Surfing is not just a sport; it’s a way of life. When we hit the road with our boards, the last thing we need is a sketchy car setup that risks our beloved surfboards. That’s where the surfboard car rack steps in as the hero.
This nifty piece of gear lets us transport our boards with ease and safety, making the journey to those sweet waves worry-free.
Choosing the right surfboard car rack is key to a smooth ride. We need something sturdy enough to handle the wind and road vibrations. It’s like finding a good leash for your board—does its job without making a fuss.
We look for racks made from durable materials, like strong metals or reinforced plastics. Easy installation is a plus too—nobody wants to spend hours just getting the boards onto the car!
Let’s not forget about those little extras that make a big difference. Padded arms and straps to keep the board from getting scratched. Locks to prevent our precious cargo from sneaking away when we’re not looking.
Whether we’re beginners or seasoned surfers, finding a reliable rack is essential. We explored various options and put them to the test, diving deep to find the racks that make loading up our surfboards a breeze and keep us focused on catching the next big wave. 🏄♂️
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Best Surfboard Car Racks
We’ve searched high and low for the best surfboard car racks, so you don’t have to. Whether you’re hitting the waves daily or just now and then, a reliable car rack is your best buddy to keep your surfboard safe on the road. Let’s dive into our list of favorite picks that make transporting your board a breeze!
Ho Stevie! Surfboard Car Rack
This surfboard rack holds up to three boards securely and is easy to install, making it a great buy for both short trips and long journeys.
Pros
- Holds up to three boards securely
- Fits any car, whether it’s two-door or four-door
- Includes silicone buckle covers to avoid damage
Cons
- Can be noisy at high speeds
- Might not fit well with roof antennas
- Secure strapping can initially be challenging
Riding waves is great, but getting your boards to the beach is where the real challenge begins. That’s why this Ho Stevie! Surfboard Car Rack really stands out.
We popped it on our car the other day, and in no time, we were ready to hit the road. There’s nothing like cruising down the highway knowing your boards are securely strapped on and safe.
We found the silicone buckle covers to be a neat touch. They keep your car and boards scratch-free, which is a serious plus. These details make a huge difference after a long day of surfing when all you want is a smooth ride home without fuss or damage.
The only hitch? That wind noise. On local roads, it’s a breeze, but once you hit highway speeds, it starts to sound like a rock concert. We’d recommend watching a quick video to learn about wind noise hacks if you’ll be on the interstate often. All in all, though, this rack is solid and does its job well.
Thule SUP Taxi XT
If you’re aiming to transport your board with ease and security, this is a reliable choice.
Pros
- Very easy to set up without tools.
- Strong straps keep them firm.
- Fits wide boards up to 34 inches.
Cons
- Some may find it costs too much.
- Instructions could be clearer.
- Missing locks reported by a few users
The Thule SUP Taxi XT makes getting our boards to the beach simple. With its tool-less assembly, we didn’t have to spend much time setting it up. The telescoping feature provided a snug fit for our wide boards which was quite impressive.
During our drive, the secure push-button lock system kept things in place without needing adjustments. It’s always nice to focus on the waves and not worry about boards flying off on the highway. We could feel its strong build quality each time we lock it down.
Once in a while, we run into small hiccups like unclear instructions. Also, a few reports of missing locks mean checking everything included is important upon delivery. Despite these minor snags, the sturdy build and easy use make it a standout rack we’d trust on any trip.
Yakima SupDawg Roof Mount
When it comes to transporting our SUP boards securely and without fuss, this rack gets the job done.
Pros
- Quick and easy setup
- Integrated rollers for effortless loading
- Secures boards with SKS locks
Cons
- Slightly bulky design
- Limited to specific crossbar types
- Pricier than some alternatives
Let’s talk about real-world use. Loading our boards was a breeze thanks to the integrated rollers. We didn’t need any tools to get this mounted, which is always a plus. There’s also peace of mind knowing our gear is locked and safe while we’re on the road.
The glossy black finish looks sharp on most vehicles. Meanwhile, the SKS locks work to keep everything in place, preventing any unwanted surprises. Loading two boards is no problem, and the strap management is tidy and keeps things organized.
While this rack fits most crossbars, it’s essential to double-check compatibility with our car’s setup. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but the security features and convenience might just make it worth it for serious enthusiasts.
INNO XA445 Surf-Wind-Long Board Locking Roof Carrier
This rack holds a kayak, canoe, or surfboards with a secure and easy-to-use ratchet system, but check compatibility first.
Pros
- Secure ratcheting mechanism
- Includes locks and keys
- Easy to load with floating strap
Cons
- Compatibility issues with some vehicles
- Tube pad not included
- May need different bolts for certain cars
We’ve had the chance to try out the INNO XA445 roof carrier, and it offers some pretty handy features. The ratchet system makes tightening simple and effective, keeping our boards snug without a fuss. Having locks and keys included gave us peace of mind, ensuring that our gear stayed put during our adventures.
Loading up is a breeze thanks to the floating strap design. It’s quite user-friendly and saves time when prepping for a trip to the coast or river. No more awkward lifting or struggling with mismatched straps.
That said, not every car might be the best fit as some of us found compatibility issues. There’s a chance you might need to get creative with different bolts too. Just a heads-up for those with non-standard setups.
Another thing, the tube pad isn’t part of the package, so factor that extra purchase if your boards need extra cushioning.
MeeFar Soft Roof Racks
For those in need of a versatile rack that’s easy to handle, this rack system ticks a lot of boxes.
Pros
- Fits most cars effortlessly.
- High-quality materials keep your surfboards safe.
- Easy setup without tools.
Cons
- Can be noisy at higher speeds.
- Straps might need replacement over time.
- Loading can be tricky for longer boards.
The MeeFar roof rack pads are designed to fit snugly on almost any vehicle, whether you have gutters or not. We love its flexibility as it adapts to different car models and surfboards.
We found these racks particularly helpful for spontaneous trips to the beach. The setup took no more than 15 minutes. Simply pop them onto the roof, secure the straps, and you’re ready to roll. No tools required, which is a real time-saver for us.
Traveling with larger boards or kayaks can cause some drag and noise. We advise securing everything tightly to minimize this. While driving up to 65mph, everything stayed put, although the wind noise was noticeable. Minor annoyance, worth the trade-off for simplicity.
If you’re looking for something easy to store when not in use, this rack folds up nicely and can be stashed in its bag. The materials seem durable. However, using your own high-quality straps might be wise as the included ones wore down with repeated stretches.
Buying Guide
Choosing a surfboard car rack might seem tricky, but it’s easier than catching a great wave!
Let’s dive into the features to consider.
Size and Capacity:
It’s important to think about how many boards you’ll need to carry.
Some racks can hold just one, while others can handle a group. Make sure the rack width matches your board size.
Installation and Security:
Look for a rack that’s easy to install, even on a windy day.
Some racks come with special locks to keep your board safe. It’s like having a lifeguard watching your gear!
Check the rack’s compatibility with your car model.
Material and Durability:
Surfboards need strong protection.
Choose racks made of sturdy materials like steel and aluminum. They’re tough and can withstand salty sea breezes.
Padding and Straps:
Racks with good padding prevent dings and scratches.
Secure straps are crucial for keeping your board snug during long drives.
Cost:
We all love a good deal, but remember, quality can save you money in the long run. Choose the best you can afford.
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