Riding the waves is exhilarating, but transporting your surfboard can be a challenge. That’s where surf racks for your car come in handy. They’re the unsung heroes of surfing, making it easy to carry boards from home to the beach.
These racks are all about convenience, letting us stash our boards on top of our cars without crowding the interior space.
Choosing a surf rack isn’t just about picking the first one we see. It needs to fit snugly on your car and securely hold the board.
We have to think about things like the type of our car, the number of boards we usually take, and how far we’re traveling. Safety is the name of the game here. No one wants their board flying off the roof on the highway!
When buying a surf rack, pay attention to durability and ease of installation. Look for materials that resist rust and damage from saltwater and sun exposure.
The installation should be straightforward, as no one wants to spend hours fiddling with tools instead of surfing.
After all, we spent a lot of time testing different surf racks to find the ones that make getting to the waves as smooth as gliding on them!
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Best Surf Racks for Your Car
Ready to hit the waves? We’ve gathered our top picks for car surf racks to keep your board safe and sound. From quick trips to the beach to long road adventures, our list covers a variety of needs and budgets. Grab your board and let’s jump in!
Ho Stevie! Surfboard Car Roof Rack
If you’re looking for a surf rack that snugly fits your car and easily holds up to three surfboards, this might be a wise choice.
Pros
- Easily holds up to three boards.
- Soft padding protects both boards and car.
- Silicone buckles prevent scratches.
Cons
- Can be noisy on the highway.
- Setup may shift at higher speeds.
- No built-in locks for added security.
One thing we really appreciated about the Ho Stevie! Surfboard Rack is the ease of installation. It’s quite straightforward, taking under five minutes from start to finish.
We like how it fits snugly on nearly any car, whether it’s a two-door or four-door.
It’s also comforting to know our boards are protected by silicone buckle covers, reducing the risk of any unwanted scratches.
During a test run on a local trip, it performed admirably, holding the boards securely, and the soft padding ensured our car’s roof remained undamaged.
On the flip side, long drives can be a bit noisy, especially if you hit the highway. The windy conditions might cause some rattling, which can be distracting.
Given that, it’s best suited for shorter local trips. We do recommend watching the included video guide to get the most out of it and minimize the noise issue.
Yakima SupDawg Roof Mount
If you’re carrying two SUPs and want an easy and secure option, the Yakima SupDawg is a great pick.
Pros
- Simple setup with no extra tools needed
- Integrated rollers make loading boards smooth
- Strong locks provide excellent security
Cons
- Some users find it a bit heavy
- Might be bulky for smaller cars
- Price tag might be high for occasional users
We got our hands on the Yakima SupDawg, and it’s really an out-of-the-box solution. The fact that it came fully assembled was a huge relief. No hunting around for tools or spending an afternoon on setup meant we could get to the water faster.
It easily handled two boards without any fuss, which was fantastic for those beach days with friends.
One of the best things we noticed was the integrated rollers. Loading the boards was like a breeze. Just a little push and they slide right into place! It saves a lot of grunt work, especially if you’re on your own.
The straps were reliable and tucked in nicely, keeping everything tidy and secure for the ride.
A bit of a downside is the weight. At 14 pounds, it’s not exactly light, making it a tad cumbersome when removing. If your car is on the smaller side, it may feel a bit bulky on top.
Also, the price might raise an eyebrow or two, especially if you’re only an occasional surfer. But for frequent adventurers, the security and ease it offers could very well justify the cost.
VEVOR Ski and Snowboard Roof Rack
This ski and snowboard rack is solid and reliable, perfect for those who want a worry-free ride with their gear snugly in place.
Pros
- Smooth ride with minimal noise
- Easy installation without tools
- Durable and weather-resistant
Cons
- May loosen, needing occasional checks
- Moves slightly even when locked
- Instructions can be unclear
Recently, we hit the road with the VEVOR Ski and Snowboard Roof Rack mounted on our trusty SUV. This rack is a beast when it comes to handling gear.
Fitting up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards, it plays nice with most crossbars, making setup a breeze. No drills, no hassle.
During our test drive, the rubber padding kept our gear scratch-free and noise low, so no annoying rattles interrupted our tunes.
Yet, after a few bumpy roads, we noticed a slight jiggle even when fully locked. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to keep an eye on.
The weather on our trip was less than ideal, but the aluminum rack stood firm. It shrugged off the cold, resisting rust like a champ.
We also loved the nifty locking system. It’s a theft deterrent and opens easily with glove-clad hands, which is a plus when temperatures drop.
Upgrading to this VEVOR rack seems like a smart move for all outdoor lovers. Whether it’s a quick ski run or a multi-day adventure, knowing our precious gear is safe is worth the investment.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right surf rack for your car can feel like picking the perfect wave to ride. We’re here to help make it a breeze.
Let’s dive into what matters most!
1. Type of Rack
There are two main types: soft racks and hard racks.
- Soft Racks: Easy to install, great for renting cars. They use straps to hold boards on the roof.
- Hard Racks: More permanent solution for regular surfers. Often sturdier, offering extra security.
2. Board Capacity
Consider how many boards you need to carry. Some racks handle one or two, while others manage many.
Always check the specs!
3. Security Features
Nothing ruins a beach day like a stolen surfboard. Look for racks with lockable straps or key systems to keep your gear safe.
Pro Tip:
Always check your rack after a ride. Weather and road conditions can loosen fastenings.
4. Compatibility
Racks need to fit your car like a glove. Double-check compatibility with your car’s make and model.
5. Ease of Use
Simple installation and removal are key. We want to hit the waves, not wrestle with equipment!
| Aspect | Before Surfing | After Surfing |
| Safety Check | Straps tight? | Everything still secure? |
| Board Position | Centered on roof | In original position? |
Let’s get our boards secured and hit the beach! 🌊🏄♂️
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