Surfboard racks are the safest way of traveling with boards and surfing gear on top of your car.
A surfboard is not a very portable sports item, and transporting boards in or on your automobile can be tricky.
Above all, you don't want to put your life and other people's lives in jeopardy.
For instance, in many countries, surfboards are simply not allowed to travel inside cars. In other cases, sticks are just too big for your vehicle.
Also, driving with surfboards inside the car may cause other secondary issues.
Sand, pieces of wax, and salted water will damage your car's upholstery and overall interiors.
The safest way of hitting the road searching for perfect surf is to install easy-to-use surfboard car racks available in the market.
These systems are inexpensive and allow you to carry boards on top of your car while simultaneously deblocking your rear and side view driving angles.
All you need to do is to install the racks, put your boards on the roof rack, and strap them down.
Remember to place the surfboard with the fins up and facing forward. Believe it or not, it is the most aerodynamic option.
If for any reason, the board slides out from the straps, the fins will work as a block for a while and hold the surfboard until you stop your car.
Choosing the Right Surfboard Car Racks
The best surfboard car rack systems are hard racks and soft racks.
Surfers who prefer to keep objects off the car roof and people driving vehicles with rain gutters usually opt for hard racks.
Drivers with cars equipped with roof rails should definitely get this sturdy solution.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, you'll find soft racks.
These systems can be easily and quickly mounted and dismounted with straps so that you're only driving with them when you're surfing.
Smooth rack pads will ensure that surfboards will not be in direct contact with the car roof and damage it with wax and scratches.
All these surfboard car rack systems are compatible with board bags and unprotected surfboards, but make sure to travel with the surfboard fins up and in the back of the car, pointing forward.
Finally, make sure you tighten the straps, but not too hard.
There are several brands creating quality car racks for surfboards, longboards, and other watercraft.
Cheaper models will deteriorate faster and are often less safe than those developed by trusted manufacturers.
Discover the best overhead surfboard car racks in 2022:
Thule Board Shuttle
Features an exclusive telescoping-width SUP and surfboard carrier with built-in board protection and universal roof-rack compatibility.
Buy: Amazon.com
Thule Surf Pads
An 18/24-inch pad with a foam padded interior, UV coated exterior, hook and loop middle strap, bungee cord end straps. Easy and fast to install.
Buy: Amazon.com
Thule SUP Taxi XT
The ultimate surfboard and stand-up paddleboard car rack. Features exclusive telescoping design, soft weather-resistant padding, and four One-Key locks.
Buy: Amazon.com
Thule Express Surf Strap
A simple and straightforward cinching system with stretchable bungee surf straps that will secure different size surfboards, stand-up paddleboards, and sailboards to your car roof.
Buy: Amazon.com
Yakima FlushBar System
The Yakima FlushBar is one of the safest overhead racks in the market and integrates seamlessly with the shape of your vehicle. The crossbar with integrated towers maximizes strength, minimizes drags, and reduces noise levels to nearly zero.
Buy: Amazon.com
Thule Surf Tailgate Pad
Features a sewn-in strap system that slides easily around the bottom of your tailgate so you can secure this pad quickly without messing around for an hour in the garage.
Buy: Amazon.com
Woowave Cross Bars
The Woowave Cross Bars are portable, lightweight roof racks that will allow you to carry surfboards, SUP boards, kayaks, longboards, snowboards, and canoes. They feature a grade EPE foam-padded interior, UV-resistant ballistic nylon cover exterior, and waterproof bungee cord end straps.
Buy: Amazon.com
Dorsal Aero Rack Pads
The perfect solutions for surfers who wish to transport up to two shortboards. Features a carrying case with drawstring and heavy aircraft buckles for safety and strength.
Buy: Amazon.com
Block Surf Wrap Rax Double
A very secure system that allows you to travel with up to six surfboards or two longboards. For cars with or without gutters.
Buy: Amazon.com
Ho Stevie! Car Roof Rack
The Ho Stevie! Car Roof Rack system allows you to carry up to three surfboards in any vehicle. Its silicone buckle covers will protect your car against scratches and dings.
Buy: Amazon.com
Creatures of Leisure Single Wrap Rax
It comes with unbreakable metal buckles with neoprene padding to protect your car and surfboard in a broad range of board travel conditions.
Buy: Amazon.com
Curve Roof Rack Pads
Offers a secure lockdown single loop system. The cocoons around surfboards eliminate lift, slide, and flutter. You have two connection options: either through doors or via roof rails.
Buy: Amazon.com
Dakine Aero Rack Pads
The ideal two-piece system for large surfboards. Features a sleek aerodynamic design and offers 28-inch wide protection.
Buy: Amazon.com
FCS Premium Double Soft Racks
An excellent system that fits all cars, vans, and four-wheel drives. Holds 1-6 shortboards or 1-4 longboards.
Buy: Amazon.com
Get more high-quality surfboard car racks for your surf trips.
The surfboard car rack review has been updated on November 26, 2021.