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So you’ve purchased a paddle board and now need to purchase the apparatus to safely transport it from one place to the other.
When looking at what carrier or car rack to purchase, you want to make sure that you are getting a product that will last a long time as well as being able to withstand the paddle board and not collapse or fall off.
With so many products available on the market, it can be confusing to figure out which carrier and car rack is the best for your paddle board. You want to make sure that it will fit the paddle board and be able to hold it securely.
That’s where we come in. We’ve selected the best of the best on the market so you can have an idea of what products to consider.
As well as paddle boards, these carriers and car racks can also hold surfboards, kayaks and canoes among other equipment so if you are a water sport enthusiast, you’ll get even more for your buck.
In this guide, we’ve selected the best sup carriers and car racks on the market as well as an exclusive Buyers Guide which tells you everything you need to know.
We will then conclude the article with an FAQ, answering those burning questions you may have. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to make a fully informed decision about what is right for you.
Don’t have time to read the full guide? Here’s our top pick:
YAKIMA – SUPDawg Rooftop Mounted Stand Up Paddleboard Rack for Vehicles
Our top pick is from Yakima and is their SUPDawg Rooftop Mounted Stand Up Paddleboard Rack for Vehicles.
It can carry up to two paddle boards and can fit the majority of models for extra convenience. This car carrier is incredibly sturdy and durable, keeping your paddle board secure and reliable for many years of use.
They come fully assembled and take around ten minutes to attach safely to your car for convenience.
What makes this our winner? If you’re wanting to invest in the most secure and best quality on the market, YAKIMA has got you covered.
The simple layout is light and isn’t heavy and yet holds your paddle board safely without any worry so you can travel with peace of mind. It can also hold two paddle boards which is great if you’re going on family vacations.
OUR TOP PICK
YAKIMA – SUPDawg Rooftop Mounted Standup Paddleboard Rack
EDITORS CHOICE
OCEANBROAD Roof Rack CargoTie Down Strap Pack
BEST VALUE
DORSAL – SUP Surf Roof Rack Tie Down Straps
OUR TOP PICK
Table of Contents
YAKIMA – SUPDawg Rooftop Mounted Stand Up Paddleboard Rack
Our first recommendation is YAKIMA’s SUPDawg Rooftop Mounted Stand Up Paddleboard Rack for Vehicles.
If you’re needing a car rack that gives the best performance whilst also providing the longevity needed for years of use.
Great for families as the car rack can hold up to two paddle boards safely and is made from sturdy materials.
It is also easy to set up as it comes fully assembled and only takes ten minutes meaning that you don’t have to worry about spending tons of time messing around trying to fit the car rack to the car.
You can get the car rack onto the car with no hassle and be on your way without worrying about the paddle boards.
With 4.8 stars from over 100 reviews, this car rack is fantastic and loved because of how easy it is to load and that it fits most crossbars and models.
The padded protection means that your car and paddle board will be safe from any scratches or other damages.
The high quality materials are the best for those who want a durable product that will last a long time meaning that you will have years of use without any damage happening to the car rack or paddle board.
Pros:
- Can hold up to two paddle boards
- Can fit the majority of paddle boards
- Made from sturdy and durable materials for extra security
Cons:
- High price point
EDITORS CHOICE
OCEANBROAD Roof Rack CargoTie Down Strap Pack
Our second pick is the OCEANBROAD Roof Rack and this is the ideal choice for families who like to engage in a variety of water activities. This can fit several boards onto your car and secure them tightly with the two straps.
The adjustability of the straps means that you can be assured that the paddle boards are secured properly. This is the best fabric alternative for those who don’t want to install a metal car rack on their car.
Made with superior strength, the straps are made with durable UV resistant polypropylene which has reinforced stitching and is secured with a heavy duty anodized zinc alloy cam buckle.
Completely versatile, this car rack also fits surfboards, canoes and kayaks as well as paddle boards and they can easily be stacked on top of each other.
With an average of 4.7 stars from over 300 reviews, this car rack is highly convenient as it comes with a drawstring carry bag so you can store the strap away neatly and they can be stored away easily without taking up too much room.
You will also have peace of mind as OCEANBROAD’s customer service team are always there to help you should you have any difficulties and are more than happy to offer replacements should you face any damage.
Pros:
- Adjustable straps made from sturdy polypropylene means you can attach the boards with peace of mind
- Can fit other boards as well as paddle boards
- Comes with a drawstring bag so they can be stored away easily
Cons:
- The straps do stretch slightly so be sure to give the straps a tug when securing the boards
BEST VALUE
DORSAL – SUP Surf Roof Rack Tie Down Straps
Our third selection is DORSAL’s SUP Roof Rack Tie Down Straps which is another fabric strap choice to help secure your boards to the roof of your car.
The set of two 15 ft straps means that you can fit several boards on top of each other which is ideal for family trips.
The straps are 1 inch in width meaning that they are really sturdy and secured with a strong corrosion proof buckle.
These straps are very compact and versatile and are great for those who want to go on lots of activity based trips without breaking the bank to find quality apparatus to travel with equipment.
With a 4.5 star average from over 500 reviews, these straps are great for those who want a product that can be set up and taken off easily.
The straps come with a carrying case meaning you can store them away easily so they won’t take up a lot of space.
Pros:
- Great price point
- Straps are made from strong corrosion proof material
- Can hold several boards
Cons:
- The very ends of the straps can fray after a while
RUNNER UP
IKURAM Kayak/Surf/Ski Roof Carrier Rack
Our penultimate pick is this IKURAM Roof Carrier Rack which is one of the most technologically advanced choices on our list.
Providing maximum protection for your paddle boards, this car rack comes with a universal and easy mounting design thanks to the heavy duty materials used in making these products.
It can handle a lot of weight meaning that if you have several boards made from heavier materials then this is definitely the car rack for you.
It can withstand boards made from any material without causing any scratches or other damage whilst travelling.
With 4.4 stars from over 800 reviews, this product is designed for years of use thanks to its high quality materials that are lightweight, durable and rust-resistant.
You can be assured that this product is waterproof and anti-corrosion for years to come meaning that you’ll save money in the long run.
The quick raise and fold design means that it can be stored away with ease for your convenience and the multiple carrying function design is hugely helpful for those who lead a busy life and don’t want to spend lots of time trying to figure out how to use it.
Pros:
- Maximum protection thanks to the sturdy materials
- Can handle a lot of weight
- Can be stored away easily for convenience
Cons:
- High price point
RUNNER UP
WOOWAVE Kayak Roof Rack
Our final selection is from WOOWAVE’s Roof Rack which again is a safe and highly durable product.
Made from grade EPE foam padded interior and UV resistant ballistic nylon cover exterior, you can be assured that this car rack is going to last many years for many trips.
An ideal pick for those who like to travel a lot to do activities. With universal and optimal features, the car rack is made with a universal design to fit the majority of vehicles as well as the majority of models of boards.
The protection and security of the product is also in mind as it comes with a lightweight design that can be compacted and easy to store for convenience.
With an average of 4.4 stars from over 500 reviews, this car rack is easy to use and can be adjusted to secure your board to give you peace of mind when you are travelling.
The waterproof polyester straps are locked by a padded metal buckle which delivers an optimal performance.
WOOWAVE also offers a one year free warranty with this item so if any damage does occur then they are more than happy to offer you a replacement.
Their customer service is also available to assist should you come across any technical difficulties.
Pros:
- Made from grade EPE foam padded interior and UV resistant ballistic nylon cover exterior
- Universal design with optimal features
- Comes with a one year free warranty
Cons:
- Does not come with instructions to set it up
Best SUP Carriers and Car Racks Buying Guide
Purchasing a carrier and car rack for your paddle needn’t be a stressful task. Hopefully looking through our recommendations will give you some idea of what is best for you.
However, you may be wanting to conduct your own research before coming to that important final decision and that’s what this section is all about.
When you’re looking for a carrier or car rack for your sup, you want to make sure that you’re thinking about the right qualities which will help you become fully informed and come up with a decision that you will feel comfortable and confident with.
This is important because purchasing a car rack that isn’t high quality is going to result in potential accident and damages, especially if it causes the paddle board to fall off the car whilst driving.
When deciding what to buy, always consider whether you want a carrier or a car rack, the material that you’re looking for, how many paddle boards you need to transport and the budget.
Once you’ve thought about all of this, you’ll be at the point where you will be making your purchase knowing that you’re going to get the most out of your paddle board.
Carrier or car rack
Firstly, think about whether you’re looking for a carrier or car rack, maybe both?
As there are so many of both on the market, it’s always best to know what you want to purchase before delving into your research.
This will save you so much time in the long run as you don’t want to be overwhelmed by items you’re not interested in.
Carriers tend to be a lot lighter as they are used by you when you carry the paddle board from the car to the water whereas a car rack is what you install onto your car to secure the paddle board while driving.
The material
Secondly, it’s all about the material of the carrier and car rack.
With a mix of fiber materials and metal, you’ll have noticed that the designs of our recommendations differ drastically.
Thinking about which one is the best for you is simple. Think about how much your paddle board weighs and how much weight the car rack and carrier can handle.
Naturally you want the former to be less than the latter so it can be secure without any risk of coming loose.
How many paddle boards are you travelling with?
Next, consider how many paddle boards you are travelling with.
There are plenty of car racks that can cater two paddle boards such as our top pick which may save you the convenience as well as money in the long run compared to taking two paddle boards via separate cars.
Being prepared and knowing how many paddle boards you’ll be travelling with the most means that you’ll be able to tailor your research accordingly without getting confused.
Budget
Lastly, the budget is the final aspect to consider. Like with paddle boards themselves, the equipment and apparatus needed for paddle boards can also vary dramatically in price depending on all of the above points.
Whether you don’t have a particular budget in mind or if you’re on a tighter budget but don’t want to compromise quality, there are plenty of options available that will see you through many years of use without damaging your paddle boards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a vehicle carrier rack?
Vehicle carrier racks are used for larger items that may not fit in your car.
When it comes to paddle boards and you’re having to drive to the water then vehicle carrier racks are a necessity as you won’t be able to fit them in your car.
Using a vehicle carrier rack ensures that you can travel from A to B with the peace of mind that your paddle board is safe and secure and there is no risk of it falling off whilst travelling.
How do you transport a sup on a roof rack?
The main rules when travelling with a sup on a roof rack is ensuring that it is parallel with your car with the widest point of the board parallel with the center crossbars of the rack.
This means that it will sit with equal weight on the roof and will be fully secure whilst travelling.
Always make sure that you follow the instructions given with your specific product as tying them in may be slightly different thanks to the differing models and materials.
How do you carry two sups in a car?
You may need to transport two sups rather than one. In this case, follow the instructions given as above and place the second sup on top of the first.
Always make sure that they are equally weighted with the widest point located at the crossbars.
Another thing to watch out for is making sure that your car carrier can cater two sups.
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