Ever feel that nervous wobble in your stomach when you strap your precious surfboard to your car roof, hoping it stays put on the drive to the beach? That feeling is real for many surfers. Getting your board safely to the waves shouldn’t be a stressful part of the adventure. Choosing the right surf racks for your car can feel like navigating a tricky wave – there are so many types and things to think about!
You worry about security, ease of use, and making sure the racks fit your specific car. Will your board slide off on the highway? Is this rack strong enough for big boards or multiple boards? We get it. It’s a common headache that can keep you from enjoying those perfect early morning sessions.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down everything you need to know, from soft racks to sturdy towers, so you can pick the perfect system with confidence. By the end of this post, you will know exactly what features matter most for your surfing lifestyle.
Ready to secure your ride and focus only on catching waves? Let’s dive into finding the best surf racks for your car.
Top Surf 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.
- 2 Rack Pads Included
- Fits wider/thicker rack cross bars
- Pads only the top of bar for sleek fit
- Hook and loop closure
- Reflective screen printed logo
- 【UNIVERSAL FITMENT】: It fits most of cars without side rails or cars with side rails but there is more than 1 inch gap between car top and side rails.Good to carry your Kayak,Surfboard, SUP, Canoe, Snowboard
- 【EASY INSTALLATION】: No tools required, our soft rack set comes with all the attachments and straps necessary for attaching the pads to your car’s roof and holding the load in place. 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 scratched and fix tightly to reduce wind noise. Top-grade EVA foam padding 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
- 【SAFE AND RELIABLE】: Equipped with safety locks and buckles to ensure your cargo is safe during transport. Shockproof construction provides reliable protection. Made with strong and durable materials for long-term use. Resistant to wear and tear. Foldable design, when they are not in use just un-strap them and clean them, then keep them in the bag provided
- 【UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY 】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
- 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.
- 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
Choosing the Best Surf Racks for Your Car: A Buyer’s Guide
Taking your surfboard on the road is exciting. You need a strong, safe way to carry it. A good surf rack keeps your board secure. It protects your car too. This guide helps you pick the right rack.
Key Features to Look For
1. Rack Type
Surf racks come in a few main types. You must choose the right one for your car and boards.
- Roof Racks (Permanent/Semi-Permanent): These attach firmly to your car’s roof rails or door jambs. They offer the most security for frequent surfers.
- Soft Racks (Temporary): These use strong straps that go through your car doors. They are easy to put on and take off. They are great for occasional use or rental cars.
- Suction Cup Racks: These use strong suction cups to stick to the roof. They are very portable but require a smooth, clean roof surface.
2. Security and Padding
Your board needs protection. Look for thick, high-density foam padding on the bars. This stops scratches and dings. Strong straps, like cam buckles, keep the board locked down tight. Make sure the straps are long enough for your board width.
3. Weight Capacity
Check how much weight the rack can safely hold. If you carry multiple boards or long, heavy boards, you need a higher weight rating. Never overload the rack.
Important Materials
The materials affect how long your rack lasts and how safe it is.
- Aluminum: This material is light and resists rust well. It is a popular choice for quality racks.
- Stainless Steel: Very strong and durable. It handles heavy loads easily but can sometimes be heavier than aluminum.
- Durable Plastics/Rubber: These are used for padding and strap buckles. High-quality, UV-resistant plastic lasts longer in the sun.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality
Good racks feature corrosion resistance. This means rain and saltwater will not hurt them quickly. Easy-to-use locking mechanisms greatly improve the user experience. Racks that fit your specific car model perfectly offer better stability.
Reducing Quality (What to Avoid)
Cheap, thin straps break easily. Poorly finished metal edges can scratch your car’s paint. If soft racks use weak buckles, they might loosen while you drive. Always avoid racks that feel flimsy when you shake them.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how often you will use the rack. This guides your purchase.
- Daily Commuter Surfer: A permanent roof rack is best. It stays ready, and you save time setting up and taking down straps every day.
- Weekend Warrior: Soft racks are a smart choice. You can store them easily in your trunk when not in use.
- Traveling Surfer: Suction cup racks are excellent if you rent cars often. They leave no marks behind.
Always test the setup in your driveway first. Make sure you can reach the straps easily, even if you are shorter.
Surf Racks for Car: 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need a roof rack system before buying surf rack attachments?
A: Yes, for permanent roof racks, you need the base crossbars installed first. Soft racks do not need this base system.
Q: Can I use a surf rack on any car?
A: Soft racks fit almost any car with doors. Permanent racks need specific fit kits for your vehicle’s make and model.
Q: How fast can I drive with a surfboard on my car?
A: Most manufacturers suggest keeping speeds under 65 mph with soft racks. Always check your rack’s manual for the maximum safe speed.
Q: Will a surf rack damage my car’s paint?
A: Quality racks have good padding to prevent scratches. However, dirt trapped between the rack and the car can cause minor scratches over time.
Q: Are soft racks safe for long highway trips?
A: They are generally safe for short highway trips if strapped correctly. For very long distances or high speeds, hard racks offer better peace of mind.
Q: How do I stop my surfboard from rattling?
A: Tighten your straps firmly. Also, ensure the board is centered on the rack pads. Sometimes adding an extra strap over the nose helps.
Q: What is the difference between a longboard and a shortboard rack?
A: Most standard racks fit both. Longboard racks might have longer or wider padding to support the extra length and weight.
Q: Do I need to remove the fins before racking my board?
A: For shortboards, if the fins are large, you might need to remove them to keep the board sitting flat against the padding. Longboards usually fit fine with fins in.
Q: How often should I check the straps while driving?
A: Always check the straps briefly after driving for the first 10 minutes. Then, quickly check them again every hour on long drives.
Q: Are waterproof racks necessary?
A: Since most racks are metal or aluminum, they handle water fine. The important thing is that the *fasteners* resist rust, not that the rack itself is waterproof.