For someone who has never surfed before, it can be difficult to figure out the basics. What board should you get?
What is the process to secure the board to the top of your car’s roof rack? Is this a breach of surfing etiquette, and what are the repercussions if so?
Questions about surfboard flying may come to mind when beginning this journey. Fortunately, we are able to provide responses to all your queries.
We will guide you carefully through the steps, ensuring that your board is correctly placed on the roof of your vehicle.
Step-by-step guide: How to strap surfboard to roof rack
You can’t just place a board on top of a car without any fear of it falling off. Be sure to tie it down adequately so that it won’t come loose while you’re behind the wheel. Do these things and you’ll be set for any escapade!
What will you need?
It is critical to tie your surfboard securely to the roof rack of your vehicle using a strong belt or an elastic cord to avoid it slipping off while you are in transit. In addition to the strap or bungee cord, you will also need:
- 4 surfboard rack pads
- 4 large zip ties
- Tie down straps
- 1 roll of duct tape
Type of rack on your vehicle
Discover what kind of rack your vehicle is equipped with before beginning to attach your surfboard to it. Examine the interior of the trunk or open the hood to complete this task. This will inform you of the kind of system necessary to protect your board.
You will require crossbars if you have a roof rack in place to fasten your surfing board. You should be sure to select the appropriate size crossbars for your car or truck. You can buy crossbars from a lot of car stores or on the Internet.
Once you get the crossbars, you must put them onto your car. This process varies depending on the type.
Straps should be designed specifically for securing multiple boards onto racks
Ensure that the straps are of a sufficient length so that they can be wrapped around your board’s railing completely.
Put the straps on the front part of your board. Take one buckle of the strap and run it beneath the crossbar. After that, take it back up onto the bars and bring it down again, then secure it back to itself.
This set-up comprises a “figure 8”, ensuring that your board is strongly fastened while providing you with the capability to effortlessly take it off the stand.
Way of strapping
Put one side of each band on top of a side of the board. Be certain that the straps form an X shape by having two cross over the board and two more going over the fins.
Then, secure each strap by wrapping its free end around the bar of your rack. Ensure the belt is secured snugly against the board and there is no loose material.
Pass another belt through both groups of harnesses on the nose end of the board, then move it back around to your trunk or backside of your vehicle and link it to the other end of the holder.
Check how good it has tightened
Tighten each strap and secure them in place with a hook using your ratchet ties. Verify that each one of the ratchets is fastened properly and then ensure that the board remains sturdy by moving it in a to and fro motion.
Verify that all four straps are fastened securely after connecting them. Attempt to move the board to and fro in order to accomplish this.
If the item shifts and is no longer firmly packed, make sure to retighten the straps until it is tightly and firmly propped up.
Final step
Go for a drive in your car in your local area and get ready to hit the surf! Your board will be ready for anything.
How to strap surfboard to roof rack with crossbars
If you possess an automobile featuring a roof rack system with crossbars, the technique for fastening your surfboard will be dissimilar to the procedure for a car that does not have those components. Here are the steps:
- Lay the board down on its side with the fins facing the ground.
- Make sure that the rack system is in the open position and that the crossbars are perpendicular to the vehicle.
- Place the board on top of the crossbars so that it is in the centre, making sure that the fins are still facing downwards.
- Secure each end of the board to the crossbars using either straps or bungee cords. Be sure to tighten them as much as possible to prevent movement while driving.
How to attach surfboard to car without roof racks?
If your car does not possess roof racks, you can secure your surfboard onto the roof using some straightforward procedures.
- Secure the strap or bungee cord around the surfboard and the roof of your car. Make sure that it is tight enough so that the board doesn’t move.
- Identify two points on the car where you can securely attach the strap like a rack, a frame, or a hitch.
- Tighten the cord until it’s snug against the surfboard and your car.
That’s it! You are now aware of the technique for securing a surfboard to the top of a vehicle. It may appear to be difficult initially, but with the necessary materials and information, anyone can accomplish it.
Use these instructions and you’ll be able to ride some waves!
Important instructions and warnings:
Important instructions:
It is essential to adhere to certain security protocols while attaching your surfboard to your rack.
Ensure that the board is firmly attached before you drive and that it won’t come loose.
You should use a solid backing or bungee cord to complete this task, and it works better to connect that strap to a secure part of the automobile (like the door handle or roof basket).
Secure the tie down strap to a strong part of the automobile– the rack is the best place, but you can also use the trunk or window sills as an alternative.
The tension of the strap should be just right, not too loose so that the board shifts, and not so tight that it puts too much strain on the car or surfboard. Be sure to confirm that the board is firmly secured before beginning a journey.
Taking a few minutes to get ready will make sure your beach outing is both safe and successful.
Warnings:
When strapping your board to your rack, be aware of the following:
It is essential to secure the straps to a reliable component of the car, such as the frame or a roll bar. Do not secure the boards to the windshield or sideview mirrors as the added weight may result in breakage.
Inspect the automobile for any harm prior to attaching the surfboard. Ensure that there is no refuse on the roof that might cause harm to either the car or the board.
Tips
The following tips are organized in the three categories:
- Tips for Cars Without Roof Racks
- Tips for Cars With Roof Racks
- General Tips
Tips for Cars Without Roof Racks
1. Just Rope or Towels & Rope
When I started surfing, my first means of transporting the board was just a towel and some rope tied together to form a roof rack.
We put in the “storage shelf” by placing a towel over my mom’s car to guard it and then arranging the boards on top. Next, we looped the rope over the pile of planks, pulled it taut and made it fast in the auto.
If you desire to be extra careful, you can put towels between the boards to make them softer.
You could avoid using towels altogether and secure surfboards to the roof of your vehicle with rope. There is a reasonable prospect that your surfboards may be damaged, but they will still be functional. Putting the surfboards in bags would be more effective.
2. Soft Racks
Soft racks are a convenient mobile rack set-up for surfboards and paddle boards. These items are meant to be used with automobiles that don’t have roof racks and are reasonably priced. Racks made out of foam, nylon, buckles with cams to lock them and neoprene shields are created.
Often, they come in a handy carrying case.
Softboard racks are made to secure numerous surfboards, so be sure to read the manufacturer’s guidelines to make sure that the load you are carrying isn’t over the recommended limit. The racks come in two varieties – single width and double width – depending on how many boards need to be moved.
Surfboard holders can be located in all surf shops, frequently combined with surfboard rentals to transport your boards to/from the shore.
3. Straps & Foam Blocks
An alternative for automobiles without roof racks is a combination of foam blocks and straps. It is similar to the idea of a soft rack, only you can purchase the individual parts individually to save some cash.
You also have the option to buy pieces of foam that vary in size to better match the contours of your automobile’s roof.
You may possibly use smaller foam blocks on your vehicle if its roof line is not so steep. If your car has a more curvy roof line, using thicker foam blocks is likely to be a better choice. This makes it possible to tailor it to your particular requirements.
Tips for Cars With Roof Racks
If you own a car which has been fitted with sturdy roof bars, you can safely attach your surfboards to it.
Prior to attaching surfboards to your car’s rack, guarantee it is firmly secured to your vehicle.
That may sound strange, however I have personally encountered situations where a car’s entire surf setup (includes surfboards, racks and straps) was wrenched off and ended up toppled in a ditch.
1. Rope & Bungee Cords
Good old fashioned rope & bungee cords. They are reasonably priced, convenient to get and they do the job (to some extent).
For the start of my time surfing, I employed the use of rope and bungee cords. In the 1990’s, straps that were designed specifically for surfing were not obtainable.
The primary difficulty associated with rope of lower quality is that either it stretches or it doesn’t secure firmly, thus leaving a great deal of additional slack to deal with each time you attach and untie your boards.
The most difficult aspect of bungee cords is that they have a tendency to become elongated. Eventually they become worn out and they won’t be able to provide the best possible tension for your boards.
2. Straps
Around 8 years back, I shelled out $25 for a collection of FCS surfing-designated straps with neoprene-protected cam locks and a small carrying suitcase, and it turned out to be the best surf accessory I have ever acquired. Hands down.
They are indestructible. I still possess the same group of items today and I make use of them regularly. Take a look at the resources page to discover information about the highest suggested straps.
I deeply regret not purchasing the item sooner. I always considered surf straps to be overpriced in comparison to rope, and I could not recognize the advantage of owning a specific pair of surfing straps. I was so wrong.
Straps are so simple and effective. Every major surf company brand offers a collection of straps, with a variety of locking systems, designs and colour combinations available.
3. Rack Pads
Rack pads are fitted to the roof racks of your vehicle, furnishing cushioned support for your surfboards.
I have been using duct tape for quite some time to affix foam pipe insulation onto my circular metal roof racks. At most hardware stores, foam pipe insulation can be purchased for a few dollars. It worked pretty well and it is inexpensive.
In other words, specialized cushioning for surfboards, known as rack pads, have been designed to give much more support and padding. Roof racks can be spiced up in a multitude of shades, offering a way to make them less dull.
I would rather opt for basic black clothing as it tends to stay looking fresh and fashionable for longer.
4. Lockable Tie Downs
Secure straps with locks can add an extra layer of protection for your surfboards when they are situated on the roof of your car.
Usually, the buckle is designed to be lockable and the belts are strengthened with metal mesh so they cannot be easily sliced.
You should peruse the reviews and verify the quality because there is an abundant selection of goods for sale.
