#10 Best Car Racks for Surfboards 2023

Easy-to-use surfboard racks are the safest approach to hunting for great surf. Read these ten best car racks for surfboards for a better surf board safety and experience!

👤 Written by: L. W. R. Ulla
⏳ Updated on:
📋 List: 10 items
👀 Reader: 41 views

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There are a lot of uses for surfboard car racks, including transporting surfboards, kayaks, and even snowboards when you’re out on the road. You’ll need car racks if you don’t want to be the person whose friends hold the longboard out the window because they have a van or a pop-top camper.

However, selecting the ideal car rack is not as simple as it appears. You must be aware of the various types of racks available and the elements to consider. For that, we’ve specially published a list of ten of the best car racks for surfboards below for you to consider. But first, ensure you know what you’re searching for so you get the most excellent product for your needs. Should we start?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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What are factors to consider before purchasing the surfboard roof rack?

  • Safety
    Look for a rack with protective features like a foam barrier or neoprene lining to keep your board safe.
  • Clearance for Compatibility
    A rack and board increase the clearance of your car. Know your clearance if you have a large car or intend to transport stacked boards.
  • Noise
    At greater speeds, some racks vibrate and generate noise. If this troubles you, search for aerodynamic racks. Anti-vibration technology or a lock-down design are examples.
  • Price
    Do not purchase a rack with a large capacity if you only intend to transport one board.
  • Rack type
    There are many choices for both types of racks. Just make sure that the rack you choose works with your car.

How many types of surfboard roof rack are there?

There are three ways to characterize surfboard roof racks: hard, soft, and straps.

Hard racks
Hard rack is simple to install, but because they are typically designed for a certain vehicle, you should ensure compatibility before purchasing one. There are racks available for numerous types of vehicles, including convertibles and other vehicles without a roof.

Soft racks
Some soft racks can be used with any car, while others can only be used with cars that have rails. Most of them come with a foam barrier and straps, but some are even simpler. When putting these up, make sure the spacing is right so that your boards are as safe as possible.

Straps
It is easy to carry but it also requires crossbars on which to attach the boards in order to make them secure properly. For an extra layer of defense, crossbar pads are needed to make it even more secured.

How many surfboards can a car hold?

With a good rack and long straps, you can put a total of six boards on the roof of your car by stacking them in two sets of three. When mounting two sets of boards next to each other, make sure there is space between them. There should be between 1 and 3 inches of space between each stack of boards.

What's the average price to cost the best car racks for surfboards?

The average price comes with certain qualities. There are various features, materials, and security that will affect the price range. However, with $65 (more or less) you can find many excellent, comfortable roof racks in this price range. Higher price points will signify extra features and superior construction materials.

In this list, we have compiled different price ranges from the cost-friendly, middle-range, and to high-price points. Each item has its own BEST feature and vehicle compatibility that you can check according to your personal needs.

*Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct. Read more
Name Rank Check Prices
Universal Car Roof Rack WOOWAVE
WOOWAVE
Universal Car Roof Rack
#1 Amazon Campingcart.com eBay
Soft Roof Rack Orion Motor
Orion Motor
Soft Roof Rack
#2 Amazon Orionmotortech.com eBay
Wrap-Rax Soft Surfboard Roof Rack DORSAL
DORSAL
Wrap-Rax Soft Surfboard Roof Rack
#3 Amazon Dorsalfins.com eBay
531 Express Surf Strap Thule
Thule
531 Express Surf Strap
#4 Amazon Thule.com eBay
Wrap-Rax Soft Rack Double BLOCKSURF
BLOCKSURF
Wrap-Rax Soft Rack Double
#5 Amazon Ccsurf.com eBay
SUP Taxi XT Surfboard Rack Thule
Thule
SUP Taxi XT Surfboard Rack
#6 Amazon Thule.com eBay
Lockdown Premium Surfboard Soft Rack Curve
Curve
Lockdown Premium Surfboard Soft Rack
#7 Amazon Curvesurf.com eBay
Factory Raised Side Rails INNO
INNO
Factory Raised Side Rails
#8 Amazon Racksolid.com eBay
Raised Rails fits Vortex Bars Rhino Rack
Rhino Rack
Raised Rails fits Vortex Bars
#9 Amazon Etrailer.com eBay
Aero Rack Pads Dakine
Dakine
Aero Rack Pads
#10 Amazon Dakine.com eBay

10 List of Best Car Racks for Surfboards

  • WOOWAVE Universal Car Roof Rack
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #1

    WOOWAVE Universal Car Roof Rack

    Lightweight but Highly Durable

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    On the first pick of the best car racks for surfboards, we have the Woowave Cross Bars. This surfboard roof rack is lightweight and portable. For that reason, it can transport surfboards, SUP boards, kayaks, longboards, snowboards, and canoes. They have a padded inside made of grade EPE foam, a UV-resistant ballistic nylon cover, and waterproof bungee cord end straps.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Light in weight
    EPE foam materials
    UV-resistant ballistic nylon cover

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    No instructions available

    What other experts liked

    I spent more than an hour driving on the highway. It was crazy that it didn't move at all.
    Johnnie Win-Win

    What other experts didn't like

    There are no instructions and it is not clear how the pads are strapped to the car.
  • Orion Motor Soft Roof Rack
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #2

    Orion Motor Soft Roof Rack

    Sturdy Design and Easy Set-up

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Soft Roof Rack can hold more than one board, is easy to put together, and has anti-vibration features to make transportation smoother. Even better, the design is so flexible that the Soft Roof Rack can be used on almost any vehicle, even without gutters. Also, the straps are very long, and the buckles are silicone and strong enough to be used on airplanes. For those reasons, Orion Motor cannot be skipped from the best car racks for surfboards.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Premium resilient foam
    Sturdy design with long straps
    1 year warranty

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Less longevity

    What other experts liked

    Installs or removes in one minute! It does not scratch the roof of my 2016 vehicle.
    Bruce A.

    What other experts didn't like

    The Orion car strap will last you six months before it breaks.
    Amazon Purchaser
  • DORSAL Wrap-Rax Soft Surfboard Roof Rack
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #3

    DORSAL Wrap-Rax Soft Surfboard Roof Rack

    15 ft Long Straps and Strong Durability

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Because of the simplicity, Dorsal makes it into the best car racks for surfboards. The simple design makes it easy to put your boards up and keep them in place. As long as the total weight doesn’t exceed 200 pounds, the straps can carry more than one board at a time. They are 15 feet long and can also hold a SUP or kayak and other things. The foam coating on the anodized cam buckles will keep your car from getting scratches. This rack is effortless to put together.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Straps 15 ft long
    Foam coating
    Easy to put

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Difficult straps tightening
    No instructions

    What other experts liked

    I can carry up to five longboards or shortboards without any problems and with little movement when on the road.
    Joan Oliva

    What other experts didn't like

    The quality of the construction of the straps was a little different between the two cushions, and the straps on one of the cushions were an oddly different length.
    Beatree
  • Thule 531 Express Surf Strap
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #4

    Thule 531 Express Surf Strap

    Secure Different Size of Surfboards

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The Thule Express Surf Pad is a simple cinching system with stretchable bungee surf straps that will secure surfboards, stand-up paddleboards, and sailboards of different sizes to the roof of your car. Also, the cinching system is simple and easy to use. It keeps the boards safe and stable while in transit. Even better, the looped ends fit tightly around the vehicle’s load bars. Lastly, it has UV-resistant straps that don’t fade and last long.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    UV-resistant straps
    Secure looped ends
    Cinching methods

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Elastic straps that stretch by over time

    What other experts liked

    These are the perfect balance of not-too-tight, not-too-loose.

    What other experts didn't like

    The elastic is just that—elastic—so you have to pull the strap all the way tight. However, like most fabrics, it will stretch a little after a while when it's being used. So, the strap gets shorter.
    Dr. Geek
  • BLOCKSURF Wrap-Rax Soft Rack Double
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #5

    BLOCKSURF Wrap-Rax Soft Rack Double

    High-load Capacity and Buckles

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Families will find this one of the best car racks for surfboards very useful. Blocksurf has the most straightforward setup among all double racks for cars. It is made of high-quality materials and will keep your boards safe, but the price is still fair. For airplanes, heavy-duty buckles make this rack as solid and secure as possible. It can move boards laid next to each other or safely stacked on top of each other. Even better, its high load capacity makes it easy to carry up to two longboards or six shortboards.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Heavy-duty buckles
    High load capacities
    Boards can be laid to each other

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Quite loose and is noisy

    What other experts liked

    We can leave the Rack on the car while in the ocean since we can seal the doors.

    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 bounces instead of staying still as it does on solid mount racks.
    Crgator
  • Thule SUP Taxi XT Surfboard Rack
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #6

    Thule SUP Taxi XT Surfboard Rack

    Safe and Secure Stand-up Paddle

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The Thule SUP Taxi XT is the best car rack for carrying surfboards and stand-up paddleboards. It has a safe and secure place to bring a stand-up paddleboard. It has a unique telescoping design, weather-resistant soft padding, and four one-key locks, and it also folds up into a small size.

    Plus, The Thule SUP Taxi XT has heavy-duty, steel-reinforced webbing and an easy-to-use locking cam, making it one of the safest products on the market. Also, this is one of the best surfboard car racks because it can be installed without tools.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Superior security
    Tailored for the board
    Padded defense

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Too loose to hold one surfboard

    What other experts liked

    Same key, easy to use, safe, and doesn't make noise when going fast.
    Neil Griffin

    What other experts didn't like

    It's way too wide and loose for one surfboard, but it works well for two. Not everyone, though, always brings two surfboards.
    L Borr
  • Curve Lockdown Premium Surfboard Soft Rack
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #7

    Curve Lockdown Premium Surfboard Soft Rack

    Compact Size with A Strong Zinc-Cast Buckle

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    This surfboard roof rack from Curve is small, but you can count on it. It’s great for people who travel a lot and want a model that’s small enough to fit in a suitcase. The design works with most cars, and the single-loop system keeps your boards locked and safe. Its design, which includes a solid zinc-cast buckle and a webbing strap, gives your boards enough tension and security. However, this rack can be a little hard to put together at first because its design is different from most others on the market.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Able to hold 3-4 boards
    Compact and travel size
    Strong zinc-cast buckle

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    It may be quite a hassle to install at first

    What other experts liked

    It holds the board down very well and doesn't come loose as you drive.
    Sandara

    What other experts didn't like

    Quality product, but pretty pathetic for putting and uninstalling them and occasionally hearing some noise from the straps outside.
    Jose Ricardo Alava
  • INNO Factory Raised Side Rails
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #8

    INNO Factory Raised Side Rails

    Unique Design Car Rack for Surfboards

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    You may initially find it challenging to comprehend the Inno rack. As a result of the employment of square bars in the system. This system type is the least aerodynamic. Additionally, because there is less surface area, your board will feel more pressure when directly attached to the ground. This surfboard roof rack is an excellent addition to the system and simplifies transporting your surfboard to the beach. However, this technique is unable to carry more than two longboards or three shortboards.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Great attachment versatility
    Key and lock included
    Telescopic knob
    Easy to use

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Limited carry-on 2 longboards only
    Unusual design

    What other experts liked

    These clamps have a nice, snug fit all the way around.
    Michael

    What other experts didn't like

    Even though it was advertised as a secure locking system, I found that the cables were so weak that it would be ridiculously easy to break
  • Rhino Rack Raised Rails fits Vortex Bars
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #9

    Rhino Rack Raised Rails fits Vortex Bars

    Safe and Secure Roof Rack

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The Rhino Rack Vortex rack is another solid roof rack used for various carriers. The SX roof rack system is made to work with roofs that already have rails. This surfboard roof rack is easy to put together and take apart, and it also comes with security hardware to keep your racks from being stolen.

    Plus, if you use Vortex bars, you can also choose from a wide range these brand accessories that work with them. So, if you’re a traveler, a cyclist, a surfer, or a contractor, you can use the SX roof rack system.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Security features included
    Easy accessory attachment
    Capable to use for off-road
    High durability

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Quite pricey
    Limited options

    What other experts liked

    I like how these legs attach. Very safe, very strong, and very simple to install.
    Steven Palmer

    What other experts didn't like

    The stay is press-fit with the Rubber Pads. I lost a pad after a year and the replacement pads are unavailable by the company.
    Charles A. Benedict
  • Dakine Aero Rack Pads
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #10

    Dakine Aero Rack Pads

    Set of Two Rack Pads

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Finally, to the top-recommended list of surfboard roof racks, we save Dakine Aero Rack Pads for you to check out. These Aero Rack Pads are the solution to making your existing roof rack crossbars more aerodynamic. The most remarkable feature is that you can move your surfboards with these rack pads 18 inches wide and have a padded top and a hook-and-loop closure to keep them in place. This surfboard roof rack comes in two sizes to fit a wide range of crossbar sizes.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Two rack pads in a set
    Only top pads for a sleek fit
    Closers with hooks and loops
    Material that is tough and 600D polyester

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Super fitted enclosure
    For small diameter bars

    What other experts liked

    Simple to set up. They feel solid and like they'll last.
    Ken. L.

    What other experts didn't like

    The only thing I don't like about the enclosure is that it is very tight for about 1 x 2 aero crossbars.
    The Squirrel

Conclusion: Best Car Racks for Surfboards

Keeping a surfboard in your car can be difficult because it is not a very portable piece of sports equipment. Surfboard vehicle racks are the most secure way to travel in search of the perfect wave. These solutions are inexpensive and allow you to transport boards on top of your car while also reducing impediments from your back and side view driving vantage points. Finding the best car racks for surfboards should have a kick start by knowing what you are looking for, then do thorough research right after that. Now, do you know which one is your soon auto rack for a surfboard?

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