Transporting your surfboard safely on a car roof rack requires the right combination of sturdy locks and tie down straps. To help you pick the best gear, we’ve summarized key products below designed specifically for surfboards, paddleboards, and other watercraft. These solutions offer protection from scratches, secure fastening during travel, and compatibility with various vehicle types.
| Product | Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Ho Stevie! Surfboard Tie Down Straps | Ho Stevie! | 15′ straps, silicone buckle covers, stackable surfboards, multi-watercraft use |
| SOARIFY Universal Soft Roof Rack | Soarify | Universal fit, complete kit with straps and ropes, heavy-duty and secure |
| Yakima SupDawg Rooftop SUP & Surfboard Mount | Yakima | Holds 2 boards, tool-free installation, integrated rollers, SKS locks |
| Hang 11 Surfboard Tie Down Straps | Hang 11 | Extra long 15′, wide 1.5″ UV resistant straps, silicone buckle covers, fast setup |
| Ho Stevie! Surfboard Car Racks with Padding | Ho Stevie! | Holds up to 3 boards, fits any vehicle, anti-slip padded system |
Ho Stevie! Surfboard Tie Down Straps for Roof Rack
Ho Stevie! offers 15-foot surfboard tie down straps designed to work with any vehicle equipped with roof racks, including cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans. The straps come with silicone buckle covers that prevent damage or scratches to both the car and the surfboard, a significant advantage over exposed-metal buckles commonly found on other brands.
These straps are ideal for tying down multiple surfboards stacked on top of each other, thanks to their length and strength. Additionally, they are versatile enough to secure other watercraft like Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs), kayaks, and canoes, making them an excellent multi-use option for water sports enthusiasts.
SOARIFY Universal Car Soft Roof Rack and Accessories
The SOARIFY soft roof rack kit fits most vehicles including cars, trucks, and SUVs, providing a universal solution for transporting surfboards, kayaks, SUPs, and canoes. This comprehensive kit includes two quick loop straps, two heavy-duty 15-foot tie-down straps, and two 15-foot tie-down ropes, ensuring reliable and secure fastening on the road.
Constructed with durable materials, the heavy-duty straps and ropes help keep your gear firmly fastened even on rough terrain or high-speed drives. This system also comes equipped with a storage bag for convenience, making it an all-in-one transport solution for water sports gear.
Yakima SupDawg Rooftop SUP & Surfboard Mount
Yakima’s SupDawg mount is a ready-to-go, fully assembled solution for transporting two SUP or surfboards up to 36 inches wide. The mounting system features integrated rollers that facilitate efficient loading, minimizing effort and potential board damage during installation.
This product also provides tool-free installation and includes bow and stern tie-downs, as well as integrated strap management for organized travel. Security is enhanced with SKS locks that protect both the mount and boards from theft, making it a solid option for convenience and security-conscious users.
Hang 11 Extra Long Silcone Buckle Tie Down Straps
The Hang 11 tie down straps are made for rock-solid security on your car roof. These straps are 15 feet long and feature extra-wide 1.5-inch UV-resistant webbing alongside silicone-covered buckles to prevent scratching and damage to your boards or vehicle.
Quick and easy to set up, these straps come with Velcro loops for securing excess length, which helps reduce noise, vibration, and wear caused by wind. They adapt to virtually any car with a roof rack and can secure multiple surfboards, kayaks, canoes, and SUPs effectively, making them a versatile and durable choice.
Ho Stevie! Surfboard Car Racks with Padding for Up to 3 Boards
The Ho Stevie! padded car rack system is designed to securely hold up to three surfboards. This soft rack installs through car doors, fitting vehicles with or without crossbars, and provides soft padding and an anti-slip base to protect boards during transport.
Equipped with max strength straps and powerful buckles, this rack system is engineered to maintain tension without loosening, even on highway drives. It is capable of working with or without surfboard bags and is suitable for a wide range of vehicle types, ensuring versatility and protection.
Buying Guide for Surfboard Locks and Roof Rack Tie Down Straps
Selecting the best surfboard lock or tie down strap for your roof rack depends on several important factors to ensure your boards stay secure and undamaged during transport.
Compatibility with Vehicle and Roof Rack Type
Check whether the product fits your specific vehicle type (car, SUV, truck, etc.) and the type of roof rack you have (crossbars, no crossbars, or soft racks). Some systems, like thru-the-door soft racks, require no factory crossbars, while strap kits typically need existing racks to secure effectively.
Durability and Material Quality
Look for heavy-duty, weather-resistant materials such as UV-resistant straps and corrosion-proof buckles. Silicone or foam padding around buckles helps prevent scratches to your vehicle and gear. Reinforced stitching adds to strap durability.
Protection Features
Products that include padded racks or silicone buckle covers provide better protection against dents and abrasions. Roller systems and soft cradles reduce the risk of pressure points on boards, particularly for longer boards like SUPs.
Security and Theft Prevention
Integrated locks (such as SKS locking systems) offer theft deterrence for high-value boards. Consider additional locking mechanisms if you will leave your boards unattended.
Ease of Use and Installation
Tool-free installation and quick setup options save time and hassle. Adjustable straps and Velcro loops to manage excess strap length enhance convenience and reduce noise.
Capacity and Versatility
Determine how many boards you typically transport and select products that accommodate your needs, including the ability to carry multiple boards or different types of gear such as kayaks and paddleboards.
By carefully considering these aspects, you can find a surfboard lock or tie down system that ensures a secure, damage-free journey from your home to the water.