Imagine this: the sun is shining, the forecast promises perfect waves, but you’re stuck wondering, “How am I going to get my board to the beach safely?” Every surfer knows the panic of trying to secure a valuable surfboard to a car without the right gear. Trying to jury-rig a solution with bungee cords and old towels never ends well; it risks damaging your board or, worse, losing it on the highway!
Choosing the perfect surfboard rack for your car is a bigger deal than you might think. You need something reliable, easy to install, and strong enough to handle highway speeds and bumpy backroads. The sheer variety—from soft pads to permanent towers—can feel overwhelming, turning a simple purchase into a headache. You want peace of mind, knowing your ride is locked down tight.
That’s why we created this guide. We break down everything you need to know about car racks. You will learn the differences between the main types, what features matter most for security, and how to choose the ideal setup for your vehicle and your surfing lifestyle. Keep reading, and we’ll transform your transportation worries into excitement for your next session!
Top Surfboard Racks For Car Recommendations
- 🏄♂️ HOLDS UP TO 3 SURFBOARDS - Can be used with or without surfboard bags or surfboard socks (we have a few different types of surfboard bags here on Amazon).
- 🚙 FITS ANY VEHICLE - Thru-the-door style soft rack system fits any vehicle, 2 door or 4 door, without crossbar racks. Soft padding for your surfboards to rest on. Anti-Slip base prevents the pads from moving.
- 🦾 MAX STRENGTH STRAPS and POWERFUL BUCKLES keep everything tight and won't loosen while driving on the highway.
- 👌 SILICONE BUCKLE COVERS - No need to worry about damaging your car or surfboard with the metal buckles, because ours are encased in silicone covers… (unlike other brands)
- ⌚ 3-MINUTE INSTALLATION - Watch our video on this page to see how quick and easy it is to set up these racks on your car. You can leave them on your car, or easily remove them when not using them (carrying case included).
- Ultimate Versatility for All Your Gear : This universal car roof rack is the perfect solution for transporting kayaks, surfboards, SUPs, canoes, snowboards, and more; Designed to fit SUVs, sedans, hatchbacks, and 2-door or 4-door cars;with or without side rails;it’s your go-to for beach trips, mountain adventures, or lake outings; Convenience and reliability guaranteed
- Heavy-Duty Cargo Mat for Maximum Protection: Built with durable 1680D fabric and reinforced PVC coating; this EVA foam cargo mat provides a soft, protective surface for your gear; Its non-slip bottom design minimizes movement; reduces noise; and enhances stability; making it ideal for heavy loads and long journeys; Keep your cargo secure and your vehicle scratch-free
- Complete Cargo Securing Kit Included: This kit has everything you need for safe and secure load fastening; 2x 13 ft tie-down straps with cam buckles; 4x 16 ft tie-down straps; and 2x T-shape loop straps; Made from high-quality; tightly stitched materials; these straps ensure maximum durability and reliability for all types of cargo
- Scratch-Proof Design for Vehicle and Cargo Safety: Our cam buckle features a Neoprene Sleeve to protect your vehicle and cargo from scratches and damage; Pro Tip: Always throw the strap end without the buckle when adjusting to avoid accidental scratches; Safety and care are built into every detail
- Quick and Easy Installation : Setting up this roof rack is a breeze; Just follow these simple steps: 1) Clean your car roof; 2) Secure the roof rack with the included 13 ft tie-down strap; and 3) Fasten your cargo using the 16 ft tie-down straps; Perfect for adventurers who value efficiency and ease
- Universal Fitment: No longer do you need an expensive fixed roof rack system! HEYTRIP soft roof racks are ideally suited for carrying your kayak/surfboard/SUP/canoe to your favorite paddling spot and have a maximum weight load of 80kg. It works on almost any type of vehicle, no matter whether your car with/without side rails or gutters.
- The Tighter The Safer: 2 * 15ft tie-down adjustable straps with padded cam locks provide secure gripping for your load. 2 * 15ft bow & stern tie-down rope ensure that your long-loads are safely secured to the front and back of your vehicle. With such 4 ultra-long straps, it holds up to 1-3 shortboards/ 1-2 longboards or kayaks depending on size.
- Reduce Noise and Vibration: Built-in non-slip mat protects your car roof surface from getting scratches and fix tightly to reduce wind noise. Top grade EVA foam padded provides a soft landing for your loads and effectively reduces vibration during transportation. Tips: Putting a twist in the straps will help to reduce wind noise.
- Easy to Install and Clean: No tools required, 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. Annotated fitting instruction and loading advice are also included. Foldable design, when they are not in use just un-strap them and clean, then keep them in the bag provided.
- Satisfaction Assured: The premium soft roof racks are built with tough, durable materials to safely secure your boards and last for years to come. If you are unhappy with any aspect of our soft roof rack or if any parts are missing or damaged, contact us and we'll make it right.
- SECURELY TIE DOWN your surfboards to your car’s roof rack with these 15’ straps. These tie down straps work with any car, truck, SUV, van, or other vehicle that has roof racks installed already.
- SILICONE BUCKLE COVERS prevent your car or surfboard from being dented or scratched by the metal buckle. This is a major benefit… compare to all the other brands with exposed buckles.
- SURFBOARDS CAN BE STACKED on top of each other, if you need to tie down multiple surf boards. 15 foot straps are long enough for multiple boards. Can also be used for SUPs (Stand Up Paddleboards), Kayaks, and Canoes.
- HEAVY DUTY 1.25” wide, 15’ long straps, with powerful metal buckles (covered in silicone guards) keep your gear secured tightly to your vehicle. Carrying case included, for storing tie down straps. Set of 2 tie-down straps.
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: As with all of our surfing products, if you are not completely satisfied for ANY reason, simply return your Surfboard Tie Down Straps within 30 days.
- Check Before Purchase: BougeRV Roof rack cross bar pads fit different crossbars. The 31.5-inch length offers better and more comprehensive protection for your crossbars. Due to variations in the shape and size of crossbars, please measure the dimensions of your crossbar before purchasing to ensure its width/height falls within the compatible range of this product. If you are still unsure after measuring, please reach out to our customer service team, and we will assist you
- Dual Security: BougeRV Roof Rack Pads securely grip crossbars with an anti-slip surface. Dual fixing via strong hook-and-loop tapes and adjustable buckles prevents cargo from scratching or damaging the crossbars and reduces vibration during transport
- Easy Installation and Loading: No additional tools needed. High-strength hook-and-loop tape and buckles secure the pads to crossbars in 5 minutes. Includes 2 heavy-duty ratchet straps to fasten your load securely, completing the setup effortlessly
- Long-lasting Durability: Made from 600D Oxford fabric with premium foam filling, the pads offer a soft landing for loads. They are strong, wear-resistant, tear-resistant, and water-resistant. Easy to maintain—simply wipe down with a damp cloth
- Easy Storage: Comes with a storage bag. The foldable design allows easy packing of the roof rack pads and accessories into the storage bag when not in use, stored conveniently in your trunk, garage shelf, or hanging on the wall
- High Quality Durable Material --- This soft surf roof rack pads made of durable 600D polyester material with the advantages of soft, durable and waterproof, it will offer an efficient way to convey your surfboards, SUP Paddleboard, snowboards, kayaks
- Suitable for All Kinds of Cars --- The car roof racks are made with a universal design to fit nearly every vehicle. With 28/34 inch Pads and over 15ft straps, it is perfect for securing the surfboard, snowboards and Stand-Up Paddle Boards so that it can support the long distance drive quickly
- Protection and Security --- Surf rack pads equipped with heavy-duty velcro which will be firmly fixed on the crossbar for a better journey, Foam padding and nylon waterproof sleeve protects boards and boats from damage, anti-slip material helps keep your gear in place
- EASY TO USE --- Fix the pads to the crossbar of the roof rack, fasten the board with two 15-foot straps. The two waterproof polyester straps deliver optimal performance for outdoor applications in terms of break strength, UV resistance, water resistance and abrasion resistance
- WHY CHOOSE NEOLIFE --- This Roof Rack Pads is the perfect choice for the outdoor activities. What you get is not only the high-quality professional products of NEOLIFE, but also the after-sales service that makes you feel at ease. We will provide you with 24-hour professional services. If you have any questions, please contact us
- SECURE TRANSPORT - Keep 3 shortboards, 2 longboards or 1 paddle board perfectly secure with our premium surfboard car rack. With extra wide 1.5” straps, thick foam pads with anti-slip bottom, and silicone covered buckles to avoid damaging your car and boards, it’s the perfect solution to transport your surfboards.
- FITS MOST VEHICLES - Includes a built-in thru-the-door strap system that installs directly through your car doors and tightens using the integrated buckle design. Works on most sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks, and coupes with solid roof surfaces where straps can be safely routed through closed doors.
- LIGHTNING-FAST SETUP - Secure your surfboard in minutes and hit the waves sooner with our surfboard car rack. We’ve also added Velcro loops to secure any excess strap, eliminating the need to clamp it in between the car doors (though you can of course still do so if you prefer). This reduces wear and tear on the surfboard car straps and eliminates wind noise and vibrations. Get on the road faster and enjoy a quieter ride with our surf board car rack!
- PREMIUM HEAVY-DUTY BUILD - With a 1.5” width, our straps are wider than other soft surf racks for cars on the market, adding security and reducing the risk of denting your boards. Paired with aerodynamically shaped, non-slip & industry grade EVA foam pads, our design minimizes wind noise, reduces fuel consumption and ensures a secure, cushioned ride for your surfboards.
- PACKS AWAY IN SECONDS - Once you're done using it, store the car roof surfboard rack easily in its durable, reusable storage bag. Its compact design fits neatly in your trunk, garage, or even a small closet, making this surf & paddle board car rack the ultimate space-saving solution to transport your boards.
- Dakine Long Aero Rack Pads -28" - Black (2 Pads) bundled with
- Dakine Baja Tie Down Straps - 12' - Black (2 Straps)
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Surfboard Car Racks
Taking your surfboard on the road is exciting. You need a safe way to carry it. A good surfboard car rack makes all the difference. This guide helps you choose the best one for your adventures.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a surfboard car rack, certain features really matter. These features ensure your board stays secure and your car stays safe.
1. Rack Type
- Soft Racks: These are easy to install. They use strong straps that go over your car roof. They are great for occasional use or for cars without fixed roof rails.
- Hard Racks (Permanent/Semi-Permanent): These attach directly to your car’s roof. They offer the best stability for long trips or high speeds. They usually require existing roof rails or specific mounting points on your car.
2. Padding and Straps
Look for thick, high-density foam padding. This padding protects your board’s rails from dings. Straps must be strong nylon or similar material. They should have cam buckles. Cam buckles lock the strap tight without damaging the board.
3. Security and Locks
If you leave your car unattended, security matters. Many quality racks include locking mechanisms. These locks stop thieves from taking your rack and board easily.
Important Materials
The material determines how long the rack lasts and how much weight it handles.
Aluminum vs. Steel
Most high-quality racks use aluminum or coated steel. Aluminum is lightweight and resists rust well. Steel is very strong but can rust if the coating wears off. For saltwater environments, rust resistance is very important.
Strap Material
Always check the strap material. Heavy-duty nylon webbing lasts longer than cheaper plastic straps. Strong stitching prevents failure under high tension.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things make a rack great or just okay.
Ease of Installation (Improves Quality)
A rack that takes five minutes to install is better than one that takes an hour. Clear instructions help a lot. Soft racks usually win on installation speed.
Aerodynamics (Improves Quality)
Well-designed racks create less wind noise. Poorly designed racks can cause annoying humming, especially at highway speeds. Look for streamlined crossbars if you choose a hard rack system.
Weight Capacity (Reduces Quality Risk)
Always check the maximum weight the rack can safely hold. Exceeding this limit risks damage to your car roof or the rack itself. Always confirm the rack fits your specific car model.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your board influences your choice.
The Daily Commuter
If you drive to the beach every day, you want quick setup and takedown. A premium soft rack system might be perfect. It stores easily in your trunk when not in use.
The Road Tripper
For long drives, stability is key. Hard racks bolted onto roof crossbars provide the most security. You drive faster and longer with these systems.
Carrying Multiple Boards
If you carry more than one board, ensure the rack offers enough width. Some racks offer extensions or wider bars to safely separate multiple boards.
Surfboard Car Rack FAQs
Q: How do I know if a soft rack will hurt my car roof?
A: Soft racks use straps that wrap around the car body (doors or windows). If you use the provided padding and tighten the straps correctly, they usually do not scratch the paint. Always inspect the straps for grit before tightening them down.
Q: Can I use a surfboard rack on a convertible car?
A: Yes, but you must use soft racks designed for convertibles. Never attach a hard rack system to a soft-top convertible roof. Soft racks loop around the roll bar or use the door frames safely.
Q: How tight should I strap my surfboard down?
A: You need it tight enough so the board does not move when you shake it. However, do not over-tighten, especially with soft racks. Over-tightening can dent the foam of your board.
Q: Are surfboard racks universal?
A: Soft racks are generally universal. Hard racks are not. Hard racks need specific towers or feet that match your car’s factory roof rails or mounting points.
Q: What is the difference between a longboard and a shortboard rack?
A: Most standard racks handle both. The main difference is the width required. Longboards need wider spacing between the crossbars for better support. Check the maximum width rating.
Q: How often should I check my straps while driving?
A: Always check the straps right after you start driving (after five minutes). Then, check them again after about an hour on a long trip. Vibration can loosen straps over time.
Q: Do I need special hardware for fiberglass vs. foam boards?
A: No special hardware is needed for the rack itself. Just ensure the padding is thick enough to support a soft foam board without crushing it.
Q: What if I drive in the rain? Will the rack rust?
A: If you buy aluminum or powder-coated steel racks, light rain is fine. If you drive in heavy saltwater spray often, you should rinse the rack with fresh water after use to prevent rust build-up.
Q: Can I carry two boards stacked together?
A: Yes, many racks allow stacking. You usually need longer, stronger straps. Ensure the boards are nested fin-to-fin to reduce bulk and keep them stable.
Q: How fast can I drive with a surfboard on the roof?
A: Most manufacturers recommend staying under 65-75 mph, even with a solid hard rack. Driving too fast creates excessive wind lift, which can pull the rack off your car.