Updated June 5, 2021
Unless you are using an inflatable, transporting your SUP to water can be a serious task. Most are at least 9 feet long and can’t be easily loaded into the back of your car. Your best bet is to secure it safely to your vehicle with a roof rack that can withstand wind and speed avoiding damage to the board, your vehicle, or any person or thing that might be in the way should it come loose. You’ll want the rack to be easy to install and use so you’ll have no reluctance to get out on the water at every opportunity.
With so many SUP roof racks on the market today, selecting one may be a little daunting. To help you with that, a variety of the best are introduced below. Starting with a comparison table, models are reviewed with key features, photos, and videos, followed by a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For other related information on SUPs, canoes, kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
SUP for Yoga Fishing SUPs SUP Life Vests SUP Boards Surfing Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards SUP Paddles Stand Up Paddleboards Canoe Paddles Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats Waterproof Dry Bags Electric Pumps for Inflatables
Best SUP Roof Rack Systems
- Inno SUP Locking Carrier
- Yakima SUPDawg SUP Carrier
- SeaSucker SUP Board Rack
- Malone Maui SUP Carrier
- Yakima SUPPup SUP Rack
- Thule 811XT SUP Shuttle SUP Roof Rack
- Thule SUPTaxi XT SUP Carrier
- Curve Soft Rack Lockdown
- SportRack Adjustable Foam SUP and Kayak Carrier
Best SUP Roof Racks Comparison Table
| SUP Roof Rack | Photo | Mounting | Board Capacity | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inno SUP Locking Carrier |   | Cross-Bar | 2 | 4.5 | $$$ |
| Yakima SUPDawg SUP Carrier |   | Cross-Bar | 2 | 4.6 | $$$ |
| SeaSucker SUP Board Rack |   | Rackless Vacuum-Cup Attachment | 2 | 4.8 | $$$$ |
| Malone Maui SUP Carrier |   | Cross-Bar | 2 | 4.5 | $$ |
| Yakima SUPPup SUP Rack |   | Cross-Bar | 2 | 4.2 | $$ |
| Thule 811XT SUP Shuttle SUP Roof Rack |   | Cross-Bar | 2 | 4.5 | $$ |
| Thule SUPTaxi XT SUP Carrier |   | Cross-Bar | 2 | 4.8 | $$$ |
| Curve Soft Rack Lockdown |   | Rackless Foam Blocks With Straps | 2 | 4.0 | $ |
| SportRack Adjustable Foam SUP and Kayak Carrier |   | Adjustable Foam Temporary Crossbar | 2 | 4.0 | $ |
| SUP Roof Rack | Photo | Mounting | Board Capacity | Rating | Price |
Versatile, Lightweight, Easy-Loading, Spring-Loaded Strap & Ratchet, Locking System
- Mounting: cross-bar
- Board Capacity: 2 SUPs, 3 shortboards, 2 windsurfing boards, 2 longboards, 1 kayak, or 1 canoe
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Rubber-coated stainless steel straps
- Locking covers with keys to secure the load from tampering
- Adjustable corner pads
- Universal mount fits square, round, Aero, and most factory bars
- Easy installation
- Two-part tie-down system with crane-style spring-loaded straps for easy loading and a ratchet with integrated knobs to cinch it
Sturdy, Easy-Loading, Fully Assembled, Tool-Free Installation, Locking System
- Mounting: cross-bar
- Board Capacity: 2 SUPs or 2 surfboards
- Weight: 14 pounds
- Fits Yakima round, square, factory, or aero crossbars
- Tool-free installation comes fully assembled
- Glossy, black finish
- Easy-loading integrated rollers
- Soft padding protects boards in transport
- Adjusts to fit boards 36 inches wide
- SKS lock included to secure from tampering
High-Quality, 6 Vacuum Cup/2 Bar System, Secure Seal, Fits All Bare Tops
- Mounting: vacuum-cup installation on a naked roof
- Board Capacity: 2 SUPs or 2 surfboards
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Fits any bare-topped vehicle
- 6 vacuum-cup anchor rack
- Two 31-inch Starboard bars – 4 cups on the front bar, 2 cups on the rear bar
- 210-pound pull-strength rating for the cups
- Easily remove the rack when not in use for better streamlining
- Expensive
Sturdy, No-Tools Installation, Easy-Loading, Self-Adjusting Low-Profile Saddle, Lifetime Warranty
- Mounting: cross-bar
- Board Capacity: 2 SUPs or 2 surfboards
- Weight: 9.2 pounds
- Fits cross-bars with wing, round, square, rectangle, or factory rails
- Universal mounting hardware
- 4 low-profile saddles auto-adjusting to suit your boards
- 22-inch spacer foam blocks to place between boards to avoid scrapes or damage
- 2 heavy-duty tie-down straps to secure the boards
- No-tools installation
- Lifetime warranty
Sturdy, Easy-Loading, Fully Assembled, Board Widths from 24”-34”, Quick Tool-Free Installation
- Mounting: cross-bar
- Board Capacity: 2 SUPs or 2 surfboards
- Weight: 13.2 pounds
- Fits Yakima round, square, factory, or aero crossbars
- Self-adjusting slider fits boards from 24 to 34 inches wide
- Includes hooks and tie-down straps
- Tool-free installation in 10 minutes
- Comes fully assembled
- Soft padding on the cradle for scrape and ding protection
- Strap ends conveniently stow
Thule 811XT SUP Shuttle SUP Roof Rack
Telescoping Design, Sturdy, Stainless Steel, Easy-Loading, Fully Assembled, Quick Tool-Free Installation
- Mounting: cross-bar
- Board Capacity: 2 SUPs or 2 surfboards
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Fits all Thule rack systems, round bars, most factory racks, Thule AeroBlades, and square bars
- Telescoping widths to 34 inches wide
- Weather-resistant padding to protect boards in transit
- Includes center straps with buckle bumpers and board tie-down
- Corrosion-resistant steel construction
- Strap ends conveniently stow
Thule 811XT SUP Shuttle SUP Roof Rack Video
Sturdy, Telescoping Design, Extensive Locking System, Rubber-Coated Stainless Steel Webbing, Easy-Loading, Speed-Link No-Tools Mounting System
- Mounting: cross-bar
- Board Capacity: 2 SUPs or 2 surfboards
- Weight: 20 pounds
- Fits all Thule rack systems, round bars, most factory racks
- Telescoping widths from 27 to 34 inches wide
- Rubber-coated stainless steel reinforced straps
- Rubber saddles
- No-tools Speed-Link mounting system
- 4 locks and lock cylinders to secure the carrier and minimize tampering
- Weather-resistant padding to protect boards in transit
- Includes board tie-down
- Strap ends conveniently stow
Thule SUPTaxi XT SUP Carrier Video
Secure Lockdown, Use with a Naked Top or a Roof Without Rails, Protective Padding, Budget-Priced
- Mounting: adjustable temporary foam cross-bar
- Board Capacity: 1-2 SUPs, 1-3 longboards, or 1-4 shortboards
- Weight: 3.31 pounds
- Fits any naked top vehicle and those with roof rails without cross-bars
- “Lockdown” single-loop cocoon system
- 1-inch foam padding between the board and roof for ding and scrape-free load
- 1-inch foam rail protection
- Connect through the doors or roof rails for “lockdown”
- 600D polycanvas straps with sturdy cam buckles
- Single top load tightening point for each rack
- Carry bag for stowing when not in use
- Low-Priced
SportRack Adjustable Foam SUP and Kayak Carrier
Super Low-Priced & Lightweight, Easy Secure Installation, Use With a Naked Roof or Rack, Low-Profile, Well-Padded
- Mounting: adjustable temporary foam cross-bar
- Board Capacity: 1-2 SUPs or 1 kayak
- Weight: 3 pounds
- 2 temporary crossbars with adjustable foam block design (4 x 6-inch foam blocks)
- Large cushioned, flexible pads to protect board or hull surfaces
- 2 Polypropylene straps with cam buckles to secure foam and bars to the vehicle
- Fits SportRack roof rack systems, and square, round, and most factory racks or
- Connect through door openings
- Easy installation and removal
- Non-skid underside rubber pads protect the vehicle finish
- Width range from 16 to 24 inches
- Side-loading
- Bow and stern tie-downs for security
- Low-priced
SportRack Adjustable Foam SUP and Kayak Carrier Video
Best SUP Roof Rack Systems Buying Guide
Compatibility
You want to choose a roof rack that will safely and conveniently meet your needs. The starting point is to consider how your vehicle is already set up. Do you have a naked roof, side rails in place, or side rails with cross-bars? What kind of boards or watercraft do you want to haul and how many? Do you also surf or kayak? Is it easy to store it in your car trunk or closet when not in use, or do you need a garage?
Mounting
There are two basic systems for mounting a SUP rack to the vehicle, those that mount directly on the naked roof, and those that rely on premounted rails. Those with rails may also have cross-bars mounted between them.
Three of the models reviewed above can be mounted on a bare roof. The SeaSucker SUP Board Rack uses powerful suction cups to hold the carrier in place. It can be left there when not in use or dismounted. The Curve Soft Rack Lockdown and SportRack Adjustable Foam SUP and Kayak Carrier can both be mounted on a bare roof or on a roof with rails.
All of the rest of the models reviewed above rely on rails with a cross-bar for mounting.
Rack Versatility & Capacity
If you are interested in other watersports than SUP, many of the roof rack systems can be used for surfboards, kayaks, or canoes, as well. A number, like the models reviewed here, can handle 2 SUPs simultaneously and in the case of surfboards, it can be even more. Check the details carefully and/or inquire with the seller for full information as to the versatility and capacity. Overloading can cause serious safety problems and damages.
Locks
Your boards and watercraft involve a substantial financial investment, not to mention that of the carrier. A locking mechanism for your board(s) and/or for the carrier itself can help to hinder tampering or thievery that is worth considering. If you leave the load unattended, someone without heavy tools will find it difficult to break in with a good locking system. The Inno SUP Locking Carrier, Yakima SUPDawg SUP Carrier, and Thule SUPTaxi XT SUP Carrier reviewed above all have systems to lock down the load and the carrier.
Tips for Transporting Your SUP with a video
For other related information on SUPs, canoes, kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
SUP for Yoga Fishing SUPs SUP Life Vests SUP Boards Surfing Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards SUP Paddles Stand Up Paddleboards Canoe Paddles Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats Waterproof Dry Bags Electric Pumps for Inflatables
Feedback and Comments
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