How Do You Transport a Surfboard Without a Rack?

July 15, 2022 4 min read

How do you transport your surfboard? A few ways are described below. First, use a vehicle with enough space to fit the surfboard on the roof. A surfboard that is longer than the car's roof may have to be strapped to the roof. A folding seat may also give you enough room to fit the surfboard. If the surfboard is longer than the car's roof, however, you may have to strap it to the car's roof.

Hard-Rack Setup With Cross-Bars

If you're not planning to rent a car rack, consider purchasing a soft-rack setup. Soft-racks are universally compatible and are more affordable, but they don't come with roof rails. These racks use straps to secure the surfboard, and are typically made of webbing or neoprene. The main benefit of soft-racks is their affordability and ease of installation.

The HandiRack Universal Inflatable Soft Roof Rack Bars require crossbar lengths of 31.5 inches. Extra-long bolts are available to increase compatibility. This rack is not designed to carry SUPs, but it is wide enough to carry two longboards and three shortboards. The adjustable straps are secured with a ratcheting system. The rack's ratcheting system ensures adequate tension without causing noise or vibrations.

When using a rack, always mark the overhanging objects as well as any other objects that may be in the way. It is necessary to mark the racks with bright-colored tape or shirts to avoid accidents. Remember that the tension straps are important for safety. Don't allow the straps to run flat over the surfboard; have them twist in a line. Excess straps should be tied in a place that is not likely to be against a car's roof or window. However, If you live near the beach, biking to the surf break might be the best option for you. Although carrying a surfboard on a bike may seem daunting at first, it will get easier with practice.

Soft-Rack Setup With Foam Protectors

Soft-rack setups use foam-protected straps and feature a soft neoprene lining. These are compatible with shortboards, longboards, and kayaks, and are adjustable with a zinc cam-buckle. While they are more complex to install, these racks reduce noise and vibration. If you're unsure of whether a rack is right for your vehicle, check out a few reviews of the Vans Van Surf Rack.

One of the main problems with soft racks is that they create a loud buzzing sound while driving. To avoid this noise, simply twist the straps to avoid them from vibrating in the wind. Another issue with soft racks is that the straps don't have good door seals. To resolve this, you can wrap a towel around one of the straps. However, this solution is only effective in heavy rain.

Another solution is to install a rigid roof rack. If you have this option, you'll need two fastening straps. Once you've installed your rack, place your surfboard on the rack with the nose down and the tail facing forward. Be sure to place it in a position that is well-centered. This way, you'll be able to drive safely and protect the surfboard from any dings.

Proper Placement of Surfboard on Roof Rack

For optimal safety, the best place to place your surfboard on your roof rack is the middle. The center of the surfboard will prevent it from sliding off, and its fins will keep it centered. When placing your surfboard on the roof rack, keep in mind that you can place the fins facing either forward or back. If your surfboard has more rocker, place it with the curve of the board facing forward. This will enhance aerodynamics and prevent it from being blown off in a storm.

To ensure that your surfboard stays securely on the rack, you can cover the entire surface area with rubber-based pad material. This will prevent your surfboard from scratching your vehicle's roof. Since most vehicle roof racks do not come with padding, you'll need to find an extra way to protect the surface of your surfboard. Some surf brands even sell padded roof rack pads for your surfboard.

Safer Way to Transport a Surfboard Without a Back

Unlike conventional surfboards, inflatable paddleboards can be safely transported in a carry bag. If the surfboard is longer than your car, it may be best to strap it to the roof of your car. However, if you need to transport a longboard, there are other options. You can opt for a padded travel bag or an inflatable paddleboard. In the event of a mishap, you should always contact your local surf shop to get your surfboard transported safely.

The first option is to use a roof rack with a secure holder. This makes it easier to strap the surfboard down firmly. If you are transporting the surfboard by car, you should use ratchet tie downs. They are easy to use and offer good grip on the board. It is also advisable to invest in good quality webbing and a durable surfboard bag for transporting the surfboard. Moreover, you should avoid using cheap stick-ons or straps that may cause unnecessary dings. If you're planning to put a surfboard rack on a bike, before installing it, you must measure the length of your surfboard and the distance between the rack and the elbows on the bike.



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