Best-Surfboard-Racks-For-Cars

A surfboard is probably the dearest object in a surfer’s life. But owning a surfboard brings the challenge of protecting it from degrading, dents, or dings each time you take it to the beach. If you live far from your surfing spot, carrying your board on a car definitely becomes a tricky business as a sharp turn or a bump on the road can damage your precious surfboard.  That’s where the best surfboard rack for car comes in in order to avoid any damage as such.

However choosing a surf rack for car is not an easy task as you need to sort its construct, protective ability, and pick the one that fits your vehicle. To help you with picking the right rack for your car, we’ve gone through several surfboard rack reviews and compiled a list of the 5 best surfboard racks for cars in 2023 as well as a buying guide to compare them.

1

OUR TOP PICK

Vault Cargo 54” Universal Locking Roof Surfboard Rack

Vault Cargo 54” Universal Locking Roof Surfboard Rack


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Summary

With an impressive load-bearing capacity of 150 lbs. and the ability to secure the load without degrading your car’s performance, Vault Cargo 54” Universal Locking Roof Surfboard Rack is the best surfboard rack on our list for people who like to load up their cars to the maximum capacity and have always extra surfing gear to carry. Plus, Our Top Pick features a pair of durably constructed bars that can be adjusted to fit most of the car rails.

Design

Coming from a well-known brand, this solid style roof surfboard car rack stands high on durability as it is constructed out of high-grade aluminum. The rack comes as a pair of crossbars that measures 53 inches end to end and has 1 inch of height with 2 inches of width and feature a rubber strip that runs through the entire length of the crossbars. 

Vault Cargo features adjustable padded clamps on both ends to avoid scratches. You can move them to grab cross rail bars on a car with a width between 1.5-2.5 inches. Moreover, they can slide on bars to fit any cross-rail system with a width between 34.5 inches to 49.5 inches, thus making Vault Cargo a universally fitting surfing board car rack.

Performance

The performance of this roof surf rack car is better than many of its competitors as it is easy to install, adjusts itself to fit your car top, and most importantly keeps your surfboard and car secure. Moreover, Vault Cargo comes with 2 sets of keys that lock the crossbars to keep it firm on its place and safe from opportunistic car rack thieves. With an aerodynamic low-profile design, this surf rack for car from Vault Cargo doesn’t affect your vehicle's performance in any way and carries your surfboard with utmost safety.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Compatible with most cars
  • Aerodynamic low-profile design keeps the vehicle’s performance unaffected
  • Padded bars for a scratch-less performance
  • Locking feature keeps your board firm and safe
  • Aerodynamic design
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Material: Aluminum
Weight: 8.78 pounds
Dimension: 55 x 6 x 4 inches
Load Capacity: 150 lbs.
Number of Surfboards: 1 – 3

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2

EDITORS CHOICE

Block Surf Single Wrap Surfboard Rack

Block Surf Single Wrap Surfboard Rack


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Summary

Suitable for vehicles with or without gutters, Block Surf Single Wrap Surfboard Rack is the best surfboard car rack for those who want to carry up to three surfboards without an existing rail or aerobar bar on their car. Our Editor’s Choice features two extremely light and soft surface straps that are easy to set on almost any car and can secure more than one board. 

Design

Block Surf is crafted with high-quality canvas and has a thin strap design that creates a tight holding for the surfboard. Adding on, the canvas used in constructing is extremely light, which offers a firm but protective padding for your surfboard. To keep the surfboard balanced on top of the car the rack has two pads, one for front and another for the back of the car. Both straps feature heavy-duty aircraft buckles for security to hold the surfboards with no technicality. Furthermore, carrying this surfboard roof rack causes you no pain as you can fold and pack it in a carrying bag.

Performance

Durable and lightweight, Block Surf is extremely versatile as you can adjust it according to the width of your car roof. Once both pads are wrapped across the car roof through the windows, they create a balanced secure hold for your surfboard and keep it soft for the car surface, as well. Thanks to its easy cinching strap, it just takes minutes to install and remove this top rated surfboard rack.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Includes 1 pad for the front and 1 pad for the back of the car
  • Comes with a bag for easy portability
  • Durable and lightweight construction
  • Heavy-duty straps and buckles secure your surfboards
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Material: Canvas
Weight: 1.5 pounds
Dimension: 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches
Load Capacity: 150 lbs.
Number of Surfboards: 2 – 3

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3

BEST VALUE

Orion Motor Tech Universal Surfboard Rack

Orion Motor Tech Universal Surfboard Rack


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Summary

With an impressive load-bearing capacity of 165 lbs. and featuring ultra-long straps and aircraft buckles, Orion Motor Tech Universal Surfboard Rack is a soft, lightweight, and durable option that is ideal for those who are cost-conscious but do not want to compromise on quality. The most budget-friendly surf rack on our list is easy to install and one of the best options if you want to travel with more than one surfboard.

Design

Orion Motor comes as a pair of two pads that are made of soft materials that do not cause any scratching or scuffing to the car’s surface or surfboard. Both the pads are attached with extra-long straps and heavy-duty buckles, that increase the level of sturdiness. While most of the soft surfboard rack comes with metal buckles, the ones on this rack are made of silicone, which reduces the weight but improves the protection. With its soft style construct, this surfboard rack from Orion Motor offers a universal fit as it does not need any roof bars for keeping your surfboards secure.

Performance

Thanks to its adjustable construction, it goes along with cars with or without gutters and creates a gripping layer which is equally protective for your surfboard and your car. The fitting of this surfboard rack is so perfect that it does not even cause a single vibration when your car is moving. Besides, it is easy to install and does not cost you any extra effort or time in loading the board. Just place the tarps, lock the straps, and adjust them securely once your board is buckled to it. If you are looking for an affordable surfboard rack that is free from any kind of complex setup, Orion Motor certainly should be your choice.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Extra-long straps to enhance security
  • Vibration-free experience
  • Adjustable and universal car fitment
  • Easy to use
  • High quality strap system
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Material: Polymer and canvas
Weight: 4.8 pounds
Dimension: 36.22 x 9.06 x 4.72 inches
Load Capacity: 165 pounds
Number of Surfboards: 1-2

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4

Dorsal Aero Pads Surfboard Rack

Dorsal Aero Pads Surfboard Rack


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Summary

Ability to be paired with other accessories to enhance its performance and capacity, Dorsal Aero Pads Surfboard Rack is the best option for people who like customizing their surfboards racks according to their needs. Offering ample amount of padding on top and designed with a wide strap to fit broad aero bars, Dorsal Aero comes with sturdy construction that wraps around the bars in no time so that your surfboard can be installed and carried on top of the car with ease.

Design

This soft surfing board rack comes as two soft pads that are crafted with high-density soft foam at the core and feature a UV protecting durable woven nylon material on the exterior surface to ensure long shelf life. Further, these pads are designed with extra-wide straps that allow them to fit over varying width of aero bars. On top of all, the design of this surfboard roof rack allows you to use it with other Dorsal load or locking traps, thus creating a range of surfboard securing options for you. 

Performance

The best thing about this surf rack for car from Dorsal Aero is the degree of easiness it provides for putting it on or removing it. All you need to do is to wrap it around the aero bars and it is ready to load your surfboard. With that, the included hook and loop closures secure the surfboard around the bar corners, ensuring that surfboard sticks to its place when the car is moving. Thanks to its woven exteriors and softcore, your surfboard gets a nice and comfortable treatment and doesn’t allow it to slip from its place even when the ride is bumpy. 

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Universal fitting to aero bars on most of the cars
  • Extra closures to secure surfboard
  • Firm gripping texture keeps surfboard on place
  • Can be customized with accessories to upgrade performance
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Material: Foam and Nylon
Weight: 11.99 ounce
Dimension: 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches
Load Capacity: 165 pounds
Number of Surfboards: 1-2

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5

Block Surf Surfboard Rack

Block Surf Surfboard Rack


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Summary

With its impressive capacity of carrying 4 average size surfboards and ability to adjust itself according to almost any car, Block Surf Surfboard Rack is the right choice for those who like to carry a number of boards in the easiest manner possible and grabs the last spot on our list of the best surf racks for cars. Designed to secure and carry up to 6 shortboards or 2 longboards, it comes as a pair that features sturdy construction with aircraft-grade buckles and ensures that your surfboard remains safe while you travel.

Design

This surfboard rack comes with a convenient carrying case and features two sturdy built pads. Both the pads feature adjustable straps that run side to side of your car and create holds for carrying more than one surfboard. The straps are crafted out of high-grade canvas that ensures it doesn’t break even under pressure. Additionally, these straps feature heavy aircraft buckles that add value to its strength and allows it to adjust on any car with or without gutter, hence gives this soft roof racks for surfboard a universal fitting ability.

Performance

The performance of Block Surf is best in class as it gives a secure hold for carrying up to 4 surfboards depending on the thickness and the length. Installing it on any car is effortless as the adjustable buckles move like a breeze and secure the surfboards firmly. Adding on, the canvas used on the exterior of pads ensures that boards remain at their place without causing a single scratch to them. With a portable carry case and three-step easy installation, this top rated surfboard rack is the right choice for those who have multiple cars or use rental cars for carrying their surfboards to the beach.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Ability to carry more than one longboard
  • High adjustability to fit almost any car
  • Easy to use and to carry as it comes with an included carry bag
  • Three-step easy installation
  • High quality strap system
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Material: Canvas
Weight: 2.49 pounds
Dimension: 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches
Load Capacity: 165 pounds plus
Number of Surfboards: 1-6

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How To Choose A Surfboard Rack – Buying Guide

How-To-Choose-The-Best-Surfboard-Rack---Buying-Guide

Car surfboard racks are the most convenient way to take your board to the beach. Available in different styles, soft surfboard racks for car are cheaper and bind your boards to your roof whereas hard car racks for surfboards are more solid and can carry more weight while keeping your board off the roof. Both types are easy to use, though hard padded roof racks take a little more time to install. While the type is one of the things to consider when you are looking for the best surfboard rack for car, we have listed a few more key areas to consider.

Soft Rack Vs Hard Rack

Surf rack for cars is broadly classified into two types – hard surf racks for car or soft surfboard roof racks. While looking for the best surfboard car rack, this is the first criteria you need to take into consideration.

If you need more security for your surfboards or need to carry more weight, then a hard surfboard rack car is what you need. Hard surfboard car racks are better for highway driving as they secure your surfboards tightly and do not vibrate and move as much when you hit high speeds.

On the other hand, if you do not have side rails on your car, or your rails are spaced too far, or if you just do not want to have to spend more money, than soft roof racks for surfboards are a way to go. A soft car surf rack can be attached to any car by running the straps through the car and closing the doors. But keep in mind that soft surfboard roof racks use straps that run through the car doors; thus, they let in some moisture.

Safety

Checking the condition of a roof rack surfboard before installing is very important. Therefore always take the time to check the condition of your rack. While a new rack should not have any damage, it can wear down and expose sharp corners over time. If your surfboard rubs against the corner then it may get scratched. Also, we recommend that you watch out for frayed straps and broken buckles.

Another safety precaution is to ensure that the rack is tied down properly. If the rack is loose or not in the correct position, then you should fix it before attaching any boards to the rack. It is always recommended that you use a surfboard sock or bag as it reduces the chance of getting any damage to your surfboard.

Last but not the least, never overload your rack. Use the rack for the recommended number of boards and weight as overcrowding the rack can cause boards to come loose and fall off and can break your board or harm others on highways.

Car Vs Truck

The racks on our list are great for transporting your surfboard by car, but with trucks, you may have to look into other options. If your truck has a lot of roof space, then you will be able to use one of the systems on our list, but if not then you will have to look into tailgate racks. These systems attach your surfboard to the tailgate of your truck with part of the board hanging out over the back of your truck. As with the other racking systems, we recommend that you use a bag or a sock for your board when transporting it in your truck.

Compatibility

The best surfboard car rack is the one which fits your car perfectly. Always consider the dimensions of the car rack for surfboards when it is not folded and check whether your choice fits your car size or not. Also, check if the rack of your choice requires supporting equipment such as car rails or aero bars or can be installed without them. Many of them claim to have universally fitting but there is no harm in crosschecking it to avoid disappointment.

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Material

Surfboard rack reviews suggest that a top rated surfboard mount car is constructed out of a high grade of material such as aluminum, steel or sturdy foam, but should also ensure external surface with soft material. This is important as a soft surface helps in the carriage of surfboard without scratching the board or the car surface. 

Special Features

Here is an overview of some of the features that are associated with top rated surfboard racks:

  • Adjustable Clamps: This feature comes with hard type. Adjustable clamps move to the width of rail and between rails to give a versatile fit.
  • Aerodynamic design: Another feature that is associated with hardstyle surfboard racks. Such design allows the car to move without impacting its speed and fuel consumption negatively.
  • Weight Capacity: This feature is common between both the types. Go for one with high load-bearing capacity as it allows you to carry more surfboards or additional luggage.
  • Ease of Installation: Not exactly a feature but something worth to ponder on before making a choice. Make sure that you go through a number of surfboard rack reviews and find the one which has a beginner-friendly installation and removal.

FAQs

Why-Do-You-Need-A-Surfboard-Car-Rack_

Q: Do soft roof racks scratch your car?

A: 

No, soft roof racks for surfboards do not scratch your car. Their external layer is generally constructed with high-quality canvas which do not scratch your car.

Q: What are soft roof racks?

A: 

Soft roof racks are a type of surf rack for car that are made of soft material such as foam and canvas. Some of them wrap around the aero bar to position themselves, while others do not need any bar or rail and are adjusted with buckles to hold surfboards on the top of a vehicle. They are also more portable and versatile when compared to hard car roof racks.

Q: How do you rack a surfboard on a car?

A: 

Once the rack is installed on the top of the car, you need to lift your surfboard carefully and lay it down on the padding on your rack. Once positioned, you need to lash it with ropes or straps so that it remains on its position when the car is moving. Keep in mind while putting your surfboard on top of the car, the fin of the board is facing up.

Globo Surf Overview

A surfboard car rack is a much-needed piece in a surfer’s kit. Using the best surfboard rack for your car, not only ensures the safety of your boards but also makes carriage of multiple boards possible to long distances. If you are looking for the best surfboard rack, then feel free to pick one from our list as all are top rated surfboard racks and will be perfect for you.

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