Surfboard car racks are a lifesaver for surfing enthusiasts. They’re like the backpack for your car, making it possible to transport your surfboards without a hassle.
Imagine not having to cram a longboard through your backseat or worry about it flying away on the highway. With a reliable surfboard rack, you can hit the waves stress-free.
There are different types of surfboard car racks to suit various vehicles and surfboards. You’ll find ones that can be mounted on the roof and others that fit onto your car’s existing luggage rack systems.
Soft racks are often a popular choice for those with smaller cars or who surf occasionally, while hard racks offer a more permanent solution for frequent beachgoers.
When choosing a surfboard car rack, a few things stand out as important. The rack should be easy to install, stable, and robust enough to withstand road conditions.
It should also be compatible with your vehicle and boards. The material of the rack plays a crucial role; for instance, rust-resistant metals and UV-resistant plastics can ensure longevity.
We checked out a range of surfboard car racks to uncover the ones that stand out for their performance and reliability. Whether you’re gearing up for summer or just keeping your board ready for the next swell, there’s a rack out there that’ll suit your ride perfectly.
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Best Surfboard Car Racks
We’ve all been there—trying to fit a surfboard in a car while thinking, “There has to be a better way!” Well, there is. We’ve tested a bunch of surfboard car racks that will secure your gear without the stress. Get ready to hit the waves with ease! 🌊
Ho Stevie! Surfboard Car Roof Rack
This rack is a great choice for those looking to easily transport up to three surfboards safely and securely without damaging their vehicle.
Pros
- Holds three surfboards
- Fits any car type
- Silicone buckle covers protect from scratches
Cons
- Loud noise at high speeds
- Might need extra straps for stability
- Can leave marks on car paint
We gave the Ho Stevie! rack a spin and were quite impressed with its functionality. You can easily load three boards without any hassle, which is fantastic for those last-minute surf sessions.
Thanks to its universal fit, it snugly fits any car we tried it with, from compact two-doors to spacious sedans.
Silicone-covered buckles are a thoughtful touch, preventing any accidental scratches on both boards and cars. During our test drive, the rack held firm even during a long and windy drive across state lines, which was quite a relief. Protecting our surfboards was never in doubt with this rack.
Yet, let’s put it straight—this rack can be noisy when driving on the highway. For trips slower than 45 mph, it’s fine, but beyond that, it tends to roar a bit too much for our liking.
Paired with secondary straps, though, it reduces the noise and boosts stability. We’d suggest carrying some extra padding to avoid any slight markings on the car’s finish from strap tension.
Yakima SupDawg SUP & Surfboard Mount
A solid choice for anyone needing a reliable, easy-to-use rack for carrying multiple boards securely.
Pros
- Integrated rollers simplify loading
- Strong SKS locks safeguard boards
- Fits most crossbar shapes
Cons
- Can be pricey
- Only holds two boards max
- Bulky design may be less attractive
We’ve tried out the Yakima SupDawg, and it’s pretty impressive. The integrated rollers make it easy to load our paddleboards without straining our backs. They just slide right on, which means more time at the beach and less fuss on the street.
Sturdiness is where this rack shines. On long drives, we know our boards are safe thanks to the strong SKS locks. We didn’t have to worry about theft or losing boards, even at highway speeds.
Though it’s a solid performer, the SupDawg can be a bit on the bulky side. This might not win a beauty contest—it’s built for function. Also, remember it only holds two boards max, which might be limiting if you ride with friends.
Despite these points, the ease of installation and solidity make it a great option for most casual surfers and paddlers.
Thule SUP Taxi XT
This rack is a dream come true for surfboard lovers looking for ease and security.
Pros
- The telescoping design provides a snug fit.
- Easy installation without any tools.
- Sturdy lock system for peace of mind.
Cons
- Instructions can be a bit confusing.
- Price might be high for some.
- Missing lock cylinders in some packages
Using the Thule SUP Taxi XT was like having a trusted friend secure our boards. Its telescoping design felt like a perfect fit every time, hugging our boards tightly without damaging them.
The tool-free mounting made the installation quick. It was a breeze to set up before hitting the beach.
On the other hand, the instructions left us scratching our heads. So, it took a bit of patience to figure everything out.
Thankfully, our perseverance paid off! While the price seemed steep at first glance, the ease and security it provided truly justified it.
Once installed, it felt like our surfboards were wrapped in a protective embrace. The lock system worked seamlessly and gave us comfort knowing our boards were secure.
One tiny hiccup was that our package missed the lock cylinders, but the rest of the product quality made up for it.
INNO XA445 Surfboard Rack
A really good choice for those who need a secure way to transport surfboards.
Pros
- Super easy to load with the floating strap
- Keeps boards secure with the ratcheting mechanism
- Comes with locks and keys for added safety
Cons
- Some might need extra bolts for specific vehicles
- Can be tricky to fit certain SUVs
- Tube pad not included, might require separate purchase
When we got our hands on the INNO XA445, the first thing that stood out was the smart design. The floating strap is straightforward to use and saves time, especially when we’re out for a quick surfing session. Hooking our boards securely is really quick with this setup.
Having keys and locks included gives peace of mind, as nobody wants to be worried about their gear while grabbing a coffee on the way to the beach.
Yet, we did notice it took a bit of finessing with the bolts. It sometimes needed a slight adjustment, especially for our car models.
Our experience with its performance on the open road has been fairly positive, although we would’ve appreciated a bit more flexibility with different vehicle types.
Transporting boards for our next adventure feels almost effortless. There’s a slight learning curve, but it’s well worth it for the security and ease of use.
MeeFar Universal Car Soft Roof Rack
This MeeFar rack is a great choice for those of us without a traditional roof rack but looking to carry surfboards or kayaks safely.
Pros
- Installs easily on both flat and curved car roofs.
- Soft materials reduce noise and vibration.
- Foldable design for easy storage.
Cons
- Foam padding isn’t wide enough for larger kayaks.
- May allow water to leak during heavy rain.
- Can produce some wind noise when driving fast
MeeFar’s Universal Car Soft Roof Rack is a real lifesaver for surfers and kayakers in need of transportation solutions. We appreciated how easy it was to set up; it took us less than ten minutes!
Even if you’re new to hauling gear, you won’t need any special tools. Just imagine setting off for a weekend fun without the usual headache.
Its build helps in reducing wind noise, although we did notice some when speeding down the highway.
These handy racks can carry multiple boards, and the foam padding eased our worries about scratching or denting our car roof.
One minor gripe, though: the padding isn’t wide enough for really wide kayaks. On the other hand, when you’re not using it, the foldable feature lets you tuck it neatly away, saving space in your garage.
While it’s not perfect, its ease of use and convenience make it stand out.
Buying Guide
When it comes to picking a surfboard car rack, it’s like choosing the right surfboard wave. We want to glide smoothly with these features in mind.
Let’s talk fit.
Does it fit your car? Just like a snug wetsuit, the rack should fit easily and hold your boards tight.
Weight matters, too.
A heavy-duty rack is nifty, but let’s not turn into bodybuilders lifting it in place. We should aim for a balance between strength and lightness.
| Feature | Consideration | Why Important |
| Capacity | How many boards will it hold? | More boards mean more friends! |
| Material | Rust-resistant, please! | To withstand salty sea air. |
In our quest for the best rack, let’s not forget ease of use.
Nobody wants a struggle after a long day surfing.
Consider a rack that’s easy to install and remove. We’re surfers, not gymnasts. 🏄♂️
Finally, think about budget.
We all love a good deal. High price doesn’t mean high quality. Let’s keep it in check.
Happy surfing! 🌊
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