Even the smallest of surfboards are not very portable. They are too big to carry inside most cars, could block the driver’s view, and potentially damage the interior. Carrying it on the outside makes surfboard racks for cars a better option. With that in mind, however, care must be taken to ensure that boards are mounted safely for their protection along with that of the car and of other people and property should they come loose.
To help in your purchasing process a selection of the best is introduced for your consideration below. To begin there is a comparison table of top models of different types and price points, followed by descriptions, key features, photos, and videos, and ending with a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom.
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Best Surfboard Racks for Cars
- Thule 811XT Board Shuttle Roof Rack
- Inno Surfboard Locking Carrier
- Curve Soft Rack Lockdown
- Thule SUPTaxi XT Board Carrier
- Block Surf Surfboard Roof Rack
- Inno Locking Surfboard Rack
- Lockrack Universal Watercraft Carrier
Best Surfboard Racks for Cars Comparison Table
| Car Rack | Photo | Type | Capacity | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thule 811XT Board Shuttle Roof Rack |   | Cross-Bar | 2 Surfboards or 2 SUPs | 4.5 | $$ |
| Inno Surfboard Locking Carrier |   | Cross-Bar | 3 Shortboards, 2 Longboards, 2 SUPs, 2 Windsurfing Boards, 1 Kayak, or 1 Canoe | 4.5 | $$$ |
| Curve Soft Rack Lockdown |   | Adjustable Temporary Foam Padding With Straps | 1-4 Shortboards, 1-3 Longboards, or 1-2 SUPs | 4.0 | $ |
| Thule SUPTaxi XT Board Carrier |   | Cross-Bar | 2 Surfboards or 2 SUPs | 4.8 | $$$ |
| Block Surf Surfboard Roof Rack |   | Adjustable Temporary Foam Blocks With Straps | 1-3 Shortboards or 2 Longboards | 3.8 | $ |
| Inno Locking Surfboard Rack |   | Cross-Bar | 1-3 Shortboards or 1-2 Longboards | 4.6 | $$ |
| Lockrack Universal Watercraft Carrier |   | Cross-Bar | 1-2 Surfboards, 1-2 SUPs,1 Kayak, or 1 Canoe | 4.7 | $$$ |
| Car Rack | Photo | Type | Capacity | Rating | Price |
Thule 811XT Board Shuttle Roof Rack
With a telescoping design fitting surfboards or SUPs up to 34 inches wide, the Thule 811XT Shuttle Roof Rack is sturdy with corrosion-resistant stainless construction. It comes fully assembled and installs quickly on a range of rack systems without the use of tools. Weather-resistant padding protects up to 2 surfboards or SUPs from scrapes and abrasions.
- Type: mounts on cross-bar
- Capacity: 2 surfboards or 2 SUPs
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Fits all Thule rack systems, including AeroBlades, round bars, square bars, and most factory racks
- Telescoping to widths of 34 inches
- Weather-resistant padding to protect boards from scrapes and bumps in transit
- Center straps with buckle bumpers to protect the board finish
- Board tie-down included for an extra secure load
- Corrosion-resistant steel construction
- Strap ends stow conveniently
Thule 811XT SUP Shuttle SUP Roof Rack Video
Inno Surfboard Locking Carrier
- Type: mounts on cross-bar
- Capacity: 3 shortboards, 2 longboards, 2 SUPs, 2 windsurfing boards, 1 kayak, or 1 canoe
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Fits Aero, square, round, 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
- Stainless steel straps with a rubber coating to protect boards and watercraft
- Locking cover system with keys to secure the load from tampering
- Adjustable pads
- Type: adjustable temporary foam padding with straps
- Capacity: 1-4 shortboards, 1-3 longboards, or 1-2 SUPs
- Weight: 3.31 pounds
- Fits any naked car top and those with roof rails without cross-bars
- “Lockdown” single-loop cocoon system
- Includes 1-inch foam padding that reaches around boards for rail protection and between the board and roof
- Connects through the doors or roof rails for “lockdown”
- Durable zinc-cast, plastic-coated cam buckles, and 600D polycanvas straps
- Single top load tightening point for each rack
- Carry bag for stowing when not in use
- Low-priced
Thule SUPTaxi XT Board Carrier
- Type: mounts on cross-bar
- Capacity: 2 surfboards or 2 SUPs
- Weight: 20 pounds
- Fits all Thule rack systems, round bars, most factory racks
- Speed-Link no-tools mounting system
- Telescopes for widths from 27 to 34 inches
- Stainless steel-reinforced, rubber-coated straps
- Rubber saddles
- 4 locks and lock cylinders for security
- Weather-resistant padding
- Includes board tie-down
- Strap ends conveniently stow
Thule SUPTaxi XT SUP Carrier Video
Block Surf Surfboard Roof Rack
The Block Surf Surfboard Roof Rack is a simple temporary foam-block cross-bar system for up to 3 shortboards or 2 longboards. With durable straps and ratcheting buckles it is easy to mount and load and provides a secure grip on your boards. Lightweight and the lowest-priced car rack reviewed here, it has a carry bag to store it in when not in use.
- Type: adjustable temporary foam blocks with straps
- Capacity: 1-3 short surfboards, 2 long surfboards
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Fits any naked 4-door car top
- Includes 2 foam block pads with heavy-duty straps and ratcheting, rubber-cased buckles for scratch prevention of the boards and car
- Easy and fast installation
- Carry bag for stowing when not in use
- Super low-priced
The Inno Locking Surfboard Rack is similar to the Inno Surfboard Locking Carrier reviewed above with the major difference being that this model with a maximum width of 23.5 inches is suitable only for surfboards and not SUPs and other watercraft. It is easily mounted and loaded and secured with the same basic ratcheting system and quality stainless steel rubber-coated straps. Likewise, the locking system protects against tampering when you are away from the vehicle.
- Type: mounts on cross-bar
- Capacity: 3 shortboards, 2 longboards
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Maximum surfboard width of 23.5 inches
- Fits Aero, square, round, and most factory bars
- Easy installation
- Ratcheting tension system for secure attachment with spring-loaded straps for easy loading and integrated knobs to cinch it
- Stainless steel straps with a rubber coating to protect boards and watercraft
- Locking cover system with keys to secure the load from tampering
- Rubber cushions to protect against scrapes and abrasion
Lockrack Universal Watercraft Carrier
The Lockrack Universal Watercraft Carrier has a simple design with 4 touchpoints and no straps to cut into your boards. Designed for surfboards, SUPs, kayaks, or canoes, it uses aluminum construction and a telescopic design to get the right snug fit. With adapters to fit a wide range of cross-bars, it is side-loading with arms that fold flat when not in use. In addition, it locks down with a 4-key system to protect from tampering. This versatile carrier does come with a fairly high price.
- Type: mounts on cross-bar
- Capacity: 1-2 surfboards 1-2 SUPs, a kayak, or a canoe
- Weight: 17 pounds
- Includes universal adapters to fit round, square, aero, or factory cross-bars
- Durable aluminum construction
- Arms fold flat when unloaded for an aerodynamic streamlining
- Locking design with 4 keys for security
- Sideloading that ratchets closed around the watercraft
- Telescopic design for dialing in the width
Surfboard Racks for Cars Buying Guide
Compatibility – You have to make sure your car rack matches with your car and meets your needs. How is it set up? What sort of mounting options are available – a naked roof, side rails, or side rails with cross-bars? What would you like to load – shortboards, longboards, several of them, or the option of other watercraft like SUPS, kayaks, or canoes? Clarify the answers to these questions before making your selection.
Mounting Systems – Hard versus Soft Racks
Hard Racks – These are heavier and have a more permanent design that is installed on a car’s roof rails. You must take care that the rack you choose is compatible with your rails and cross-bars. Rack manufacturers go to great lengths to describe specifically which types of rails and cross-bars match with the rack. Make sure you have a good match. In some cases adapters can be used.
Soft Racks – These are designed to fit with practically any type of car. Roof rails are not necessary. This style makes use of foam or neoprene padding and webbing to securely strap your board(s) in place. They are relatively cheaper, lightweight, and easily installed for temporary mounting.
Security – Bearing in mind that your boards are not cheap and that you may feel especially attached to or fond of them (like special friends), a lock system can be a good way to hinder any tampering or thievery when you are away from the car. Models reviewed here equipped with such locks include Lockrack Universal Watercraft Carrier, Inno Locking Surfboard Rack, Thule SUPTaxi XT Board Carrier, and Inno Surfboard Locking Carrier.
An interesting reference: Surfboard Roof Racks 101
For other related information on surfboards, SUPs, canoes, kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Surfboards Surfing Wetsuits Surfboard Travel Bags Rash Guards Men Rash Guards Women Bodyboards Skimboards SUP Roof Racks 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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The Dakine Regulator is a durable, well-padded premium travel bag. Holding up to 3 surfboards, they are well protected with 2 internal pads between the boards and 10-20mm of foam in the external materials. It has a sturdy YKK zipper with internal rail protection, and a comfortable, removable shoulder strap for easy portage. In addition, the bag has vents and the bottom is heat-reflecting to help prevent overheating and damage to the boards.
The Pro-Lite Finless Coffin a very large well-padded bag that will safely transport 3-4 surfboards securely. 10mm foam padding protects your boards along with numerous internal and external compression straps to hold them in place. Several internal and external pockets are available for fins and accessories, along with an adjustable shoulder strap and molded rubber handles head and tail for easy portage. In addition, it has a quality zipper and vents to keep your boards from overheating.
The Pro-Lite Smuggler, named for its false-bottom feature, is another high-quality surfboard travel bag that does a great job for 2-3 boards. I don’t recommend it, but you can use the false-bottom to hide the presence of one board to get a reduced airfare rate. Beyond that, it has 10mm Air Lite foam padding and durable 600D poly fabric which does a great job protecting the boards, easy two-point access for packing and unpacking, and numerous pockets to store accessories, wetsuits, straps, etc. Other features include a padded shoulder strap, rubber handle, reinforced nose and tail, and vent for airflow.
The FCS 3DxFit Day Fun Board Surfboard Bag is very lightweight at less than 4 pounds, but still has the durability to provide substantial protection for a single board on day trips or extended travel. The 3DxFit system uses 5mm high-density foam and seamless rails along with an “armadillo” strip to contour the bag to fit the shape of the board and at the same time ventilating the contents. There are several handles and a padded shoulder strap for portage and it comes in a range of sizes from 5’6” to 7’6” and in black, teal, or cool grey.
The Wave Tribe Surfboard Travel Bag is a well-padded bag that has a shell made of eco-friendly hemp or recycled nylon. Made to hold 2-3 boards safely, the body has 13mm of foam protection and the problem zones in the nose and tail have been reinforced up to 25mm. A padded board separator also adds a layer of protection between boards. It has YKK zippers that are nickel-plated and corrosion-resistant. Two interior pockets provide space for fins, wax, and leashes and there is a padded shoulder strap and carry handle for ease in portage.
This South Bay Board Company surfboard bag comes in a range of sizes from 5’ to 11’ to suit not only surfboards but also stand up paddleboards, primarily as a day bag. Constructed from durable heat, water, and UV-resistant tarpaulin and 5mm of foam insulation, it also has a sand-resistant zipper, so it can handle a lot of what the beach and transport have to dish out. Bungee tie-downs and an interior pocket are available for accessories and a comfort grab handle and padded removable shoulder strap allow for easy portage. In addition, the pricing is quite reasonable.
The Pro-Lite Rhino is a lightweight bag great for holding up to 3 boards. It has a collapsible gusset that adjusts the thickness of the bag to a fit that conforms to the size of the board(s) with an efficient Velcro closure. Constructed from 600D poly with 10mm of insulating foam it also has a reinforced nose for durability. It has numerous pockets inside and out to take care of storage needs and effective molded non-corrosive zippers with a rail guard to protect the boards and for easy opening and closing. There is also an internal divider to separate the boards and an internal vent for airflow. A molded rubber handle and padded shoulder strap make transport of this light bag a breeze.
Abahub Premium Surfboard Travel Bag is a high-quality, budget-priced travel bag great for surfboards but with a wide range of lengths, there are several also suitable for SUP. Loaded with features, the 600D PE and 10mm of foam, along with nylon reinforcement in the nose and tail provide heaps of protection. Ample storage for accessories is available in internal and external pockets and it is possible to pack your board with the fin(s) in place with a flexible tail section to accommodate. Air vents keep it aerated and cool and a wide padded shoulder strap is comfortable for portage. As mentioned, the price is very low making this bag hard to pass up.
When you select surfing as a sport or recreational activity, you count on your physical fitness and reflexes and mental make-up, as well. Perhaps equally important are the qualities of the surfboard you will use.
This Giantex 6’ Foamie soft-top surfboard is made with durable lightweight foam and has a hard, slick, responsive bottom skin that adds stiffness and speed. Suitable for kids, beginners, and casual surfers, it is very low-priced with a fairly big capacity of 200 pounds. The fins are removable making its 10 pounds more convenient to transport. It also has a traction pad and a leash that are part of the package along with a decorative, colorful design.
The SBBC 7’ Ruccus Soft Top Surfboard is a great model for beginners and for more experienced surfers who want to perfect or try out some new moves. It has a wax-free foam deck with a fingerprint texture for traction and a hard double concave HDPE bottom for enhanced control and speed. Best for beginners from 50-150 pounds and experienced surfers up to 200, this funboard will perform best on waves from 1 to 6 feet. It has a rubber tail bumper for safe vertical storage and comes with a 7-foot leash.
The SBBC 6’ Razzo is an easy-paddling, fast, high-performance shortboard. The hybrid design which includes a foam core and slip-resistant textured foam deck is extra rigid due to its bottom deck of fiberglassed bamboo. With a thicker profile, single concave bottom deck, and slight nose and tail rocker, it has great maneuverability and does well on 2 to 3-foot waves but will really excel in 4 to 7-footers. Surfers of all levels up to 220 pounds will find a lot to like with this one.
The Wave Bandit Ben Gravy Performer 6 footer is a high performance soft top shredder. With a dual composite core and slick bottom, fishtail shape, rocker, and 4.5-inch fin set, it will give you quick turns and fast releases. The 48-liter volume is high and beginners will not generate the speed to catch a lot of waves. This model also requires surf wax and you’ll have to provide your own leash but check out 
The BIC Sport Ace-Tec 7’6” Carver is lightweight, stiff, and durable with the stability of a longboard and the quick-turning performance of a shortboard. Fabricated in France using proprietary ACE-TEC technology, it is exceptionally rugged compared to earlier PU models. Versatile and suitable for a variety of wave conditions, experienced surfers will relish the capabilities and beginners will be challenged.
The A Alpenflow 8’ Soft Top has a wide stable design suitable for all levels, including beginners. It has durable construction and a scratch-resistant surface with a rounded nose, pin-tail design, double concave bottom, and 3 5-inch fins for speed and maneuverability. A traction pad for a good grip and an 8-foot leash are included with this board that can support surfers up to 230 pounds. The pricing is mid-level.
