#10 Best Car Racks for Paddle Boards 2023
Transporting paddle boards can be a difficult task, but it's essential. Try these best car racks for paddle boards to complete your water sports activity. High quality, no hassle, no fuss, and have fun!
👤 Written by: | L. W. R. Ulla |
⏳ Updated on: | |
📋 List: | 10 items |
👀 Reader: | 38 views |
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Transporting paddle boards can be complex, but it’s essential if you want to have fun with the water sports activity. For so, a set of stand-up paddle board roof racks will keep your gear secure and convenient to transport. However, there is a wide variety of them to choose from, which might be overwhelming when you’re just starting. How are you supposed to decide between them?
Well, we’ve already made an effort for you, so you don’t need to. There are a lot of questions about the best paddle board roof racks, so we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you figure out which one is right for you and your car—weighing the pros and cons, the customer’s review, the specs, and many more. Which one will you choose? Let’s begin the hunt!
Table of contents
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1.IKURAM R Roof Carrier Rack of J-Style Folding : Extra Thick Rubber Padding and Aluminum
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2.WOOWAVE SUP Paddle Board Universal Car Roof Rack: Easy and Safe yet Tiny in Size
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3.HeyTrip Universal Soft Roof Rack Pads: Universal Fitment with Capacity up to 80 kg
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4.Thule 959520 WingBar Edge: Specifically Crossbar and Additional Straps Included
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5.Orion Motor Soft Roof Rack with Straps: Low Noise and Vibrations with 160 pounds Capacity
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6.DORSAL Aero Narrow Crossbar Roof Rack : Anti-slip Top Construction and Easy Access
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7.BLOCKSURF Surfboard Roof Rack Universal Fit : High-load Capacity and Buckles
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8.Wonita Go Soft Roof Rack Pads: Long and Durable Straps with UV Resistance
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9.INNO Locking Surfboard Roof Rack: Best Safety Features and Super Easy Loads
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10.StoreYourBoard Roof Rack Straps - Paddleboards: S Load Hook and High Secure Feature
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Cant find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to our Q&A community.
What are the best car racks for paddle boards features I need to check?
- Compatibility. Some types fit on existing roof racks, while others require customized systems. Check with the manufacturer to see if your racks will fit.
- Capacity. Most roof racks can hold two paddleboards, but not always. So, ensure the carrier fits how many boards.
- Types. There are two types: soft and hard. Each type has its pro and cons. Choose the one that fits you best.
- Locking Features. Some roof racks have locks to prevent slippage and theft. Pick based on your desired destinations and the level of safety you need.
- Loading Systems. Heavy paddle boards might be challenging to put on your car’s roof. So, choose the SUP roof racks with easy-loading methods that are less likely to cause trouble.
What's the difference between car racks with car racks in straps?
- Car Racks / Pads
For this type, the rack pads and strapping are used together to tie your paddle boards. The pads will keep your paddle board from scratching the roof of your car and they give a steady and sturdy hold for the boards. The pads also help to make clearance between the board and the vehicle roof. - Straps
Rack straps, on the other hand, are what you use to tie your SUP to the roof rack of your car. Strap and pad sets are usually a lot cheaper than buying a full SUP rack system or adding crossbars to your current rig. They just tie the board on your vehicle roof with no gaps clearance.
Also, there are also two main types of pads and straps: round and aero (or flat). Round crossbars need round pads and straps. Meanwhile, square or flat crossbars need pads and straps that are flat.
Are paddle racks interchangeably with normal car racks?
In concept, yes. However, it is essential to note that, despite you can use regular railing racks to transport your paddle board on the roof of your vehicle, there are vital considerations you need to take into account.
Firstly, you must ensure that the racks are padded, so the board is not harmed. Secondly, when transporting a paddle board, you also need to check the allowed roof rack capacity and the breadth of the space available for the board. If those conditions are met, you can use them as paddle board racks.
Are the products listed make the SUP transport riding safe in any way?
We have compiled the best items with excellent security and locking systems based on many sources. But, it is essential to understand that no one method can be considered the “optimal” way to transport a stand-up paddleboard. For so, you need to think about a few key things, such as:
- How far do you usually have to go paddle boarding?
- How fast you drive most of the time
- What kind of paddleboards do you bring
- How many SUPs you’ll be hauling
So, everything relies on whether or not your vehicle comes equipped with a roof rack system that you can utilize to carry and secure your SUPs. Your destinations, car, speed, and compatibility make the dominance factor for safe riding with SUP instead of the car racks alone.
Name | Rank | Check Prices |
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IKURAM R
Roof Carrier Rack of J-Style Folding | #1 | Amazon Walmart.com eBay |
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WOOWAVE
SUP Paddle Board Universal Car Roof Rack | #2 | Amazon Campingcart.com eBay |
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HeyTrip
Universal Soft Roof Rack Pads | #3 | Amazon Partlimit.com eBay |
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Thule
959520 WingBar Edge | #4 | Amazon Roofracksuperstore.com.au eBay |
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Orion Motor
Soft Roof Rack with Straps | #5 | Amazon Ubuy.com.tr eBay |
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DORSAL
Aero Narrow Crossbar Roof Rack | #6 | Amazon Brandmycase.com eBay |
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BLOCKSURF
Surfboard Roof Rack Universal Fit | #7 | Amazon Ccsurf.com eBay |
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Wonita Go
Soft Roof Rack Pads | #8 | Amazon Walmart.com eBay |
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INNO
Locking Surfboard Roof Rack | #9 | Amazon Innoracks.com eBay |
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StoreYourBoard
Roof Rack Straps - Paddleboards | #10 | Amazon Storeyourboard.com eBay |
10 List of Best Car Racks for Paddle Boards
- Have a problem
with this product?#1IKURAM R Roof Carrier Rack of J-Style Folding
Extra Thick Rubber Padding and Aluminum
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The IKURAM R J-Cradle can be turned 180 degrees, which gives you options for carrying different-sized and-shaped gear on your paddle board. This makes it one of the best car racks for paddle boards. It’s also a great choice because it will last a long. This paddle board roof rack is long-lasting because it has extra-thick rubber padding and aluminum that doesn’t rust. You won’t have to replace or upgrade it every year.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Versatile to carry any kind of boards
Paddle holders included
Oversized paddingsCons (reasons to avoid)
Crossbar for extra purchase
Rather bulky and heavyWhat other experts liked
The installation is actually pretty easy, it is really simple!What other experts didn't like
There is no help at all in the instructions. - Have a problem
with this product?#2WOOWAVE SUP Paddle Board Universal Car Roof Rack
Easy and Safe yet Tiny in Size
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Woowave SUP soft rack pads are made to be aerodynamic and protect your paddle boards when they are on your car’s roof rack. When you drive your car to the beach or ocean, this roof rack makes it easy and safe to secure your gear. The kit is small and light, making it easy to store. So, this paddle board roof rack is great for people who want to use their paddle board a lot. It can even be folded into a bag to make it easier to store.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Large capacity to hold boards
Compact and easy to install
Great durability materialsCons (reasons to avoid)
Not water-resistant
More straps may be neededWhat other experts liked
I put two 10-foot kayaks on top of the Honda Accord and drove for over an hour on the highway. It didn't move at all. Great.What other experts didn't like
There are no instructions, and it's not clear how the pads are attached to the car. - Have a problem
with this product?#3HeyTrip Universal Soft Roof Rack Pads
Universal Fitment with Capacity up to 80 kg
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Next to the best car racks for paddle boards, we have HEYTRIP soft roof racks. They are perfect for getting your kayak, surfboard, SUP, or canoe to your favorite paddling spot. These items can hold up to 80 kg of weight. The racks work on almost any vehicle, whether your car has side rails or gutters. Even better, the built-in non-slip mat keeps your car’s roof from getting scratched and holds them in place tightly to reduce wind noise.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Universal fitment to any vehicle
Low noise and vibration
Adjustable straps with padded camCons (reasons to avoid)
The rubber attachment needs to be thicker
Straps need to be more securedWhat other experts liked
This product is good. The padding was nice and thick, and it held up well.What other experts didn't like
I wish the rubber on the bow and stern lines was much thicker or even made of a hard material so that it wouldn't pop out of my hood. - Have a problem
with this product?#4Thule 959520 WingBar Edge
Specifically Crossbar and Additional Straps Included
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:When it comes to the best car racks for paddle boards, Thule always nails it. Because rather than making a universal fit, they specifically make each type of accessory to assist you. The crossbars, which you can attach to your car to create a roof rack, are included. So all you have to do is secure the boards. The additional straps and cushioning are also included in this set, which is much better. But ideally, if you have the money, you should add one of the mounting cradles from this reputable brand.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Affordable option
High capacity to hold
A sleek and aerodynamics designCons (reasons to avoid)
No instruction providedWhat other experts liked
Simple to install, strong, long-lasting, and with little to no wind noise.What other experts didn't like
It was hard to figure out how to put it together, and not all of the parts were included. - Have a problem
with this product?#5Orion Motor Soft Roof Rack with Straps
Low Noise and Vibrations with 160 pounds Capacity
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The best car racks for paddle boards should be the rack with low noise and low vibration effects, which is included all in Orion Motor’s rack. As paddle board roof rack? They are top-notch. Even better, the design is so flexible that it can be changed to fit almost any car, even ones that don’t have gutters. Plus, it can hold more than 160 pounds and up to three surfboards. The buckles are made of silicone and are strong enough to last for a long time.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Huge capacity holds up to 160lbs
Ultra-long and durable straps
Premium resilient foam materialsCons (reasons to avoid)
Installation may take time longerWhat other experts liked
Sets up or takes down in one minute! There is no noise from the wind, which I had with my other rack because it was so high up.What other experts didn't like
These are wonderful for my mild, irregular use, but I don't believe they are meant to take the place of heavy-duty racks. - Have a problem
with this product?#6DORSAL Aero Narrow Crossbar Roof Rack
Anti-slip Top Construction and Easy Access
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The best car racks for paddle boards have many forms, and one of them is straps. For that type, Dorsal Aero Narrow Crossbar Roof Rack rocks. This item is made for long-lasting performance, durable 600D nylon construction, and UV resistance. Because of the hook and loop closure design along the bottom of pads, this paddle board roof rack will make your loads stay in place and leave you no hassle to tie-untie the paddle board. That’s also thanks to the integrated no-slip top construction of this product.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Quick and no hassle for installing
Durable and weatherproof materials
Easy to tie and untie your loadsCons (reasons to avoid)
Limited weight capacity
Suitable to only short tripsWhat other experts liked
I wear these even when not carrying kayaks since they lessen the wind noise produced by my aero bars.What other experts didn't like
Because Velcro is sticky, it was a little hard to put the cushions around the metal bars in a neat way. - Have a problem
with this product?#7BLOCKSURF Surfboard Roof Rack Universal Fit
High-load Capacity and Buckles
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Blocksurf is the most accessible double rack for cars to set up. For so, it is one of the best car racks for paddle boards. Mainly since it’s made of high-quality components and will hold your paddle boards safe, but with a modest cost. Better still, the heavy-duty fasteners make this rack strong and secure. It can move boards piled on top of each other or placed next. This paddle board roof rack can carry up to two longboards or six shortboards, thanks to its high load capacity.
Pros (reasons to buy)
High-quality buckles
Capacity able to carry a lot
Variant paddles board carry and set-upCons (reasons to avoid)
Some customers said it is too loose
Made a little noise during the rideWhat other experts liked
Since we can lock the doors, we can leave the Rack on the car while we're in the ocean.What other experts didn't like
Because these racks are made of foam that is a few inches thick, I can see how the board moves around instead of staying still like it does on solid mount racks. - Have a problem
with this product?#8Wonita Go Soft Roof Rack Pads
Long and Durable Straps with UV Resistance
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The durable 600D polyester materials make this Wonita Go’s Rack soft, long-lasting, and waterproof. Indeed, it will help you move your SUP Paddleboard quickly. With pads, 28/34 inches long and straps over 15 feet long, the car roof racks are made to fit almost any car.
Even better, the pads on the surf rack are also made with heavy-duty velcro that will hold them tightly to the crossbar for a better ride. Best part? The foam padding and nylon are waterproof plus have the non-slip material to keep your gear in place.
Pros (reasons to buy)
600D Polyester materials for durable rack
Has anti-slip construction and is waterproof
28/34 inches long which is a universal fit for any carCons (reasons to avoid)
Tricky installations especially with the strapsWhat other experts liked
It fit perfectly around the rails of my Jeep, and the straps are very strong.What other experts didn't like
I think it would be helpful to have an installation link or QR code in the information since the hardest part was figuring out what to do with the straps and how to put them on. - Have a problem
with this product?#9INNO Locking Surfboard Roof Rack
Best Safety Features and Super Easy Loads
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:INNO Racks’ Locking Surfboard Roof Rack is the ideal rack for your paddle boards. Features like the floating straps that make it easy to slide the board in were designed by a genius who has experienced the frustration of more challenging designs. An even better feature is the locking system that will secure your paddle boards most safely. What’s more? The plush rubber cushions and rubber-covered steel straps. They help to guard against scratches and scuffs.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Easy to install and use with no hassle
Floating straps make easy access
Locking system with two keysCons (reasons to avoid)
Extra purchase needed for crossbars
Rather pricey among its competitorsWhat other experts liked
The INNO is easy to install on my 2006 Toyota FJ's factory rack crossbars, carries three boards, and is one-person load/unload.What other experts didn't like
The pieces of rubber that touch your roof rack are easy to lose. - Have a problem
with this product?#10StoreYourBoard Roof Rack Straps - Paddleboards
S Load Hook and High Secure Feature
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:For cars without existing roof racks, such as sedans, SUVs, and pickups. This adjustable and removable soft rack from StoreYourBoard might be the answer for paddleboards. Using the single loop closure method, the rack ensures the safety of your goods at all times. You can take a walk, sleep, or leave the loads without worry. The “S” load hook designed for this paddle board roof rack makes the installation, tied, and untied process of your paddle boards leave you no fuss.
Pros (reasons to buy)
S load hook for easy access
Single hook for better security
Easy installation and adjustmentsCons (reasons to avoid)
It makes some noise during the ride
The straps might leave mark on certain vehiclesWhat other experts liked
These are very easy to make, work great, and keep everything in place even when you're driving down the highway.What other experts didn't like
The straps did leave a small mark on the roof of my car, but wax might be able to get rid of it.
Conclusion: Best Car Racks for Paddle Boards
When buying a roof rack for paddle boards, paying attention to the details is essential. You surely do not want to leave any damage on your vehicle or panels or even make a thrilling noise during the ride. You must choose the best car racks for paddle boards for many safety reasons. However, all the necessary information to find the best paddle board roof rack has been unrolled in this article. Now, close the tab and measure the compatibility of these product lists with your card specs!