Surfing is a popular water sport that requires proper equipment to enjoy. One essential piece of equipment is a surfboard roof rack, which allows surfers to transport their boards safely to the beach. Surfboard roof racks come in different shapes and sizes, and some are designed for specific types of vehicles.

When choosing the best surfboard roof rack, several critical factors must be considered. The first is your vehicle type, as not all roof racks are compatible with all cars. The second is the number of surfboards you want to transport, as some roof racks can hold multiple boards while others are designed for a single board. Finally, the material and build quality of the roof rack are also essential, as they determine the durability and safety of the rack.

We spent hours researching and testing different surfboard roof racks to identify the ones that are the best for surfers. In this article, we’ll share our top picks and provide a detailed review of each one. Whether you have a small car or a large SUV, we’ve got you covered with our top choices for the best surfboard roof racks.

Best Surfboard Roof Rack

Looking for a reliable and sturdy surfboard roof rack for your next surfing adventure? We’ve got you covered. Our team has scoured the market and tested various surfboard roof racks to bring you the top picks. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, our list includes options that cater to all needs and budgets. So, without further ado, here are the best surfboard roof racks that will keep your boards safe and secure during transport.

INNO Racks – Locking Surfboard Roof Rack(US $199)

If you’re looking for a reliable and secure way to transport your surfboards on your car, the INNO Racks INA744 Locking Surfboard Roof Rack is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Holds up to 3 shortboards or 2 longboards
• Floating strap system for easy loading
• Ratcheting mechanism for secure tightening

Cons

• May require longer bolts for larger factory crossbars
• Straps may need readjustment during transport
• Price may be a bit high for some budgets

We recently used this surfboard roof rack on a weekend trip to the beach and were impressed with how well it performed. The ratcheting mechanism made it easy to securely tighten the straps around our boards, and the floating strap system made loading and unloading a breeze. Plus, the included locks and keys provided added security for our boards.

One thing to note is that for larger factory crossbars, you may need to purchase the INNO Racks ISF711 Long Bolt Adapter Kit for a secure fit. Additionally, we did notice that the straps seemed to loosen a bit during transport and needed to be readjusted a couple of times.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the INNO Racks INA744 Locking Surfboard Roof Rack for anyone looking for a reliable and secure way to transport their surfboards on their car.

INNO Surf-Wind-Long Board Locking Roof Carrier w/Board Pads (US $204)

If you’re looking for a versatile and secure way to transport your water sports gear on the roof of your car, the INNO INA446 Surf-Wind-Long Board Locking Roof Carrier with Board Pads is a great option.

Pros

• Versatile – supports kayaks, canoes, and wind/paddle/sail/SUP/long and short boards
• Protection – rubber coating on the straps and adjustable corner pads help protect your boat and boards from scratches and scuffs during transport
• Easy loading – loading and unloading your boats and boards is easy with the floating strap system that keeps the buckles elevated

Cons

• Limited carrying capacity – can only carry 1 canoe or kayak; 2 stand-up paddleboards; 3 short boards; 2 windsurf boards; or 2 longboards
• Long bolt kit required for larger factory crossbars
• Some users reported difficulty with the locking mechanism

We recently used the INNO INA446 Surf-Wind-Long Board Locking Roof Carrier with Board Pads to transport our SUP and windsurf boards on a road trip. We were impressed with how easy it was to load and secure our gear, and appreciated the added protection provided by the rubber coating and adjustable corner pads. The floating strap system also made it easy to adjust the straps and keep them out of the way while loading and unloading.

However, we did notice that the carrying capacity was somewhat limited, and we had to leave some of our gear behind on certain trips. Additionally, we did need to purchase the long bolt kit separately to fit our larger factory crossbars, which was an added expense. Finally, we did experience some difficulty with the locking mechanism, which required some extra effort to secure properly.

Overall, we would recommend the INNO INA446 Surf-Wind-Long Board Locking Roof Carrier with Board Pads to anyone looking for a versatile and secure way to transport their water sports gear on the roof of their car.

Ho Stevie! Surfboard Car Roof Rack Padded System (US $49)

If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable surfboard roof rack, the Ho Stevie! Surfboard Car Roof Rack Padded System is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Holds up to 3 surfboards securely with or without surfboard bags or socks.
• Fits any vehicle – 2 door or 4 door, and the soft padding protects your car from damage.
• Comes with silicone buckle covers that protect your car and surfboard from metal buckles.

Cons

• May produce some noise when driving over 60 mph.
• Buckles may be a bit flimsy.
• No instructions included.

We recently used the Ho Stevie! Surfboard Car Roof Rack Padded System on a road trip to the coast and it worked perfectly. The soft padding protected our car from any scratches and the silicone buckle covers were a nice touch. We were able to fit 2 surfboards on the rack without any issues.

One thing to note is that the buckles may be a bit flimsy, but they still held the surfboards securely. We did notice some noise when driving over 60 mph, but it wasn’t anything too distracting.

Overall, the Ho Stevie! Surfboard Car Roof Rack Padded System is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable surfboard roof rack. Plus, with their 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can’t go wrong.

Golkcurx Universal Soft Roof Rack Pads (US $49)

If you’re in the market for a soft roof rack that can handle a variety of outdoor gear, the Golkcurx Universal Soft Roof Rack Pads might be just what you need.

Pros

• Easy to install without tools
• Fits most cars without side rails or cars with side rails but there is more than 1 inch gap between car top and side rails
• Built-in non-slip mat protects your car roof surface from getting scratched and fix tightly to reduce wind noise

Cons

• Some dimensions were slightly off
• No instructions included
• May not hold more than 1-3 shortboards/ 1-2 longboards or kayaks depending on size

We recently tested out the Golkcurx Universal Soft Roof Rack Pads and were impressed by how easy they were to install. The soft rack set comes with all the attachments and straps necessary for attaching the pads to your car’s roof and holding the load in place. The 2 * 15ft tie-down adjustable straps with padded cam locks provide secure gripping for your load, while the 2 * 15ft bow & stern tie-down rope ensure that your long-loads are safely secured to the front and back of your vehicle. With such 4 ultra-long straps, it holds up to 1-3 shortboards/ 1-2 longboards or kayaks depending on size.

We also appreciated the built-in non-slip mat that protects your car roof surface from getting scratched and fix tightly to reduce wind noise. The top-grade EVA foam padding provides a soft landing for your loads and effectively reduces vibration during transportation. Putting a twist in the straps will help to reduce wind noise.

However, we did notice that some dimensions were slightly off and there were no instructions included. Additionally, the rack may not hold more than 1-3 shortboards/ 1-2 longboards or kayaks depending on size.

Overall, if you’re looking for an easy-to-install soft roof rack that can handle a variety of outdoor gear, the Golkcurx Universal Soft Roof Rack Pads are a solid choice.

HEYTRIP Roof Rack Pads (US $57)

If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use roof rack pad for your kayak, surfboard, SUP, or canoe, the HEYTRIP Roof Rack Pads might be a great option for you.

Pros

• The non-slip mat inside the pads provides a secure grip on the crossbar, while the adjustable buckle straps double secure the pad, ensuring your load stays in place even on bumpy roads.
• The 30-inch wide pads offer full protection for your crossbar and your gear, preventing scratches and damage during transportation.
• The set comes with all the accessories you need to attach the pads to the crossbar, and the foldable design makes it easy to store the pads in the included storage bag when not in use.

Cons

• Some users have reported wind noise and vibration from the tie-down straps, which can be annoying during long drives.
• The pads might not fit all types of crossbars, so make sure to check the specifications before purchasing.
• While the pads can hold up to 1-3 shortboards or 1-2 longboards, depending on size, they might not be suitable for heavier or bulkier loads.

We recently tested the HEYTRIP Roof Rack Pads on a road trip to the beach, and we were impressed with their performance. The pads were easy to install and adjust, and they held our surfboard securely on the roof of our SUV. We appreciated the non-slip mat inside the pads, which prevented any sliding or movement of the surfboard during transportation. The adjustable buckle straps were also a nice touch, as they allowed us to tighten the pads around the crossbar for an extra secure fit.

The 30-inch wide pads provided full protection for our crossbar and our surfboard, and we didn’t notice any scratches or damage after several hours of driving. The set also came with two 15ft tie-down adjustable straps with padded cam locks, which provided secure gripping for our load, and two 15ft bow & stern tie-down ropes, which ensured our surfboard was safely secured to the front and back of our vehicle.

Overall, we would recommend the HEYTRIP Roof Rack Pads to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable roof rack pad for their kayak, surfboard, SUP, or canoe. Just make sure to check the specifications and the fit of your crossbar before purchasing, and be aware of the potential wind noise and vibration from the tie-down straps.

RoofPax Universal Roof Rack Soft Pads and Pull Straps for Cross Bars (US $39)

If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile roof rack pad, the RoofPax Universal Roof Rack Soft Pads and Easy Pull Straps for Cross Bars is the perfect accessory for your surfboards, kayaks, and other gear. It’s made of durable and weather-resistant materials, ensuring that your gear stays secure and undamaged during transport.

Pros

• The soft roof rack pads provide ultimate cargo protection and shield your gear and cross bars from scratches.
• Heavy-duty and high-quality straps ensure a secure hold, keeping cargo intact even on bumpy roads.
• The roof rack pad is easy to set up and adjust, making installation and adjustment a breeze.

Cons

• The load capacity of 140 pounds may not be enough to accommodate larger gear.
• The product manual does not provide all the necessary information, which can lead to confusion during installation.
• The product may not be compatible with all types of crossbars.

We recently used the RoofPax Universal Roof Rack Soft Pads and Easy Pull Straps for Cross Bars on a surf trip, and we were impressed with its performance. The soft roof rack pads provided excellent protection for our surfboards, and the heavy-duty straps kept our gear secure during transport. We also appreciated how easy it was to set up and adjust, which saved us time and hassle.

The only downside we found was that the load capacity of 140 pounds may not be enough to accommodate larger gear, such as multiple surfboards or kayaks. Additionally, the product manual did not provide all the necessary information, which led to some confusion during installation. However, these issues did not detract from the overall performance of the product.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use roof rack pad for your surfboards, kayaks, and other gear, the RoofPax Universal Roof Rack Soft Pads and Easy Pull Straps for Cross Bars is an excellent choice. Its durable and weather-resistant materials, ultimate cargo protection, and secure and stable hold make it a must-have accessory for any surf or kayak enthusiast.

Block Surf – Wrap Rax Pro Soft Roof Racks (US $39)

We highly recommend the Block Surf – Wrap Rax Pro Soft Roof Racks for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable option to transport their surfboards.

Pros

• The heavy-duty nylon webbing straps and rubber nonskid foam pads securely hold 1-3 shortboards, or 2 longboards on top of any vehicle, making it a versatile option for surfers with different board sizes.
• The corrosion-resistant protective covered buckles with silicone casings protect against saltwater and all weather conditions, which extends the life of the racks for many years of use.
• The universal fit for cars, trucks, and SUVs makes it easy to use no matter what type of vehicle you drive, and there’s no need for roof bars or gutters.

Cons

• It takes some trial and error to get the racks set up properly, but once you figure it out, they work great.
• The straps can make some noise when driving at high speeds, but it’s not a major issue.
• It may not fit all types of vehicles, so be sure to check the instructions for compatibility before purchasing.

We found the Block Surf – Wrap Rax Pro Soft Roof Racks to be a reliable and affordable option for transporting our surfboards. The heavy-duty nylon webbing straps and rubber nonskid foam pads held our boards securely in place, and the corrosion-resistant protective covered buckles with silicone casings kept them safe from saltwater and all weather conditions. The universal fit for cars, trucks, and SUVs made it easy to use, and there was no need for roof bars or gutters. While it took some trial and error to get the racks set up properly, once we figured it out, they worked great. The only minor issue was some noise from the straps when driving at high speeds, but it wasn’t a major problem. Overall, we highly recommend the Block Surf – Wrap Rax Pro Soft Roof Racks for surfers looking for a reliable and affordable option to transport their boards.

KITOOLBASE Soft Roof Rack Pads (US $49)

If you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-install roof rack system for transporting your sports and leisure equipment, the KITOOLBASE Soft Roof Rack Pads might be a good choice for you.

Pros

• Provides extra space for transporting bulky items and large furniture
• Fits a wide range of cars, including those without side rails or gutters
• Reduces noise and vibration during transportation

Cons

• No installation instructions included
• Buckles may scratch your car’s paint when tightening the straps
• Some users found it hard to install

We recently tested the KITOOLBASE Soft Roof Rack Pads and were pleasantly surprised by how easy they were to use. The foam pads with fixed straps and adjustable roof rack straps with cam locks provided a secure grip for our load, and the two tie-down straps fixed on the foam pads helped keep everything in place. We also appreciated the extra-long 2 x 15ft Bow and Stern lines, which helped ensure that our load was tightly and safely secured to both the universal car roof rack and our vehicle.

One of the best things about this soft roof rack system is its versatility. It’s suitable for almost any type of vehicle, including 2-door, 3-door, 4-door, and 5-door sedans and SUV models. We tested it on several car brands, including FORD HONDA, HYUNDAI, CHEVROLET, JEEP, MAZDA, TOYOTA, VW, and had no issues with compatibility.

Another advantage of the KITOOLBASE Soft Roof Rack Pads is that they’re foldable and easy to store when not in use. The included storage bag makes it convenient to keep everything together and ready to use whenever you need it.

However, we did have a few minor complaints about this product. First, there were no installation instructions included, which made it a bit challenging to figure out how to use it correctly. Second, the buckles on the straps may scratch your car’s paint when tightening them, so you need to be careful. Finally, some users found it hard to install and had to spend some time figuring out how to do it correctly.

Overall, we think the KITOOLBASE Soft Roof Rack Pads are a good value for the price, and we would recommend them to anyone looking for an affordable and easy-to-use roof rack system for transporting their sports and leisure equipment.

Zone Tech Soft Roof Rack Pads Heavy Duty (US $37)

If you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use roof rack for your surfboard, kayak, or other outdoor gear, the Zone Tech Soft Roof Rack Pads Heavy Duty might be the perfect option for you.

Pros

• The Zone Tech Soft Roof Rack Pads Heavy Duty are constructed with top-grade 1680D nylon and high-density EVA interior core, making them rigid, durable, and long-lasting.
• The heavy-duty buckles tighten the straps and lock them into place for highway speeds, ensuring that your gear stays securely in place during transit.
• The Zone Tech Soft Roof Rack Pads Heavy Duty are designed to fit any vehicle with 4 doors, making them a versatile and convenient option for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

Cons

• Some customers have reported that the quick loop straps fell apart while driving on the highway, which could be a safety concern.
• The cinch that holds the unit on the roof doesn’t get tight enough, which can cause the rack to shift or move during transit.
• The straps that come with the rack may be prone to dry rotting and breaking over time, which could result in damage to your gear or vehicle.

Overall, we think the Zone Tech Soft Roof Rack Pads Heavy Duty are a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable and easy-to-use roof rack for their outdoor gear. While there are some potential downsides to this product, we believe that the pros outweigh the cons and that it’s a great option for anyone who wants to transport their surfboard, kayak, or other gear safely and securely.

SEAH HARDWARE Universal Soft Roof Rack Pads (US $49)

If you are looking for a versatile and easy-to-use roof rack for your outdoor gear, the SEAH HARDWARE Universal Soft Roof Rack Pads might be a great option for you.

Pros

• The rack fits both vehicles with and without side rails, making it a universal fit for most cars.
• The heavy-duty capacity of 175 lbs and top-grade EVA foam ensure your gear is safely secured during transport.
• The rack is easy to install and disassemble in minutes, with no tools required.

Cons

• Some users reported whistling noise while driving, which can be a bit annoying.
• The felt socks on the rack pads tend to come off easily, which can be a minor inconvenience.
• The rack might not be the best option for very long loads, as the straps are only 15ft long.

We recently used the SEAH HARDWARE Universal Soft Roof Rack Pads to transport our kayaks and surfboards on a weekend getaway, and we were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to set up and use. The rack comes with all the attachments and straps necessary, and we didn’t need any tools to install it on our car. The built-in non-slip mat also protected our car roof surface from scratches.

The heavy-duty capacity of the rack was impressive, and we felt confident that our gear was safely secured during transport. The 1100 LB break strength buckle tie-down and reflection buckle tie-down were easy to use and provided additional safety. However, we did experience some whistling noise while driving, which was a bit annoying but not a deal-breaker.

Overall, we think the SEAH HARDWARE Universal Soft Roof Rack Pads are a great option for anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use roof rack for their outdoor gear. The rack is also easy to store, thanks to its foldable design and storage bag.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a surfboard roof rack, there are a few key factors to consider. We’ve put together a guide to help you choose the best product for your needs.

Type of Rack

The first thing to consider is the type of rack you need. There are two main types: soft racks and hard racks. Soft racks are made of fabric and can be easily attached to your car’s roof. Hard racks, on the other hand, are made of metal and require installation onto your car’s roof. Soft racks are generally more affordable and easier to use, while hard racks are more durable and secure.

Compatibility

It’s important to make sure that the surfboard roof rack you choose is compatible with your car. Some racks are designed to fit specific car models, while others are more universal. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure that the rack will fit your car properly.

Capacity

Consider how many surfboards you need to transport and choose a rack with the appropriate capacity. Racks typically range from carrying one to six surfboards. Keep in mind that larger racks may require more installation and may be more difficult to use.

Materials

Look for a rack that is made of high-quality materials, such as aluminum or stainless steel. These materials are durable and will hold up well over time, even with exposure to saltwater and other harsh conditions.

Features

Finally, consider any additional features that may be important to you. Some racks come with locking systems to prevent theft, while others have adjustable straps for a more secure fit. Look for features that will make your life easier and ensure that your surfboards are safe and secure during transport.