Surfboard & SUP Racks
From dawn patrol to post-work paddles, the right rack makes hauling your board simple, safe, and quiet. This collection brings together durable surfboard and SUP transport and storage solutions—including the most-requested paddleboard rack for car options—so you can spend less time fiddling with straps and more time on the water.
Why our surfboard and SUP racks stand out
Every product in this collection is built for sun, salt, and long miles. Marine-grade materials—anodized aluminum, galvanized or stainless-steel hardware, UV-resistant webbing, and closed-cell EVA foam—deliver season-after-season reliability without rust or rot. Thoughtful design details like contoured saddles, thick rail padding, cam-buckle protectors, and silicone base pads protect your board and your vehicle’s finish. Many roof-mounted options include aerodynamic profiles or wind-diffusing strap covers to reduce noise, plus optional locking straps for theft deterrence.
Whether you carry a single shortboard, a quiver of longboards, or a 36-inch-wide touring SUP, you’ll find systems sized for 1–4 boards with realistic load ratings. Roof-mounted models clearly state dynamic weight capacities (commonly 75–165 lb) and list compatible roof types—raised rails, flush rails, fixed-point mounts, crossbars (aero, square, or round), or bare roofs via soft racks—so you can choose with confidence.
Shop by mount type
Paddleboard rack for car (roof-mounted)
If your vehicle already has crossbars, choose low-profile SUP cradles or padded bar systems. Cradles use curved, EVA-lined saddles that cradle your deck and distribute pressure evenly, ideal for wide or displacement-hull SUPs. Padded bar systems wrap your crossbars in thick, UV-stable foam and secure boards with cam-buckle straps—perfect for surfboards and flatwater SUPs alike. Typical capacities range from one large SUP to two SUPs or up to four surfboards depending on thickness and strap length. Most cradle systems adjust to board widths between 24–36 inches and feature corrosion-resistant hardware for coastal use.
Driving a car without factory rails or crossbars? Soft racks are the go-to. These portable pads and through-door straps create a secure, temporary attachment on a bare roof. Look for wide, closed-cell foam pads, non-slip fabric, and coated metal cam buckles to protect paint and glass. Soft racks are ideal for one large SUP or up to two surfboards; always follow the stated capacity and add bow/stern tie-downs for highway speeds. For smooth-roof coupes or convertibles, select suction-cup carriers with vacuum indicators and clean both surfaces before mounting.
Truck and van solutions
Truck owners can keep boards stable with tailgate pads (for shorter boards) or bed-mounted uprights and over-cab load bars for long SUPs and longboards. Look for powder-coated steel or aluminum uprights with 100–300 lb ratings and thick, replaceable pads. Vans with rain gutters can run high-capacity towers and crossbars; pair them with wide SUP cradles or bar pads for multi-board carry on longer wheelbases.
Wall, ceiling, and freestanding storage racks
Protect your quiver at home with storage racks designed for garages, sheds, and shops. Wall-mounted arms with EVA or rubber sleeves keep rails ding-free and off the floor. Ceiling hoists lift a SUP overhead to free up floor space; braided ropes, mechanical advantage pulleys, and auto-locking cleats make solo loading safe. Freestanding racks suit renters or tight spaces—choose powder-coated steel frames with adjustable arms and drip-friendly designs so you can rinse and store right after a salt session. Most storage options support 50–200 lb total and include stainless fasteners for coastal climates.
How to choose the right rack
- Vehicle roof type: Do you have raised rails, flush rails, fixed points, crossbars, or a bare roof? Match the rack’s stated compatibility.
- Board size and quantity: Wide touring SUPs need cradles with 28–36 inch adjustment; multiple surfboards do well on padded bars or stacker-style pads.
- Weight and rating: Add the weight of your boards plus the rack. Stay under the lowest-rated component and your vehicle’s dynamic roof rating.
- Security: Locking straps deter opportunistic theft at trailheads and beach lots.
- Install frequency: Soft racks are fast and portable; fixed crossbar systems are best for frequent use and long trips.
- Climate and noise: Salt-heavy environments call for stainless hardware; aero bars and strap covers reduce highway hum.
Fitment and capacity guidance
Crossbar spread matters. A 24–36 inch spread stabilizes most SUPs; longer boards benefit from wider spacing when possible. Aero, round, and square bar profiles accept most universal cradles and bar pads—verify clamp range in the product specs. Typical board weights: shortboards 6–10 lb, longboards 10–20 lb, inflatable SUPs 18–25 lb, rigid SUPs 20–35 lb. Keep your combined load under your vehicle’s dynamic rating (often 100–165 lb for wagons and SUVs; check your owner’s manual). Soft racks are generally limited to one large SUP or two surfboards; drive conservatively and use bow/stern lines.
For glass panorama roofs, mount only to manufacturer-approved fixed points or rails. Avoid clamping to unsupported glass. Suction systems require pristine, wax-free surfaces and fair weather; re-check vacuum indicators every stop. On trucks with camper shells, use gutterless towers and through-bolted tracks rated for your intended load, and add nose and tail lines to reduce side gust sway.
Setup and on-road best practices
- Position boards deck-down with fins forward; this reduces lift and helps airflow.
- Use at least two strap points per stack, route cam buckles on the passenger side, and keep buckles off the board’s rail with integrated pads.
- Add bow and stern lines for highway driving, crosswinds, or tall vehicles. Hood/trunk anchors prevent metal hooks from contacting paint.
- Twist long straps once between bar and buckle to minimize wind hum. Re-check tension after the first 5–10 miles and at fuel stops.
- Rinse racks and straps with fresh water after salt exposure. Inspect webbing and hardware regularly and replace at the first sign of fray or corrosion.
- Remove soft racks when not in use and stow straps to prevent UV aging.
FAQs
Can I stand-up paddle on a surfboard?
You can paddle a surfboard, but it’s less stable and less efficient than a dedicated SUP. Surfboards are narrower with less volume, so beginners may struggle to balance and the board will bog down over distance. If you try it, pick a larger longboard and flat water.
What’s the best paddleboard rack for a car without crossbars?
Soft racks are the simplest choice for bare roofs. Choose a system with wide, closed-cell foam pads, coated cam buckles, and long, UV-stable straps, and always add bow/stern lines for speeds above city driving. Suction-cup carriers also work on clean, smooth roofs, but monitor vacuum indicators and weather.
How many boards can I carry on a roof rack?
Most cradle systems safely carry one large SUP or two medium boards. Padded bar setups can hold up to two SUPs or three to four surfboards, depending on thickness and strap length. Never exceed the rack’s or your vehicle’s dynamic roof rating—whichever is lower.
What load rating should I look for?
Add up the weight of your boards and the rack, then compare to both the rack’s dynamic rating and your vehicle’s roof rating from the owner’s manual. As a rule, stay well under the lowest number; common safe ranges are 75–165 lb for many cars and SUVs.
Will a rack scratch my paint or dent my roof?
Quality racks use EVA or rubber padding, silicone base mats, and coated buckles to protect finishes. Keep surfaces clean, avoid over-tightening, and use hood/trunk anchors so tie-down hooks don’t touch paint. On thin roofs, spread the load with wider pads or properly mounted crossbars.
Do I need bow and stern lines for a SUP or surfboard?
Yes for highway speeds, windy conditions, or long boards. Front and rear lines stabilize your load, reduce lift, and provide redundancy if a primary strap loosens. Use soft-anchor loops to protect paint and avoid compressing foam cores with excessive tension.
Are locking tie-down straps worth it?
They add meaningful theft deterrence with cut-resistant cores and locking buckles. While no strap is invincible, locks discourage opportunistic grabs at beach lots and trailheads and buy you peace of mind during quick stops.
What’s the difference between wall, ceiling, and freestanding storage racks?
Wall racks are the most accessible and space-efficient for daily use; ceiling hoists free floor space and work well over vehicles; freestanding racks require no drilling and fit renters or tight walls. All three options in this collection use padded arms and corrosion-resistant hardware to protect rails and resist salt air.
Ready to gear up?
Browse the full range of roof-mounted carriers, soft racks, storage systems, and accessories in our Surfboard & SUP Racks collection. Every item lists materials, features, weight capacity, and roof compatibility so you can choose the right setup the first time.