Surfing is an activity that brings both excitement and relaxation. It’s nice to head out to catch waves on a sunny morning. If you own a surfboard, getting it to the beach is crucial. That’s where surfboard car racks come in.
A good surfboard car rack holds your board safely and keeps it from flying off as you drive. It needs to be sturdy and easy to use. Plus, it should fit your car style. No one wants their board scratching the car roof or worse, getting damaged.
Finding the right surfboard car rack depends on a few things. Compatibility with your car is key.
Consider how many boards you want to carry. Some racks can handle multiple boards while others are better for just one or two.
Material and aerodynamics are also important to reduce noise and improve fuel efficiency.
We spent hours checking out the best surfboard car racks to find options that keep your gear secure and your ride smooth.
Best Surfboard Car Racks
Let’s talk about hitting the road with our boards safely secured on top. We all know the importance of a sturdy surfboard car rack when catching those waves. Check out our top picks to keep your surfboard safe during your next beach adventure.
Ho Stevie! Surfboard Car Roof Rack Padded System
A top choice for those needing a reliable surfboard rack that fits any car and keeps boards secure and damage-free.
- Holds up to three boards securely.
- Fits any vehicle, whether two or four doors.
- Silicone buckle covers protect both car and boards.
Cons
- Can be noisy at high speeds.
- Installing properly can take a couple of tries.
- Best for short trips within the city.
Taking our boards to the beach has never been this easy. We found the Ho Stevie! Surfboard Car Roof Rack incredibly user-friendly.
In just minutes, we’ve secured up to three boards, thanks to its universal fit and strong straps.
We appreciated the silicone buckle covers. These little touches save our car and surfboards from scratches.
Plus, the rack’s compact design doesn’t interfere with the car’s aerodynamics at lower speeds. It was a bit noisy on the highway though, so we usually stick close to the coastline where we belong—riding waves, not noise.
For convenience, the Ho Stevie! rack is lightweight and easy to store. It has considerably simplified how we travel with our gear.
Managing longer boards like our 9-foot hard top has become a breeze. But if you’re planning a long road trip, the wind noise might just push you to the brink—keep it under city limits for the best experience.
Yakima SupDawg SUP & Surfboard Mount
This mount is a top choice if you want a straightforward way to secure your paddleboards on the go.
Pros
- Easy setup with no tools needed
- Integrated roller simplifies loading
- Secure lock system for peace of mind
Cons
- High price tag
- Bulky when not in use
- Key issues reported by some users
Getting our SUP boards onto the car used to be a hassle. With the Yakima SupDawg, though, it’s almost like having an extra set of hands.
We appreciated that it requires no tools, leaving us more time to enjoy the water.
Loading boards is a breeze, thanks to integrated rollers. It takes on bigger boards as easily as smaller ones. We’ve driven long distances with it, and it stays secure even at highway speeds.
On the downside, it takes up more space on the roof than we expected. There’s the occasional hiccup with the lock and key system. A few of us had some trouble with keys missing from packages—a small hiccup worth mentioning.
All in all, if loading ease and security matter to you, this option is a strong contender, albeit a bit pricy.
Thule SUP Taxi XT Surfboard Rack
This rack is perfect for anyone who needs a reliable, easy-to-use solution for transporting their surfboard.
- Simple to install without needing tools
- Secure locking system for safety
- Adjustable to fit various board sizes
Cons
- Instructions could be clearer
- Initial price may seem high
- Locks might not be included
We recently tried out the Thule SUP Taxi XT, and it was a game-changer for our beach trips.
Setting it up was easy, and it took us no time to get comfortable with it. The tool-free installation is a big plus when you’re eager to hit the waves.
The design is impressive. It can handle boards up to 34 inches wide, which is great for those of us with larger boards. The telescoping feature adjusts perfectly to our needs.
Plus, the lock system gives us peace of mind when leaving our vehicle parked in the lot.
However, the instructions did leave us scratching our heads a bit. For first-time users, setting it up might be tricky without some extra help.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right surfboard car rack can feel like picking the best wave—a bit tricky until you know what to look for. It’s not just about tossing your board on top and hitting the road.
Considerations
- Board Type: Different racks for shortboards, longboards, and paddleboards.
- Vehicle Compatibility: Not all racks fit every car. 🚗
- Ease of Use: Go for something you can set up without needing a PhD!
Features to Look For
Have you ever had something fly off your car? Security is key. Look for sturdy straps or locking systems to keep the board secured.
Installation
Some racks need professional installation, while others are simple to snap into place. We all like saving a buck, so DIY-friendly racks are a win!
Materials
Aluminum or stainless steel are durable, but can add weight. Lightweight options like polymers are convenient, but check for strength. Think of this as ordering a pizza—get what works best for you!
Cushioning
Rubber pads or foam protect your board from scratches.
Imagine riding your bike without a seat—ouch!
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