How to Carry Surfboards on the Roof of a Vehicle

Author Info

Last Updated: April 14, 2024

A surfboard on the roof of a car can act like the wing of an airplane. G-force, lift and drag all come into play. A board flying off a vehicle can become a deadly missile.

Steps

Download Article

If the racks are so-called "soft racks," they should consist of more than just a web strap that wraps around the vehicle.
Buckles on the straps should be the cam-spring type and not d-ring style. No-Rust zinc buckles are preferred.

Advertisement
This reduces "lift" and the surfboard fins will act as a "stop" to prevent the board from sliding backwards off the rack.
Wrap the straps through the side-rails (around the cross-bars) of the rack and over the top of the surfboard(s) then around the cross-bars on the other side. Make sure the strap buckle is not on the rail of the surfboard. Each strap should cross the board twice. Repeat for other cross-bar.^{[1]
X
Research source}
^{[2]
X
Research source}
Never let it flap in the wind.
^{[3]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Check tightness regularly if driving any long distance. If stacking boards, be careful not to ding the tail of the top board with the fin of the bottom board. Pay attention to rockers as to not ding the bottom deck of one with the nose of another. DO NOT speed!

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Remove leashes from boards before placing them in racks.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
A half-twist in the strap will prevent strap hum.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Always place your board fins up on the rack.

Thanks
Helpful 10 Not Helpful 2
Never, never put unsecured boards in the bed of a truck.

Thanks
Helpful 9 Not Helpful 3
A surfboard creates its own lift.

Thanks
Helpful 7 Not Helpful 4