Welcome to our guide on the best surfboard roof racks! If you’re a surfer, you know how important it is to have the right gear for your surfing adventures.
And when it comes to transporting your surfboard to the beach, a high-quality roof rack is a must-have.
In this guide, we’ll review some of the best surfboard roof racks on the market today. Whether you have a small shortboard or a longboard, drive a sedan or an SUV, or just want a simple, affordable option, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll cover the key features of each roof rack, including installation ease, compatibility with different vehicles, durability, and more. With our help, you can find the perfect roof rack for your needs and enjoy your surfing adventures with the peace of mind that your board is safe and secure on the road.
So let’s dive into our top picks for the best surfboard roof racks and get you one step closer to hitting the waves!
What is a Surfboard Rack?
Any device that can be employed to keep your surfboard secure is referred to as a surfboard rack. Surfboard protection can be found in a variety of forms, constructed from multiple materials and offered in various sizes, all meant to ensure the security of your boards.
There are two kinds of surfboard racks: those which enable you to keep the surfboards laid flat, and those which let you place them upright. The decision of what to utilize usually relies upon one’s individual inclination and the storage necessities.
Why is a Surf Rack Important?
- Frees up space – a longboard measuring 10 feet is something that takes some serious space. And without a surfboard rack, this presents some problems in terms of storage. Take for example roof racks for your vehicle – they are not only a convenient way of transporting your surfboards but also frees some space for some more important cargo and passengers.
- Safety – another benefit of having surfboard racks is that it keeps your surfboard and the people around it safe. Just imagine a surfboard just pushed against a wall. It could easily slip with the slightest vibration or someone accidentally brushing against it and boards are fragile, so protect your investment.
- Keeps everything organized – got more than one surfboard in your quiver? Then surf racks are a must have. Rather than storing each one in the first available space, under your bed or in the corner, a surfboard rack is a convenient way of keeping everything in one location.
- Convenience – a surf rack makes access to your surfboards easy. This does not only go for your house but also when traveling. A car equipped with a surfboard rack makes it easy for you to transport multiple boards. It also keeps the interior of your car clean, protecting it against sand, wax, and seawater.
What Does the Surfboard Rack do?
The primary objective of a surf rack is to store surfboards securely and tidily in one area. Stacking items in an orderly and compact way can help conserve space. A variety of surfboard shelves are available: ranging from freestanding to upright, wall-mounted, and even those that are suspended from the ceiling.
Fixed roof racks attached to the top of a car are a great choice for people who only surf occasionally, giving them a straightforward way to get their board to the beach. You can have a hard roof rack that is always there, or you can choose a temporary, soft roof rack.
Temporary fabric rack systems are convenient for people who don’t have permanent roof racks on their vehicle because they are simple to install and remove.
In addition to keeping your surfboards secure, surfboard racks offer you the opportunity to present them like wonderful works of art. You can choose from numerous rack set-up designs (wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, and standalone) according to how much room you have or what appeals to your aesthetic preference.
What to Look for When Choosing Each Type of Surf Rack
Once you have identified the kind of surfboard rack you require, the next phase is to choose the most suitable one. There are a few factors that you should look out for when making the choice:
Quality of Materials
Surf racks keep your surfboards organized and secure. The preservation of your boards is contingent on the construction and the standard of the materials incorporated. Be certain that your shelves are capable of sustaining the heaviness of the surfboards.
Mounting Points
This is of the utmost importance especially for racks that are mounted on walls and ceilings. It is necessary to account for the amount of connecting points. This will show how firmly the racks are connected to the wall or the ceiling. In the end, surfboards that are not correctly attached pose a serious threat for potential accidents.
Padding
The cushioning is situated at the point where the surfboard meets the structure of the rack. Examine carefully to determine the kind and caliber of cushioning employed. Cover the whole spot where you place your surfboard with padding. This is to prevent damage to the surfboard when packing and unpacking it.
In general, the roof racks found on cars and other types of vehicles lack adequate padding. The motive behind some surfboard companies offering roof rack pads is so that when the rack bars are placed on the roof of the car the tray or bars can be wrapped up in the pad for extra defense.
Car Mounted Roof Racks
These racks are made to carry surfboards while they are being driven around and stored temporarily on a car. Racks that are mounted onto cars can be either hard or soft.
Hard racks are usually affixed to the car’s railings and cannot be easily taken off, while soft racks can be securely fastened to the roof and taken off temporarily.
These racks are an ideal pick for anyone who doesn’t possess roof rails that are set up all the time, and the advantage of being able to put them up and take them down quickly make them a great option for taking a single board or multiple boards on the roof.
Soft Racks are bought in pairs and typically come in two sizes: one and two-person. One soft rack is able to carry up to 3 small surfboards, while a double soft rack has space for up to 6 small surfboards, or 3 larger boards.
Surfboard Roof Rack Pads are manufactured to function as a cover over the car’s permanent roof bars and provide extra cushioning to defend the boards.
A variety of designs are available to coordinate with the shape of the roof rails, such as rectangular, circular or aerodynamic, as well as two sizes depending on the length.
THE BEST ROOF RACKS FOR SURFBOARDS
1. THULE SHUTTLE BOARD XT CARRIER
SPECS
- TYPE: Surfboard-specific
- DIMENSIONS: 6 x 23.3 x 3 inches
- WEIGHT: 5 lbs 8 oz.
FEATURES
- Fits Thule Aeroblade And Square Bars
- Includes Board Tie Downs And Center Straps
- Made From Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel
BEST MULTI-BOARD RACK
Surfing with a friend? Do you have more than one surfboard that you would like to use? You’ll need the capacity to transport a few snowboards, and the Thule Shuttle Board XT Carrier (said “Tool-ee”) is your top choice for the job!
This telescoping design is highly adaptable and can fit boards that are up to 34” wide, and you can also adjust its size. The product is made with stainless steel that is highly resistant to rust, guaranteeing that the money you spend will last a long time.
The Shuttle Board XT also has weather proof cushioning that prevents damage like bumps and scuffs to your boards.
2. THULE COMPASS 4-IN-1 KAYAK RACK
SPECS
- TYPE: Universal
- DIMENSIONS: 32 x 7 x 19 inches
- WEIGHT: 20 lbs
FEATURES
- Sets Up Within Minutes Of Opening The Box
- Has An Aerodynamic “Fold-Flat” Option When Not In Use
- Sports 4 Different Setups To Hold Your Surfboard/SUP/Kayak/Canoe
BEST UNIVERSAL ROOF RACK
Are you in need of a roof rack that can accommodate both a surfboard and a kayak? If you’re looking for a kayak rack, the Thule Compass 4-in-1 is the perfect choice! It has the capability to change into four distinct configurations, regardless of what you must carry.
You can fold down the rack for transportation of your surfboard or paddle board, and then return it to its upright position to transport one or multiple kayaks – either the “J” set up or the saddle configuration. Multisport athletes unite!
This roof rack can be assembled quickly and efficiently, taking only minutes to get up and running. When it’s not being utilized, it can be folded down to optimize air movement around your car, which makes it friendly on your gas consumption.
3. THULE GOALPOST
SPECS
- TYPE: Universal
- DIMENSIONS: 73.8 x 58 x 12.5 inches
- WEIGHT: 27 lbs
FEATURES
- Made From Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel
- Anti-Wobble Design Keeps GoalPost Snug In Place
- Telescopic Height Adjustment Lets You Customize To Your Truck
BEST TRUCK-SPECIFIC RACK
Truck people – we need to talk. That taxi doesn’t have enough room to fit your longboard securely. Luck is on your side, as you can get your hands on the Thule GoalPost, put it in your trailer hitch, and have the ideal rack expansion for your lengthy watercraft!
This system is not the primary means of transporting a surfboard, as it requires a roof rack to function properly, but it is a necessity for truck owners who aspire to transport their surfboards in a secure manner.
This rack is constructed in such a way that it can accommodate both a canoe and a kayak.
This product includes a modifiable height component so that it can be adjusted to fit any type of truck irrespective of its manufacturer or model.
4. INNO SURF LOCKER ROOFTOP CARRIER
SPECS
- TYPE: Universal
- DIMENSIONS: 33.5 x 12 x 6 inches
- WEIGHT: 8 lbs
FEATURES
- Mounts To Multiple Type Of Crossbars
- Cable Straps Are Rubber Coated To Protect Surfboards
- Ratcheting Mechanism Makes “Load & Go” Quick And Simple
BEST LOCKING MULTI-BOARD RACK
People who go surfing but have to carry many different kinds of boats with them, and are looking for a rack that locks, will really appreciate the INNO Surf/SUP/Kayak/Canoe Locker Rooftop Carrier.
This rack has the capability to hold and secure any type of watercraft, so it is reasonable to call it “universal”; this could include surfboards, stand-up paddle-boards, canoes, and kayaks.
This surfboard rack comes with protective cushions that keep your board safe and has a convenient ratchet system which enables you to prepare for your trip in a matter of minutes.
You receive extra points if the rack will connect securely to different types of crossbars, including square, round, factory, and aerodynamic shapes.
5. SEA TO SUMMIT TRAVELLER SOFT RACKS
SPECS
- TYPE: Universal
- DIMENSIONS: 34 x 8 x 2.5 inches
- WEIGHT: 4 lbs 10 oz.
FEATURES
- Anti-Slip Grip Secures Rack To Roof
- 3-Step Setup Makes “Load & Go” A Breeze
- Can Accommodate Surfboards, SUPs, Canoes, And Kayaks
BEST TEMPORARY RACK
Some people don’t require a long-term rack system on their vehicle, while others don’t have any crossbars on their vehicle to attach a roof rack to. Don’t worry, we have the perfect answer for your roof rack needs: the Sea to Summit Traveller Soft Racks!
This roof rack is designed to shield both your car’s hood and your surfboard from any scratches incurred. Additionally, it also has multiple daisy-chained loops that can be used to secure items. This material on the underside ensures that it won’t slide on the hood of your car as you drive.
6. SEAH HARDWARE UNIVERSAL ROOF RACK
SPECS
- TYPE: Universal
- DIMENSIONS: 47.6 x 4.8 x 3.2 inches
- WEIGHT: 6 lbs
FEATURES
- Heavy Duty Steel Bars Are Lightweight In Design
- 1,800 Lbs. Of Force Safely Secures Rack To Vehicle
- Can Accommodate Surfboards, SUPs, Canoes, And Kayaks
BEST UNIVERSAL-TYPE BUDGET RACK
Ballin’ on a budget! Those searching for an inexpensive roof rack that can handle a variety of sports items such as surfboards, stand-up paddle-boards, canoes, and kayaks can rest assured knowing the Seah Hardware Universal Roof Rack is up for the job!
This makeshift shelf allows you to experience different aspects of your car and has an uncomplicated adjustment system for putting up and taking down.
Fasten the ratcheting straps through your car doors and pull for ease. It is essential to remember that you will require your own straps in order to fasten your board to the rack.
7. BLOCK SURF SURFBOARD ROOF RACK
SPECS
- TYPE: Surfboard-specific
- DIMENSIONS: 18 x 9 x 4 inches
- WEIGHT: 2.8 lbs
FEATURES
- Includes A Carry Bag For Easy Stowing
- Rubber Casing On Buckles Prevents Scratches
- Padded Softblock Protects Both Vehicle And Surfboards
BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY RACK
This is the ideal option for surfers who do not want to spend a lot of money and need to transport multiple boards – Block Surf Surfboard Roof Rack has the lowest price range on the market.
This highly affordable rack only costs around $50 and is able to carry from three short boards to two longboards based on the sizing. It is designed to fit onto almost any type of vehicle, from cars to trucks.
The gentle composition of the softblock keeps your surfboards and paint job secure while tending to the needs of smaller antennas. The ratcheting buckles come with rubber guards that keep them from scratching or causing any damage.
8. ALAVENTE UNIVERSAL ROOF RACK CROSS BAR SET
SPECS
- TYPE: Universal
- DIMENSIONS: 47 x 5.9 x 5 inches
- WEIGHT: 12.72 lbs
FEATURES
- Can Carry Up To 165 Lbs.
- Locks To Vehicle To Prevent Theft
- Holds Surfboards, SUPs, Bicycles, Snow Skis, & Snowboards
BEST VERSATILE RACK
Individuals searching for a multipurpose product will be pleased with the ALAVENTE Universal Roof Rack Cross Bar Set. The adjustable design of this product is meant to accommodate a variety of automobiles, accompanied with a roof fastening function which allows for effortless loading of your surfboard and equipment.
This rack is strong enough for items weighing up to 165 lbs., and it can be used for more than just storing surfboards. You can carry stand-up paddle boards and also bicycles, snow skis, and snow boards!
This roof rack is straightforward to set up and take apart with rubber padding on the feet to stop any harm to your vehicle.
In Conclusion
We hope our guide on the best surfboard roof racks has been helpful in finding the perfect solution for transporting your board to the beach. A good roof rack is an essential piece of equipment for any surfer, and the options we’ve reviewed here are among the best on the market today.
Whether you’re looking for a rack that’s easy to install, versatile, or affordable, we’ve got you covered. Remember to consider the size and weight of your surfboard, the type of vehicle you have, and your personal preferences when choosing a roof rack.
With a high-quality surfboard roof rack, you can enjoy your favorite surf spots without the hassle of trying to fit your board inside your car or maneuvering it on the roof without the proper support.
So gear up, hit the road, and catch some waves with the peace of mind that your board is safe and secure on your roof rack.