Paddle boarding is an exhilarating water activity that offers a fantastic workout, adventure, and quality time with loved ones. But before you can hit the water, you need a reliable SUP roof rack to transport your stand-up paddle board to your desired location. With so many options available, how do you choose the right one for your vehicle?
Don’t worry, we’ve done the research for you. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best paddle board roof racks in detail, providing recommendations based on reliability, ease of installation, and security. Whether you have a car, truck, or SUV, we’ve got you covered. So let’s dive in!
What Are the Best Roof Racks?
The best roof rack for your SUP depends on your vehicle and personal preferences. However, we recommend the following options that are known for their reliability, ease of installation, and security:
- StoreYourBoard Removable & Universal SUP & Surfboard Rack
- Woowave Universal Roof Rack Pads
- Paddlesports Roof Rack Sets for Cars & SUVs
Our Top 2 Picks for the Best Paddle Board Roof Racks
StoreYourBoard Removable & Universal SUP & Surfboard Rack
This removable and adjustable system is the perfect solution for storing and transporting your stand-up paddle board. The foam padding on the bars ensures your board and roof are protected during transit. With its universal design, it can accommodate a wide variety of SUP sizes.
Woowave Universal Roof Rack Pads
The Woowave roof rack pads are ideal for all-weather SUP transportation. These waterproof racks, combined with the included strapping, offer excellent protection and security. The one-year warranty and easy adjustability make this a popular choice for many paddlers.
What is the Best Way to Transport Your SUP?
The best way to transport a stand-up paddle board depends on whether your vehicle has a roof rack system. If your vehicle already has a rack installed, you’ll need to determine the type of rack to safely transport your SUP. Safety should be your top priority when transporting your paddle boards and gear.
How to Safely Transport a Stand-Up Paddleboard
Transporting a stand-up paddle board safely involves considering several key factors:
- Distance of travel
- Driving speed
- Type and number of SUPs being transported
Based on these factors, you can determine the most suitable method for securing and transporting your SUP. Safety should always be your primary concern during transportation.
Is it okay to transport an inflatable paddle board on the roof of a car?
Yes, it is safe to transport an inflatable paddle board on the roof of your car or truck. For optimal security, strap your inflatable SUP with the deck facing down and the tail at the front of your vehicle. When transporting multiple boards, stack them from the largest to the smallest.
How to Transport Paddle Board on Roof Racks
When transporting your paddle board on a roof rack, you have two main options: SUP carriers or transport systems, and SUP rack pads or straps.
If your vehicle already has crossbars, you can choose between SUP carriers or transport systems. These options are suitable for longer trips and higher speeds. They offer durability and can accommodate larger SUPs.
If your vehicle lacks crossbars, you can opt for rack pads and straps. These are better suited for shorter distances and lower speeds, typically within 50 miles. Rack pads provide cushioning and protection, while straps secure your paddle board to the roof rack.
More Secure & Durable: SUP Carriers & Transport Systems
SUP carriers and transport systems offer superior security and durability. These systems feature secure slots and bolting mechanisms that can hold multiple paddle boards securely. They are an excellent choice for highway travel, ensuring your SUP remains safe during the journey.
Easy & Budget-Friendly: Rack Pads & Straps
Rack pads and straps are a cost-effective option for shorter trips. Suitable for distances within 50 miles, these solutions provide adequate protection and security. Rack pads safeguard your car’s roof and your paddle board, while the straps secure your SUP to the roof rack. Round pads and straps are designed for round crossbars, while flat pads and straps are compatible with square or flat crossbars.
Tying down your SUP with rack pads and straps is a breeze. Place the pads around the crossbars to prevent your board from rubbing against the roof or crossbar. Attach the strapping and cinch the paddle board securely to the roof using the padded lock buckle. Adjust the straps based on the size of your board.
How to Transport a Stand Up Paddle Board On a Car Without a Roof Rack
If your car lacks a roof rack system, you have two options: installing a rack system yourself or using an all-in-one solution.
Install Roof Racks Yourself
Installing roof racks yourself is relatively straightforward. Identify a compatible model for your vehicle and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation. This may involve assembling the base rack system, attaching clamps to your car’s rail system if applicable, mounting the racks using the clamps, and testing the weight before embarking on a long drive. Be sure to consult the manufacturer guidelines to prevent damage to your vehicle’s rooftop.
All-in-One Solutions
All-in-one solutions are perfect if your car lacks factory-installed racks or rails. These packages typically include vacuum mounts that can be quickly attached to your car’s rooftop. With wraparound pads and extendable aluminum board bars, these solutions also come with cam buckle straps to secure your board effectively.
How to Transport Paddle Boards Without a Car or Truck
If you don’t have a vehicle, you can still transport your SUP using a stand-up paddle board pull-cart. These maneuverable carts allow you to strap your board and paddle onto them, making it easy to wheel your SUP over short distances. However, avoid relying solely on pull-carts for longer trips. Instead, use them in conjunction with a roof rack system to transport your paddle board from your car to the water’s edge.
What You Should Consider When Buying a SUP Car Rack
When purchasing a SUP car rack, consider the following factors to ensure you make the right choice:
- Rack compatibility with your car’s existing rack or rails
- Car compatibility with the rack system
- Ease of installation
- Ease of loading and unloading
- SUP capacity and board widths
- Type of rack (hard vs. inflatable)
- Security and safety features, such as locking mechanisms
- Additional equipment, such as straps and pads
- Mounting system type (existing rack or installation required)
- Locking system for added security
The Best Stand Up Paddle Board Roof Racks
While there are numerous excellent car roof racks available, we have selected our top three recommendations based on their reliability, ease of installation, and capacity:
- StoreYourBoard Removable & Universal SUP & Surfboard Car Rack
- Woowave Universal Roof Rack Pads
- Paddlesports Roof Rack Sets for Cars & SUVs
Best SUP Carriers & Transport Systems
If you prefer SUP carriers or transport systems, consider the following options:
- Thule SUP Taxi Carrier System
- INNO SUP Locker Rooftop Carrier
Best Roof Rack Pads
For rack pads, we recommend:
- Orion MotorTech Universal Soft Rack Pads
- Dorsal Aero Crossbar Pads
Best Car Roof Rack Straps
When it comes to straps, we suggest:
- Dorsal Paddle Board Tie Down Straps
- VAMO SUP Rack Tie Downs
Best All-Around Paddle Board Roof Racks
For all-around roof racks, consider:
- Block Surf Roof Rack
- TMJ J-Bar HD Kayak & Paddle Board Roof Rack
Best All-in-One SUP Board Roof Racks
If you prefer all-in-one solutions, we recommend:
- BEST Marine Roof Rack
- HandiRack Universal Inflatable Roof Rack Bars
Best SUP Pull-Carts
If you need to transport your SUP without a car, these pull-carts are ideal:
- SUP Wheels Evolution SUP Carrier
- COR Surf Adjustable SUP Cart
Best Paddle Board Truck Racks
For truck owners, these truck racks are excellent options:
- Vamo Longboard Stand Up Paddle Board Truck Rack
- Alfa Gear Universal Folding Lightweight Anti-Vibration Roof Rack
The Wrap Up
Choosing the best stand-up paddle board roof rack requires considering your vehicle, ease of installation, and capacity. Our recommendations fulfill these criteria, ensuring a smooth and effortless SUP experience. Bookmark this page for future reference and feel free to share your thoughts and personal favorites in the comments below. Happy paddle boarding!
Remember, for all your paddle board roof rack needs, visit East Coast Paddle Sports.
