How to Secure a Surfboard or SUP to a Roof Rack

How to Secure a Surfboard or Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) to a Roof Rack

You can't wait to spend the day on the water, but if you plan to take a surfboard or paddleboard along, you have a few practical things to take care of first. Namely, figuring out how to take your board with you.

Fortunately, safely securing your stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or surfboard to your roof rack is actually quite simple once you've done it once or twice. We'll guide you through the process below, step by step, so you can hit the road and start your adventure ASAP.

What You'll Need

Roof rack
Pads, blocks, or carrier for board
Cam buckle/cinch straps (if not included with carrier)

*Note: Consult your vehicle's owner manual to confirm the weight carrying capacity of your roof prior to loading.

Step 1: Attach Pads or a Carrier to Crossbars

You don't just want to strap your board to your roof rack's crossbars with no protection. You'll need some sort of barrier between the crossbars and the boards, such as foam blocks, crossbar pads, or a full J-style or saddle-style carrier.

Some carriers even include load assist to help you get your board on top of your vehicle.

Once you've chosen your carrier, you'll need to mount it on your crossbars according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Foam Blocks

Crossbar Pads

Saddle-Style

Step 2: Load Your SUP or Surfboard

Time to load up! Place your board on your roof with the fins facing upward and toward the front of your vehicle.

If you're stacking two or more boards, make sure to put a towel, blanket, or pad between them so they don't rub against one another. Also stack your boards largest to smallest!

Step 3: Strap Board to Crossbars with Cam Buckle Straps

Using the right type of strap is important. If you're like many people, you've probably got some spare ratchet straps lying around in the garage. But ratchet straps can actually damage your SUP or surfboard, so you'll want to stick to cam buckle straps for the job.

Wrap one strap beneath the crossbar on the inside of the roof rack leg. Then toss both ends of the strap to the other side of the vehicle (be careful not to hit your board or car with the buckle).

On the other side of your vehicle, loop the strap beneath the crossbar (again, make sure to stay inside the leg). Then, slide the strap's tail into the buckle.

Go ahead and snug up the strap now, but don't tighten it down too much. Repeat this step for the other crossbar, then tighten both straps down so your board is secure.

Surfboard secured to a Thule carrier

Tips for Securing a Surfboard or SUP:

Before securing the strap in the buckle, twist the strap to prevent flapping against the vehicle roof surface. This will help prevent annoying wind noise.
Give your board a little shake to make sure it doesn't shift before you drive away
Secure any excess strap by tying it up or shutting it inside your vehicle's doors
Try to keep your cinch buckle from contacting your board or roof while you drive by securing it away from either surface. You can also grab a set of cinch straps with buckle protectors specifically so you don't have to worry about scratching anything.

Tighten bow and stern straps until secure

How to Install a Roof Rack (Hint: It Depends On Your Roof)

Roof-Mounted Watersport Carriers

Basics of Tie-Down Straps

Related Products

Shop Watersport Carriers

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Shop Straps

Written by: Amber S.

Updated: 3/14/22

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