15 Ft Tie Down Straps for Surfboard
Rating: 8.7/10
Hit the road with your favorite gear safely secured using the WONITAGO Soft Roof Rack Pads. These pads are designed to make transporting surfboards, SUPs, snowboards, and kayaks a breeze. They’re made from tough, waterproof material that protects your boards and your car. Plus, they fit almost any car, making them a versatile choice for any adventure.
What We Like:
- Made from strong, waterproof 600D polyester material that lasts.
- Soft padding protects your boards and boats from scratches and dents.
- Universal design fits most cars, SUVs, and trucks.
- Easy to set up: just attach the pads and strap down your gear.
- Comes with two long, 15-foot tie-down straps that are built tough for outdoor use.
- Heavy-duty Velcro keeps the pads securely in place on your roof rack.
- Anti-slip material helps prevent your gear from sliding around.
- NEOLIFE offers great after-sales service and 24-hour support.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “28 (Pair)” in the product title might be confusing; it refers to the pad length.
- While durable, the material could potentially show wear over very long-term, heavy use.
These roof rack pads offer a reliable and simple solution for carrying your outdoor equipment. Choose WONITAGO for peace of mind on your next trip.
4. HEYTRIP Universal Soft Roof Rack Pads for Kayak/Surfboard/SUP/Canoe with 15FT Tie-Down Straps and Storage Bag
Rating: 9.0/10
Transport your favorite watercraft with ease using the HEYTRIP Universal Soft Roof Rack Pads. These pads offer a convenient and affordable way to carry kayaks, surfboards, SUPs, and canoes on almost any vehicle. No need for expensive permanent racks; these soft pads get the job done safely and securely.
What We Like:
- Universal fitment works on most cars, with or without side rails.
- Includes four long tie-down straps (two with cam locks, two for bow/stern) for a super secure hold.
- Padded EVA foam protects your car’s roof and reduces noise and vibration.
- Easy to install with no tools required, and they come with a handy storage bag.
- Built with tough, durable materials for long-lasting use.
- Comes with fitting instructions and loading advice.
What Could Be Improved:
- Maximum weight load is 80kg, which might be limiting for very heavy loads.
- While it helps reduce noise, some wind noise might still be present.
This HEYTRIP soft roof rack system is a fantastic, budget-friendly option for anyone looking to transport their water sports gear. It’s simple to set up and provides a secure way to get your kayak or board to the water.
5. Ho Stevie! Surfboard Tie Down Straps (Pair) for Roof Rack Crossbars – Easy to Use – ‘No Scratch’ Silicone Buckle Covers Prevent Damage
Rating: 8.7/10
The Ho Stevie! Surfboard Tie Down Straps are here to make sure your surfboards get to the beach safely. These straps are designed to securely hold your boards to your car’s roof rack. They work with almost any vehicle that has roof racks already. You can even stack multiple boards with these straps!
What We Like:
- These straps are 15 feet long. That’s plenty of length to tie down your surfboards, even if you have more than one.
- The silicone covers on the buckles are a big plus. They stop the metal buckles from scratching your car or your precious surfboards.
- The straps are heavy-duty and 1.25 inches wide. This means they are strong and will keep your gear locked down tight.
- They work for more than just surfboards! You can use them for SUPs, kayaks, and canoes too.
- A carrying case is included to keep your straps neat when you’re not using them.
- Ho Stevie! offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can return them within 30 days if you’re not happy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the silicone covers are great, some users might prefer an even more robust buckle system for extreme conditions.
- The set comes with two straps, which is standard, but if you have a very large vehicle or many boards, you might need to purchase an extra set.
These Ho Stevie! straps are a smart choice for anyone who needs to transport their boards. They offer great protection and security for your gear.
Carry Your Board with Confidence: The Ultimate Surfboard Car Rack Buying Guide
Ready to hit the waves but not sure how to get your surfboard there safely? A good surfboard car rack is your best friend. It protects your board and makes transport easy. This guide will help you pick the perfect rack for your car and your surfing adventures.
Why You Need a Surfboard Car Rack
Carrying a surfboard inside your car is a bad idea. It takes up too much space and can damage your car’s interior. Outside, it’s even worse. Loose boards can fly off and cause accidents. A dedicated rack keeps your board secure and your journey safe. It also frees up space inside your car for friends and gear.
Key Features to Look For
1. Security and Stability
This is the most important feature. Your rack must hold your board firmly. Look for strong straps and a design that prevents wobbling. Some racks have locking mechanisms to deter theft. This gives you peace of mind.
2. Ease of Loading and Unloading
You don’t want to struggle to get your board on or off. Racks that angle or slide out can make this much easier. Consider how high your car is. A lower rack might be better for smaller cars or people with less upper body strength.
3. Compatibility with Your Car and Board
Not all racks fit all cars. Some attach to roof rails, others to the car’s doors. Measure your car’s roof width. Also, check if the rack can hold your board’s size and shape. Longboards and shortboards might need different types of racks.
4. Durability and Weather Resistance
Surfboard racks face sun, rain, and wind. They need to be built tough. Materials that resist rust and UV damage are essential. A well-made rack lasts for years.
Important Materials
Most good surfboard racks use strong materials. Here are common ones:
- Aluminum: It’s light and strong. It also doesn’t rust easily, which is great for beach environments.
- Steel: Steel racks are very sturdy. They can handle heavy boards. However, steel can rust if not treated or coated.
- High-Quality Plastics: Some parts of the rack, like padding or strap buckles, are made of durable plastic. This plastic should be UV-resistant so it doesn’t crack in the sun.
- Nylon Straps: These straps are strong and flexible. They grip your board well. Good straps have strong buckles that don’t slip.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Boosters:
- Thick Padding: Soft padding protects your board from scratches and dings.
- Robust Straps: Wide, strong straps with reliable buckles keep your board secure.
- Easy-to-Use Locks: Integrated locks add security and prevent your rack from being stolen.
- Aerodynamic Design: A sleek design reduces wind noise and drag.
Quality Reducers:
- Thin or Flimsy Materials: These can bend or break under pressure.
- Poorly Made Straps: Straps that stretch or have weak buckles can lead to accidents.
- Lack of Padding: Direct contact with hard surfaces can damage your board.
- Difficult Installation: A rack that’s hard to put on or take off is frustrating.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good surfboard car rack makes transporting your board a breeze. Imagine this: you drive to the beach, effortlessly load your board, and arrive with it in perfect condition. Then, after a great surf session, you unstrap your board just as easily.
Common Use Cases:
- Daily Commutes: If you live near the coast and surf often, a rack simplifies your daily routine.
- Road Trips: Heading to a surf spot further away? A secure rack ensures your board travels safely.
- Car Camping: Combine your surf trip with camping. A rack keeps your board out of the way.
- Sharing Rides: If you carpool with friends, a rack can carry multiple boards.
Choosing the right surfboard car rack means more enjoyable surf trips and less worry. Consider these points, and you’ll be riding waves in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main types of surfboard car racks?
A: The main types are roof racks (which attach to your car’s roof bars or directly to the roof) and soft racks (which use straps that go over the car’s roof and through the doors). There are also hitch racks for specific vehicles.
Q: Do I need special roof bars for a surfboard rack?
A: Some surfboard racks attach directly to your car’s roof, but many require existing roof bars (also called crossbars). Always check the rack’s specifications to see if you need them.
Q: How do I know if a rack will fit my car?
A: Check the rack’s product description for compatibility. You’ll need to know your car’s make, model, and year. Some racks are universal, while others are specific.
Q: Can I carry more than one surfboard?
A: Yes, many racks are designed to hold two or even three surfboards. Look for racks with wider bars or extra straps if you plan to carry multiple boards.
Q: Are soft racks as safe as hard racks?
A: Soft racks can be very safe if installed and used correctly. They are often more affordable and easier to install. Hard racks generally offer more stability and security, especially for longer trips or rough conditions.
Q: How do I install a surfboard car rack?
A: Installation varies by rack type. Roof racks often involve attaching bars to your car’s roof. Soft racks usually involve looping straps around the car’s roof and securing them inside the doors. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: What is the best way to strap down a surfboard?
A: Place the board on the rack with the fins facing up or sideways to avoid damage. Use the rack’s straps to secure the board tightly across its width. Make sure the straps are centered and not twisted.
Q: Will a surfboard rack damage my car’s paint?
A: Some racks, especially those that clamp to door frames, can potentially scratch paint if not installed carefully or if dirt gets trapped. Using protective padding and keeping the contact points clean helps prevent this.
Q: How much weight can a surfboard car rack hold?
A: This depends on the rack and your car’s roof load capacity. Most racks are designed for typical surfboard weights, but it’s always good to check the product’s weight limit and your car’s manual.
Q: Can I leave a surfboard rack on my car all the time?
A: You can leave some types of racks on your car, especially permanent roof bars. However, removing temporary racks like soft racks when not in use can reduce wind noise, improve fuel efficiency, and protect them from the elements.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.