Are you ready for your next adventure but wondering how to transport your paddle board? Look no further! In this guide, we will show you how to safely strap your hard or inflatable paddle board on top of your car. Whether you’re a visual learner or prefer step-by-step instructions, we’ve got you covered with a video tutorial on our YouTube Channel and plenty of helpful blog posts. Let’s dive in!
What You’ll Need
Before we get started, make sure you have the following items ready:
- A roof rack on your car
- Straps
- A stand-up paddle board (hard or inflatable)
For the straps, we recommend the NRS 9-foot straps, available on Amazon or REI for around $15. These straps are easy to use and won’t damage your board, unlike ratchet style straps that can over-tighten and leave permanent indentations. Keep in mind that you’ll need one strap for each support beam on your roof rack.
We strongly advise against strapping more than three paddle boards on top of your car. Beyond that, you may lose control over the straps, especially during long-distance travel.
Strapping Your Board On
Strapping your paddle board on top of your car may seem challenging at first, but with a little practice, it will become second nature. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Balance the board on top of your head, making sure to align the center of your head with the board’s handle. This balance point will help you position the board correctly.
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Lift the board and place it on the roof of your car, starting from either the front or back end, whichever is easier for you.
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Ensure that the pad side is facing down and that the tail end of the board is pointing forward.
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Center the board on the roof rack by standing at the back end of your car and adjusting its position.
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Stand on the right side (passenger side) of your car and throw the straps over the top of your paddle board, near the support beams of your roof rack. Let the buckles of the straps hang on the rails.
Pro Tip: Placing the buckles on the passenger side ensures your safety if you need to make adjustments while on the road.
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Head to the left side of your car and loop the straps under the support beams. Then, throw them back over to the right side, where the buckles are.
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Repeat the same process on the right side, looping the straps under the support beams and feeding them through the buckles. Tighten the straps securely.
Pro Tip: To prevent the straps from making noise while driving, you can twist them on top of the board.
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Double-check that the board is secure and doesn’t slide around. Push and pull on the paddle board to ensure it stays in place. If you notice any movement, tighten the straps further.
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To tighten the straps, simply pull on the loose end coming from the buckle.
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Finally, tuck away the loose end of the strap to prevent it from flying around and creating noise while driving. You can either tie the loose end or close the door on the strap and let it dangle inside your car.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully strapped your paddle board on top of your car. Now it’s time to hit the road and enjoy your adventure!
Removing Your Board
When it’s time to take your board off, simply reverse the steps you followed to secure it:
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Unsecure the loose ends of the straps.
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Loosen the buckles and pull the straps back through until they are free.
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Once both ends are separated, remove the straps from the board.
Now you’re ready to grab your board, stow away the straps, and embark on your next paddleboarding excursion!
For more helpful tutorials and information about our Glide Paddle Boards, check out our website. And remember, safety first! Happy paddling!
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