Surfboard Racks and What You Need to Know

You’ve got a mission to the coast planned with surf buddies and you’re the designated surfari driver so how are you going to get a car full of people and all the boards to the beach? Rhino-Rack make a range of rooftop surfboard carrying options for when the car is full of frothing friends and groms.

Let’s build your ultimate surfboard carrying rack system together. First thing you’re going to need is a set of Rhino-Racks. Depending on your vehicle’s roof type you have the option of which crossbar legs you want installed on your roof. To sort this out quickly go to our Fit My Vehicle section and enter your vehicle details - Fit My Vehicle.

Now that you know the leg type that has specifically been engineered for your vehicle you can decide between a Heavy Duty crossbar, a Vortex crossbar or you may have the option of a Pioneer System.

For surfboards we recommend either a Vortex bar as the aerodynamic shape fits the curve of your surfboard seamlessly or a Pioneer Tray, Pioneer Platform or Pioneer Elevation. If you’re planning more camping trips, off-roading and other adventures besides beach trips then a Pioneer System could be perfect for you. If this is only your beach buggy then the Rhino-Rack Vortex crossbars will work perfectly.

Now that you’ve made the rack decision it’s time to add the accessories that are going to keep your boards ding free and your friends happy. Rhino-Rack make a range of Wrap Pads that work for both the Pioneer Systems and the Vortex crossbars. 

Pioneer Wrap Pads can be found here - Pioneer Wrap Pads

Vortex crossbar Wrap Pads can be found here - Vortex Wrap Pads

And if you already have a set of roof racks on your car then we also make a Universal Wrap Pad that will fit any roof rack - Universal Wrap Pads

The last piece to the shredding puzzle is which length and of Rhino-Rack’s Rapid Locking Straps you’re going to need. Now ask yourself how many boards you’ll usually be transporting and select your lengths between 8.2ft/2.5m for one or two boards and up to 18ft/5.5m for the big jobs. We recommend always having some spare length just in case you need to throw additional items over your boards.

You’re now ready to hit the road knowing that your boards are going to arrive there and home safely.

If you’re like most surfers and your board is an extension of your body then you’ve always wanted a wall hanger to display your passion. Rhino-Rack has you covered with the Wall Hanging Mount which securely displays your board for all visitors to sit and admire.

Rhino-Rack’s range of straps are tough as nails and easy to use, and if you combine them with this quick guide to strapping your boards down then you’re sure to arrive safely every time.

1. The Position: Position your surfboard on one side of the roof rather than straight down the middle, so it’s easy to reach up and feel if it’s secure. Place your board with the tail at the rear of the vehicle, bottom up (with the fins pointing to the sky). If you’re stacking multiple boards, nestle the tail of each board between the fins of the board beneath it. You should have roughly an equal amount of nose and tail overhang at each end. Also, make sure your leg rope has been firmly secured around the fins, or removed completely before you take off.
2. The Strapping: Thread your first strap underneath your racks just in front of the fins, on the inside of the rack mount. Connect it over the top of the board, and tighten so the strap sits taught over the board. Secure the strap lock, and repeat the process at the front end of the board.
3. The Test: If your boards can move laterally, the straps aren’t tight enough. However, you don’t want to tighten them too much either, as the straps can crush the edge of a board if you apply too much pressure. Tighten the straps until they can’t move side to side, and leave it at that.
4. The Overhang: Simply tuck the overhang inside the car and shut the door. Make sure it’s tight to avoid annoying vibrations while you’re driving.

Now you’re ready for those lengthening Spring days and warming of the water!