Do you spend most of your days on the water, exploring your surroundings on your board? If yes, then it’s time for you to explore new waters, quite literally!
Paddleboarding is a great way to explore, but it can be difficult to transport your board. This is where car racks come in—they are the ideal way to safely store and transport your paddleboard, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged while on the move. But with so many options available, how do you choose?
In this post, we will discuss all you need to know about car racks for paddleboards—from tips for choosing the perfect car rack for your needs to DIY fixes and maintenance tips for keeping it in tip-top shape. We’ll also provide some of our top recommendations for the best quality car racks available.
Whether you’re a new or experienced paddleboarder, this post will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about which car rack will suit your paddleboarding needs best.
Stand Up Paddle Board Car Rack Guide
When it comes to paddleboarding, you need to know more than just how to stay on your board. Paddle boarding also requires the right equipment, and rigging-up your car so that you can safely transport your board. To make sure that you select the right rack, we got you covered with the following tips for car racks.
Types of Car Racks
Before deciding on the most suitable car rack for your paddleboard, you need to understand which types of car racks are available in the market.
There are mainly two types of car racks - roof racks and hitch-mounted racks. Roof racks come in different shapes and sizes, like J-cradles, saddles, or stackers, and can be directly mounted on the roof of your car. On the other hand, hitch-mounted racks, as the name suggests, are mounted to a hitch at the rear of your vehicle. Once you have chosen a reliable system, installing it correctly is crucial.
Size and Compatibility
The size and compatibility of the car rack depends on the type and size of your board. It is essential to make sure that the car rack can support the size and weight of your paddle board. You also need to check whether it is compatible with your vehicle model and that it can be easily installed.
Ease of Use
Ensure that the car rack is easy to install, remove and adjust so you can quickly get out on the water without any hassle.
Durability
The durability of the rack is crucial as it is subjected to different weather conditions and rough terrains. Consider if the car rack is made from sturdy, long-lasting materials like steel or aluminum that are designed to handle the elements.
Budget
There is a rack for every budget, from low-cost to high-end car racks with a variety of features available. Hence, before investing in a car rack, you should have a pre-determined budget in mind to narrow down your search and choose one that offers you the best value for money. You'll be well on your way to finding the perfect solution for transporting your paddleboard safely and securely.
Security
You wouldn’t want your paddle board to fall off your car when you’re driving, would you? Therefore, you need to look for a car rack that guarantees security for your board while driving. So make sure that whatever style of car rack you choose, it will hold your board firmly in place throughout your journey.
Make sure that all straps are tight enough so that there isn’t any excess movement during transit but not so tight as to damage your vehicle or board. Be aware that some cars may require special brackets or extensions for even distribution of pressure when loading up the board.
Finally, don’t forget about tying down additional items like paddles, coolers and other gear to ensure everything arrives safely at your destination. With these tips in mind, you should be ready for an enjoyable day out on the water with confidence.
How We Chose the Best Car Rack
Don't let your paddleboard be a burden! We know it's bulky and awkward, but fear not. Now that you’re familiar with the essential factors to consider for a car rack, we've found three car racks that will make it safe and easy to transport. So no need to stress about fitting it into your car - these car racks will make your life a breeze. So without further ado, let's dive into a few car racks for your beloved paddle board.
🏅 MeeFar Universal Car Roof Rack
Why we ❤️ this Car rack
We love the MeeFar Universal Car Roof Rack Pads Luggage Carrier System car rack because of its ease of use, sturdiness and value for money. It is very easy to assemble and mount across all car types; a single person can install it in just a few minutes. Its lock feature ensures that your car rack won't become dislodged while driving as well, providing extra peace of mind on long trips. The car rack is suitable for carrying a range of items including boxes and paddleboards without sacrificing any mileage or structural integrity. This car rack is an excellent choice for those who are looking for an affordable car storage solution that provides reliable durability and makes any road trip easier.
🚗 features
The MeeFar Universal Car Roof Rack Pads Luggage Carrier System is an excellent car rack to transport a paddleboard. As it fits both cars with and without gutters, its soft material helps avoid scratching. And since it comes with built-in non-slip matting, the car rack is held securely in place and reduces wind noise. On top of that, the car rack includes four tie down straps, four quick loop straps and five tie-down ropes to attach it to your car's roof. The EVA foam padding further ensures protection from vibrations during transportation and provides more comfort on the car roof. As an added bonus, the car rack is also foldable when not in use and has adjustable straps with padded cam locks for secure gripping. Get yours now for an easy, hassle-free car riding experience.
🥈 WONITAGO Soft Roof Rack Pads
Why we ❤️ this Car rack
For those who take part in watersports, car rack for paddleboard is essential to bring along your boards wherever you go. We believe that WONITAGO Soft Roof Rack Pads are the best budget option out there—they can offer premium protection while being lightweight and easy to install onto the car roof. As they are made of durable nylon, these car racks will withstand all-weather conditions so you can take your kayaks or paddleboards wherever you want. You no longer have to worry about scratches or car damage as these car rack pads will safely carry your equipment around!
🚗 features
The WONITAGO Soft Roof Rack Pads are the best budget car rack for paddleboards. Made from high-durable 600D polyester, these soft car racks are waterproof and can hold up to wear and tear. Furthermore, they come equipped with heavy duty velcro straps which will firmly affix your car rack to any crossbar and won’t budge during movement or transport - no more worrying about your precious cargo slipping off halfway through a car journey. Not only that, but you’ll also receive extra protection and security thanks to the foam padding and waterproof nylon sleeve that comes with the car racks. And because of their universal size, these car racks will fit most car roof bar types - perfect for transporting your surfboards, stand-up paddleboard or snowboards with ease. With so many great features at such an affordable price, it’s no wonder why the WONITAGO Soft Roof Rack Pads are considered one of the best budget car racks available on the market today.
🥉 PickThule SUP Taxi XT Surfboard Rack
Why we ❤️ this Car rack
Enjoy your next adventure on the water and make transporting your SUP or surfboard a breeze with the durable Thule SUP Taxi XT car rack. This car rack has an exclusive telescoping design and can accommodate boards up to 34" wide, providing a custom and secure fit to protect your investment while in transit. Make installation effortless with no tools required; the car rack is designed to fit all Thule rack systems, round bars, and most factory racks. With such thoughtfully designed convenience, the Thule SUP Taxi XT car rack offers security, speed, and ease of use that makes getting on the water just that much easier!
🚗 features
Discover the car rack for paddleboard of your dreams, the Thule SUP Taxi XT Surfboard Rack. This safe and secure stand-up paddle board carrier includes a push button lock system for quick and easy locking strap operation and security. Its exclusive telescoping design delivers a custom fit for boards up to 34" wide and is conveniently tool-free mounting. Its heavy-duty, steel reinforced webbing is combined with an easy-to-use locking cam that provides unsurpassed security while a soft, weather resistant padding protects boards in transit. The car rack also fits all Thule rack systems, round bars, and most factory racks, while having Loading Width of 28 to 34 inches, and Product weight of 15 lbs. Get ready to be beach bound in no time with the help of the car rack for paddleboard - Thule SUP Taxi XT Surfboard Rack!
Car Rack for Paddle Boards FAQs
If you're looking to get out on the water with your paddleboard, you may have some questions about what car rack system is best for you and your vehicle. Some of the most Frequently Asked Questions include:
What type of car rack do I need to carry a paddleboard?
The type of car rack you’ll need depends on the size of your vehicle, the size and weight of your board, and any additional equipment you plan to carry. Generally speaking, roof racks can be more suitable for larger boards while trunk racks are better suited for smaller boards.
How do I install a car rack?
Installation can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the type of rack that you choose. Most car racks require some assembly before mounting them onto your car and will include instructions for proper installation.
Is it safe to carry my board with a car rack?
Yes, provided that the car rack is installed according to manufacturer instructions, properly secured with straps or cords, and regularly checked for any signs of damage or wear-and-tear. It’s also important to keep an eye out for windy conditions that may cause excessive movement during transit.
What should I look for when buying a car rack?
When looking for a car rack system, it’s important to consider factors such as load capacity, compatibility with your vehicle and board size, and ease-of-use in terms of installation and loading/unloading items from the carrier.
Do I need additional components with my car rack?
Depending on your board size and type, it’s likely that you will need additional components such as brackets or extensions in order to ensure even distribution of pressure during transit. It’s always best to refer to the manufacturer instructions when selecting hardware required in order to safely transport your board.
Should I secure my paddleboard with straps or cords?
For added safety, use straps or cords around both sides of your paddleboard in order to avoid any excess movement during transit. Ensure that all ties are tight enough but not so tight as to risk damaging either the board or your vehicle paintwork!
How to attach a paddle board to a car rack?
Attaching a paddle board to a car rack is an easy task if you have the right equipment and follow a few simple steps. Depending on your car, the type of paddle board and the accessories you might need, it may require some additional effort for larger boards
Securing them onto your car’s roof rack with tie-down straps should do the trick. To get started, make sure you have both short and long tie-down straps since many cars only allow for one size in their mounting system. Check that all buckles are facing away from the wind so they don’t act as airfoils and cause drag on your ride.
What paddle board racks will work for my car?
When looking for a car rack to carry your paddle board, you'll want to make sure that it is specifically designed to accommodate the size and weight of your board. The right car rack will also depend on what type of vehicle you have.
For cars with roof racks, there are many great options available such as standard foam pad-and-strap racks or more advanced systems that feature adjustable locking arms. A foam pad and strap system works by threading straps through the open hatchback or doors of your vehicle and then wrapping them around the edges of the paddleboard for secure transport. An adjustable locking arm system is typically attached directly to an existing roof rack using integrated mounting brackets. This style allows you to adjust it quickly and easily without removing any pieces from your roof every time you need to transport a different size board so it’s ideal if you own multiple boards or share one with friends often.
If you don't have a roof rack on your vehicle, no problem! There are plenty of standup paddleboard car racks designed for trunk mount applications too. These racks attach securely at the corners of your trunk lid using hook-and-loop straps or other fasteners depending on the model and feature cradles specifically designed for protecting boards during transport instead requiring extra padding like straps do on larger vehicles with racked roofs. They're perfect because they don't require much installation time - just hook them onto each corner, load up your board, tighten all straps before hitting the road!
Regardless of which style or size car rack best fits your needs and vehicle type, these versatile tools give SUPers everywhere an easy way to transport their gear safely without having difficulty loading a heavy board into their vehicles every time they go out paddling!
Are there any other tips for transporting boards?
In addition to using a reliable car rack system and securing items correctly with straps or cords, tie down any additional items like paddles and coolers so that everything arrives safely at your destination!
Best Paddle Board Car Rack
Car racks are an excellent way to transport your paddleboard safely and securely. With careful selection and proper installation, you can be sure that your board gets from point A to point B safely and in style. Be sure to refer to the manufacturer instructions for correct installation and make sure that everything is properly secured before leaving!
When investing in a car rack, consider factors like types of car racks, size and compatibility, security and durability, and your budget. By following these tips and looking at some of the above top picks, you can be assured of finding the perfect car rack for your paddle board, enabling you to take your SUP experience to a whole new level!
Please feel free to learn more in our other SUP articles:
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