13 Best Car Racks for Stand Up Paddleboard

We’re all about getting out in nature for some adventure, and what better way to do it than with stand up paddleboarding? But there’s one problem: you need to have a reliable way to take your SUP board with you. That’s why having the best car rack for stand up paddle board is essential. A good car rack will make transporting your SUP board safe and secure while allowing easy access for you and your family. We’ve done the legwork to bring you this comprehensive guide so that you can find the perfect car rack for your SUP board. Read on to find out what you need to consider before picking the best car rack for your SUP board and what our favorite picks are for the job.

Meanwhile, you might still want to be in style and safe during paddleboarding. So let’s see if you can find a pair of shoes for paddleboarding to complete your outfit and extras like paddle leashes for security.

Premium Stand Up Paddle Board Car Racks by Curve

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As a traveler, we think you will love the Premium Stand-Up Paddle Board Car Racks by Curve. They really make it easy to transport the boards wherever we go. First, there is a locking system ensuring the board stays secure while the car is moving. Second, find the 1″ foam padding that provides a protective cushion between the SUP boards and the roof of the vehicle. There is also soft neoprene padding lining the inside of the racks to increase the protection of the boards.

We also really like that this rack has 4 opening doors or a combination of front doors and two rear opening windows, and the very strong zinc cast plastic plated cam buckles provide ultimate tension and security. While it may take some extra time to install the shelving the first time, it’s well worth the effort. Check Curve’s official website to see the full instructions.

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StoreYourBoard SUP and Surfboard Car Rack

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Best for use on highways. If you’re a keen surfer, SUP, or longboarder, you’ll know that transporting your boards to different spots can be a hassle, especially if you don’t have an existing roof rack installed in your car. StoreYourBoard SUP and Surfboard Car Rack is the perfect solution. It’s a removable, universal car rack that fits most vehicles; whether you drive a sedan, SUV, or pickup truck, this car rack is the perfect fit.

Not only is it amazingly durable and secure, but we also love that it also has padded foam protection to keep the boards safe and scratch-free – all the way up to highway speed. So now we can transport our boards with ease wherever we choose to explore. Check StoreYourBoard’s website to see if it is your best fit too.

XCAR 2 Pairs Universal Car Racks

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Best quality. As a traveler who loves to explore waterways, these XCAR 2 Pairs Universal Car Racks are perfect. They’re made from strong, durable alloy steel and can hold up to 150 pounds. It means we can transport two paddleboards at once! The adjustable padding ensures that the kayak, standup paddleboard, or canoe is protected from any damage during transportation.

“We were looking for universal car racks for exploring on the water, and we’re very happy with the XCAR ones. They hold up well on the water and are durable as well.”

WOW Travel

The wide-mouth J-bar makes for easier loading and unloading. One person can even do this. The universal compatibility with most crossbars is ideal, so it fits whatever type of car. The setup is easy and comes with tie-down straps for extra security. This is one of the must-have car racks for stand-up paddle boards for anyone looking to transport their kayak, canoe, surfboard, ski board, Snow Board, and SUP.

Arya Life 28″ Aero Car Roof Rack

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Securing boards to the vehicle has always been a challenge, especially if you are a frequent traveler. But we are lucky to find the Arya Life 28” Aero Car Roof Rack as an effective solution for that need. The pads in this rack are soft, durable, and waterproof, which we think is the perfect accommodation for surfboards, SUP paddleboards, snowboards, and kayaks. The universal design of the pads is ideal for fitting nearly any vehicle, and the 28-inch pads are great for long-term drives.

The heavy-duty velcro ensures a secure hold on the crossbar, while the foam padding and waterproof sleeve ensure the boards don’t get damaged during the drive. No one wants that! The pads’ UV, water, and abrasion resistance is a huge bonus, and we are glad that we don’t have to worry about them getting weak over time, just like how it’s stated on the official website. All we have to do is hook and loop the rack for the boards, and we are all set. This is one of our highly recommended car racks for stand-up paddle boards.

Leader Accessories Folding Kayak Rack

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Leader Accessories Folding Kayak Rack is an essential part of travel gear! It’s made from high-grade steel alloy tubing, which is powder-coated for extra protection against rust and wear and tear. The racks are widened for extra strength – they can hold up to 150 lbs. Loads of safety insurances are included, too; ergonomic quick-release design, foam padding, rubber pedal, and more, so we can rest assured our equipment is secure and not getting scratched.

Please note that it can fit with most crossbars except round ones. And it can be easily folded away when not in use. So we don’t need to be confused about where to place it. This car roof rack is the perfect companion for canoes, kayaks, surfboards, and SUPs- it even comes with four tie-down straps too. This is definitely a must-have for any travels out there!

PaddleSports+ Roof Rack Sets

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Best ease of installation. No kidding! With PaddleSports+ Roof Rack Sets, we are ready to explore the world without worrying about how to transport our boards. Be it kayak, canoe, surfboard, or SUP. We trust that the universal fit will be compatible with most crossbars, and the racks themselves are padded for additional protection.

Set up is a breeze, including all the pieces with an easy-to-follow instruction manual. We know that we can easily store one kayak up to 36′ wide and 75 lbs with this complete set. Ready to hit the waves or take on rapids? PaddleSports+ Roof Rack Sets has prepared for the journey. All you need is to assemble the racks, put down your board and go.

Kitoolbase Soft Roof Rack Pads

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The Kitoolbase Soft Roof Rack Pads is a reliable and fast option for transporting items and equipment on trips. This universal car rack is easy to install and compatible with most cars, so no more worrying if it will fit on the car when needed. The thick EPE foam pad helps protect the load, while the solid anti-slip mat ensures the rack remains locked in place for a secure hold. That sounds like a good feature for a car rack for a stand-up paddle board!

As described on the Kitoolbase’s website, the soft surf racks for cars come with two 15ft Bow and Stern lines, which help ensure that the load is tightly secured and ready for transport. And with the foldable design, once you are done, you can un-strap, clean, and store it in the attached storage bag for next time. We found this car rack is so helpful to keep the car and gear safe while exploring our wildest adventures.

IKURAM R Roof Carrier Rack of J-Style Folding Universal Field & Stream 4-in-1 Multifunction

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The IKURAM R Roof Carrier Rack of J-Style Folding Universal Field & Stream 4-in-1 Multifunction is the perfect carrier to make trips smoother and safer. We have good reason to say that. First, with its high-quality anodized Aviation Grade Aluminum Alloys and padded, oversized rubber saddles, we definitely will know that the boards won’t get damaged while transporting. They are safe and well-guarded.

What we like no less is assembly and transfer to another vehicle only takes minutes, and no extra tools are needed. Sometimes this is what we need the most when we are busy or just lazy. The added bonus of two Native Paddle Holders ensures there will be no trouble positioning the paddles without worrying about them getting misplaced. Is this the perfect roof rack for your board trips? Watch this Youtube video to know how to use the car rack.

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AQUARM Deluxe Upgrade Universal Car Soft Roof Rack

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AQUARM Deluxe Upgrade Universal Car Soft Roof Rack is the perfect combination of comfort and convenience. It’s made from durable EVA foam and comes with a UV-resistant ballistic nylon cover. It offers an 8ft long and 1in the wide tie-down strap with a metal clamp and 1200 lbs breaking strength, so it helps secure any goods on the roof. It’s such a perfect accessory for adventurous travelers!

It’s incredibly easy to set up with no tools required; just use the magic hands. With its universal fit, it’s the perfect fit for most vehicles – like sedans, SUVs, and MPVs – and can transport any number of goods, such as kayaks, standup paddle boards, ladders, or furniture. And, with two red tie-down ropes, the cargo will be extra secure. Finally, the carabiner and quick-loop straps make it even easier to connect all the pieces.

Codinter Car Racks for 2

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With this amazing car roof rack, you can experience the outdoors stress-free and with all the adventure your heart desires. Codinter Car Racks for 2 pass our selection if you are looking for a great car rack for stand-up paddle board. Let’s talk about its best features. With 25mm OD Aluminum powder-coated racks, your boards are securely attached with cradles that provide additional support and padding for better protection. It means we can enjoy a worry-free trip!

Also, the car rack’s versatile 0-180 degree adjustable angle allows you to fit any watercraft with the same hardware, like canoes, standup paddleboards, and surfboards. The carrier gives you two lengths of stainless steel carriage bolts for safely attaching each side cradle, and it has a reliable capacity of up to 75 kg/165 lbs. and is 42″ wide. If your luggage meets these requirements, like if you want to bring your portable beach chair or any gear, don’t think twice about choosing this rack.

Mrhardware 2 Pairs Heavy Duty Rack

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We recently bought the Mrhardware 2 Pairs Heavy Duty Rack for our car, and it’s amazing! The steel design is super sturdy, and the adjustable padding securely holds our board. The Wide mouth J bar makes it so easy to load and unload – a lot easier than our old rack! The quick on/off hardware ensures quick installation and removal. The J-style carrier also leaves plenty of roof space.

We think this shelf will also last a long time. It is thanks to the rust-resistant coating and hardware. We personally think that the Mounting hardware design with 2 PCS and an EVA sticker can protect the car bar and is so useful. The ratchet rope for tie-down straps also has a 600lb break strength for secure carrying. We are impressed with this rack and highly recommend it to those needing safe and secure transport. We also watched this Youtube review, and it helps a lot!

COR Surf Universal SUP Surf Rack for Cars

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Best value for money. There are several reasons why COR Surf’s Universal SUP Surf Rack is an essential piece of equipment if you want to carry your board safely in the car without breaking the bank. After learning about the product on their official website, we think it will be easy to install and fits most cars and SUV’s without gutters or side rails. Oh, it is made with premium weather and UV-resistant fabric. You’ll love it! With a carrying case and corrosion-resistant components, you can trust this car rack to keep the boards safe without scratching the vehicle.

With the silicone covers for the cam buckles, you will never have to worry about damaging your car. Whether you are headed to the beach with a SUP or a kayak, this is one of the best car racks for stand-up paddle boards for any traveler’s car ride.

Ediors Folding Car Roof Racks

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We highly recommend this Ediors Folding Car Roof Racks for a hassle-free kayak-transportation experience. It can easily fold flat when not in use which is great because it reduces wind resistance and helps lower the car height whenever you drive into the garage. It is designed to fit most vehicles and roof crossbars, such as oval bars/square bars and factory crossbars, which is perfect for cars like Subaru.

The rack is made of a 1.5mm thick and 1.18″ diameter steel tube, providing strong and sturdy support for boards or kayaks. It also comes with four adjustable tie-down straps that ensure double security for transportation. It can hold up to two kayaks, canoes, ski boards, surfboards, or SUPs. We also appreciated the foam pad on the bars and rubber base that prevents scratches whenever we attach the boards to the rooftop.

Our Verdict!

Choosing 13 of hundreds of car racks for stand-up paddle boards is indeed challenging. Then, how can I get the best out of my choice? Here are some that were selected more strictly.

• Best value for money: COR Surf Universal SUP Surf Rack for Cars
• Best quality: XCAR 2 Pairs Universal Car Racks
• Best ease of installation: PaddleSports+ Roof Rack Sets
• Best for use on highways: StoreYourBoard SUP and Surfboard Car Rack

How To Choose The Best Car Racks for Stand Up Paddle Board

For safety and comfort when driving with a stand-up paddle board, you must be able to choose the right car rack. Don’t worry; I’ll give you the best tips.

Know what you need

Before we purchased a car rack, we determined our specific needs. So, we considered the activities that we’d be using the rack for, the number of boards we’ll be transporting, our budget, and the space available in our car.

Select a Fit

We considered the size and type of car rack we needed based on our needs and the size of our boards. You also should make sure the racks accommodate your make and model of car, as some require a specialty fit.

Consider Load Capacity

We always considered the load capacity of the car rack, which indicates the total weight of boards and gear it can safely hold. Some racks, such as U bolts and soft roof racks, can only support smaller SUPs.

Choose Quality

Finally, we aimed for quality materials and construction when choosing a car rack for our stand-up paddleboard. You’ll need to look for features like a full frame, foam padding, nonslip materials, and lockable straps to ensure your boards stay secure.

How do you carry a SUP in a car?

When carrying a SUP (stand-up paddle board) in a car, you’ll need a few things. Firstly, you’ll need some form of rack to strap it to, such as crossbars. This can be either a fixed or a temporary rack system that clamps to your roof. You then need a SUP-specific roof rack, which is designed to give your board stability on the car while driving. Next, you’ll need straps to secure the board onto the car. These should be of good quality and strong enough to bind the board securely. Once strapped in, use a bungee cord to secure the board from front to back, ensuring no knocking or movement in transit. Finally, check the straps for any wear or tear, and adjust if necessary to ensure the board is being held firmly in place. By following these steps, you’ll be able to carry a SUP in a car safely.

How do you strap a paddleboard to a car rack?

First, attach the rack to the roof of the car. Depending on your vehicle, you may need special hardware or tools to securely attach the rack to the car roof. Next, adjust the straps so that they fit securely around your paddleboard and will not slip off. Place the paddleboard onto the roof rack and fasten the straps around the nose and tail of the board, being sure to use the same amount of tension on each strap. Secure the straps to the rack with a locking mechanism, such as a cam buckle. Test the straps’ tension to ensure that they are tight and will not come undone while driving. Finally, if necessary, use a board pad to protect the board from scratches due to contact with the car rack.

Can I strap an inflatable paddle board to my car?

Yes, you can strap an inflatable paddle board to your car. You will need the appropriate straps, preferably ones specifically designed to carry an inflatable board. To transport your board from place to place, all you need to do is inflate it, place it on top of your car, and then secure it in place with the straps. Use as many straps as you need to ensure the board is securely fastened to the car. Make sure you check the straps every few miles before and during your drive to ensure that nothing is loose or slipping. The board should be placed in the center of the car to ensure balance, as having a board in the wrong place could cause unbalance and unsafe driving. Never leave your paddle board unattended while it’s strapped to the car, and make sure to remove it as soon as you reach your destination.