Last updated on May 19th, 2024 at 02:13 pm
If you are looking for new surfboard racks for your car, you came to the right place. In this post, we listed our top picks for surfboard racks that will help effectively transfer your surfboard to the beach and back.
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About Surfboard Racks
When it comes to embracing the surfing lifestyle, ensuring that your gear is safely transported is crucial. The journey to the beach and back is just as important as catching waves. That is where having the best surfboard rack for your car comes into play.
Surfboard racks provide a stable platform for your board and protect your car and surfboard from potential damage. Efficient surfboard racks reduce wind noise, improve gas mileage by minimizing drag, and free up space inside your vehicle, ensuring a comfortable ride.
To assist you in selecting the proper surfboard racks for your needs, we have researched and compiled a list of the top surfboard racks available for your car. Based on quality and performance, and after testing various products, we’ve narrowed our selection down to only the best seven.
So, let’s dive in!
Quick Pick Section
The 7 Best Surfboard Racks for Your Car
1. WOOWAVE Premium Roof Rack Pads – Durable Surfboard Car Rack
The WOOWAVE premium roof rack pads are ideal for those who like to transport their kayaks, surfboards, longboards, stand-up paddleboards, snowboards, and other outdoor cargo with the utmost care and protection. These racks are made of durable EPE foam and a UV-resistant ballistic nylon cover and provide long-term durability and safe transport of your prized outdoor possessions. Featuring adjustable bungee cord end straps, the Woowave roof rack pads will fit nearly every vehicle, allowing you to drive around with your cargo safely strapped on the roof.
The aerodynamic design of these surfboard racks ensures that your cargo always stays secure and protected from the elements. In short, with the Woowave premium roof rack pads, you can rest assured that your outdoor cargo always travels in style and safety.
Specs Overview
Color – Black
Material – Nylon
Is Foldable – No
Pros And Cons
Pros:
Durable
Protective foam
Easy-installation
Cons:
Limited size options
2. MeeFar Universal Car Roof Rack Pads – Easy To Install
The Meefar universal car roof rack pads are designed to make your transit more accessible and secure. With a unique design, these surfboard racks can fit your vehicle with or without gutters, allowing you to easily transport your kayak, surfboard, SUP, or canoe.
These pads are made of top-grade EVA foam, protecting your car from scratches or scuffs as you transport your items. As an added bonus, the foam pad also provides a softer landing for your load, as it reduces vibrations during travel.
Installing the pads is a breeze because you don’t need any specific tools. The package includes 2 tie-down straps, 2 quick-loop straps, and 2 tie-down ropes to help you securely attach the pads to your car’s roof and keep your load in place. And when they’re not in use, you can simply un-strap them and store them in the included storage bag.
Specs Overview
Color – Black
Material – Eva
Is Foldable – Yes
Pros And Cons
Pros:
Universally fitting
Weather-resistant
Affordable
Cons:
Thin material
3. HEYTRIP Universal Roof Rack Pad – Easy To Clean
This universal roof rack has a maximum weight load of 80kg, making it perfect for various activities. Whether carrying up to 1-3 shortboards, 1-2 longboards, or a kayak (depending on size), the 15ft tie-down adjustable straps with padded cam locks provide secure gripping for your load. In addition, the built-in non-slip mat protects your car roof surface from getting scratched and helps reduce wind noise. The top-grade EVA foam pad provides a soft landing for your loads and effectively reduces vibration during transportation. Best of all, you won’t even need any tools, as the soft rack set comes with all the attachments and straps necessary to attach the pads to your car’s roof and hold the load in place.
Specs Overview
Color – Black
Material – Eva
Is Foldable – No
Pros And Cons
Pros:
Secure fastening
UV-protected
Versatile design
Cons:
Slides occasionally
4. Ho Stevie Surfboard Car Roof Rack Pad – Silicone Buckle Covers
This convenient thru-the-door soft rack system fits any vehicle, from two doors to four doors. Soft padding protects your car from damage and keeps your surfboard safe without needing surfboard bags or socks. Moreover, there is no need to worry about damaging your vehicle or surfboard with metal buckles because these are encased in silicone covers for extra protection. The Ho Stevie surfboard is the perfect accessory for any adventurer who wants to take their surfboard on the go.
Specs Overview
Color – Black
Material – Metal
Is Foldable – No
Pros And Cons
Pros:
Surfboard-specific
High-density foam
Non-slip surface
Cons:
Not universal
5. WONITAGO Soft Roof Rack Pads – Universal Design
The Wontigo surfboard racks are an excellent solution for securing and protecting your Surfboard, Paddleboard, Kayak, and Canoe while traveling. Made of 600D polyester fabric and EPE foam, these soft, durable, and corrosion-resistant pads are designed to protect your car from scuffs and scratches and are waterproof, too.
With 28-inch pads and 15-foot tie-down straps, your gear will be firmly in place for any long-distance drive. The soft foam also has a built-in non-slip mat, which can provide extra protection for your car roof and delicate surfboards and kayaks.
Specs Overview
Color – Black
Material – 600D polyester fabric and EPE foam
Is Foldable – No
Pros And Cons
Pros:
Soft touch
Water-resistant
Easy storage
Cons:
Less rigidity
6. DORSAL Aero Roof Rack Pads – Non-Slip Top
The Dorsal Aero roof rack pads are ideal for transporting longboards in your car. They are designed to fit most wide and narrow factory-size crossbars. They are compatible with Thule and Yakima aero-style crossbars.
Constructed with durable 600D nylon and UV resistance, these pads will last for all your transport needs. The 15-foot scratch-resistant anodized CAM buckle tie-down strap provides a secure and stable fitment, and the extra material protects your car from dings and scratches when dropping off your load.
The integrated no-slip top construction of the Dorsal Aero Roof Rack Pads keeps your load in place, providing extra peace of mind that your surfboards, SUPs, and boats will be well protected during transport. With these high-density foam core pads, you can be sure that these rack pads will provide the durability and reliability you need to transport your load easily.
Specs Overview
Color – Black
Material – Polyester
Is Foldable – Yes
Pros And Cons
Pros:
Aerodynamic design
Quality materials
Extended length
Cons:
Quite pricey
7. Thule Surf Pads – UV Resistance
These high-density foam pads will definitely protect your surfboard on your way to the beach and back. The integrated no-slip grip system keeps your loads in place. Honestly, the durable 600D nylon construction with UV resistance ensures long-lasting performance. Moreover, the hook-and-loop closure design along the bottom makes it easy to attach and detach the pads. Perfect for carrying surfboards and sailboards, these pads are the ideal way to safely transport your boards and boats.
Specs Overview
Color – Black
Material – Nylon
Is Foldable – No
Pros And Cons
Pros:
High quality
Anti-slip surface
UV resistant
Cons:
Specific to surfboards
How Did We Choose the Best Surfboard Racks for Your Car?
In our quest to find the best surfboard racks, we undertook extensive testing tailored to diverse vehicle specifications. We considered how each rack performed on the roof of your car, irrespective of the type of car. We evaluated stability during high speeds and in varying weather conditions. Additionally, we scrutinized the ease of installation and how well each rack preserved the integrity of the car and the board. A rack is an excellent investment only if it meets these stringent criteria. Our hands-on approach ensured we could genuinely recommend the best options for you.
Buying Guide – What to Look for Before Choosing Surfboard Racks for Your Car?
Before diving headfirst into surfboard transportation methods, it’s crucial to understand that not all racks are created equal. Your choice of a surfboard roof rack hinges on ensuring your board’s safety during transit and your car’s well-being. Here are three vital things to consider before making your selection.
1. Types of Surfboard
Racks Understanding the different types of surfboard roof racks for your car is vital. There are hard racks, which are permanently fixed to your car’s roof, and soft racks, like the double soft racks, which are temporary and can be removed when not in use. While hard racks are usually more durable and can hold more weight, soft racks are flexible and can be easily stored.
2. Capacity & Size
It’s crucial to consider capacity depending on the number of surfboards you intend to transport. Some racks are designed to hold only one surfboard, while others can accommodate 2-3 surfboards. Also, ensure that the rack’s surfboard pad is adequate to protect your board from potential scratches and dents.
3. Security & Stability
Roof straps are essential in ensuring that your surfboard remains stable during transit. A quality surfboard roof rack will have robust roof straps to securely fasten the surfboard to your car. Remember, racks are also responsible for maintaining the board’s shape, so a reliable system is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
1. Why is it essential for a surfer to invest in the best surfboard car racks?
For any surfer, having the best surfboard car racks is crucial as they ensure the safe transportation of their boards. A top-quality rack securely holds the board in place on the top of your car, preventing any damage during transit and making the journey to the beach worry-free.
2. Can I fit any surf rack onto my car?
While many surf racks are designed to be versatile, not all will fit every vehicle type. The shape and size of your car’s top can determine which rack is appropriate. It’s essential to check the specifications and compatibility before making a purchase.
3. How do I ensure my board won’t move during a surf trip?
To ensure a secure surfboard travel experience, opt for a rack with sturdy straps and locking mechanisms. These features are designed to keep the board in place, even when driving at higher speeds or encountering bumpy roads.
4. What’s the difference between hard and soft surfboard racks?
Hard racks are typically more robust and fixed, offering a more permanent setup on your car. They might carry more boards at once. On the other hand, soft surfboard racks are more flexible. They are often temporary solutions that can be removed when not in use.
5. Do surf racks protect the board and car from damage?
Yes, the primary purpose of a surf rack, besides transportation, is to secure your surfboard to prevent any damage to both the board and the car. Most racks have padding or rubber protection to prevent scratches and dents during transit.
Conclusion – A Few Final Words
To sum up, investing in a top-notch surfboard rack for your car is crucial for those passionate about surfing. The convenience of a roof carrier surpasses the hassle of trying to fit a surfboard inside the vehicle. Modern car rack systems have been designed with both the surfer and the vehicle in mind, ensuring the board’s safety and minimizing potential damage to the car’s exterior.
A reliable roof rack system provides ease during transportation and ensures that your gear remains in prime condition throughout your surfing adventures. We hope you found this guide helpful.
Before you go, don’t forget to check out our recent posts about the best gifts for surfers and the best surf bikinis.
