Short answer: soft racks are the cheapest, easiest way to carry a board on almost any car – no roof rails needed. Board goes deck down, fins up, tail to the front of the car, strapped tight enough that the board and the car move as one.
Your three options
| Option | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Soft racks | Most people, any car with a roof, three or four boards each side | Straps settle – re-check after 10 minutes |
| Hard racks with pads | Surfing a lot, big loads, highway trips | Cost, and you need roof rails |
| Inside the car | Short trips, boards under about 7ft | Fins and rails rubbing on seats, sand everywhere |
How to fit soft racks
- Place the pads about a third in from each end of the board – usually just behind the windscreen and in front of the rear doors.
- Run the straps through the car with the doors open. Close the doors on the strap, not the buckle.
- Tighten the racks before the board goes on. They shouldn't slide.
- Board on: deck down, fins up, tail forward. Air flows over the nose instead of lifting the tail, and the fins aren't taking the weight.
- Strap over the board and tighten evenly. Firm, not crushing. Give the strap a twist so it doesn't hum at speed.
- Tie off loose ends. A flapping strap marks your paint and drives you mad.
- Push test. Shove the board forward, back and sideways. If it moves on its own, it's not tight enough.
Check the straps again after ten minutes of driving. Everything settles, especially if it's wet.
Carrying more than one board
Biggest on the bottom, smallest on top, all deck down and fins up. Put a board cover between them so the rails don't rub, and run one strap over the whole stack rather than strapping each board on its own.
My picks
Summer vibes Soft Roof Racks – Double Side ($149.99)
Both sides, fits most cars, no roof rails needed. There's a Single Side set at $99.99 if you only ever take one or two boards.
Summer vibes Tie Down Straps – XL 16ft ($45.99)
Corrosion-resistant buckles with a rubberised pad so the metal never touches your board or your paint. 16ft is the length you want for a stack. There's a 12ft at $42.99 for one to four boards. On hard racks, add Roof Rack Protection Pads from $39.99.
Summer vibes Lite Shortboard Board Cover ($89.99)
Keeps the sun, grit and strap marks off while the board's on the roof, and stops rails rubbing in a stack.
The mistakes that cost boards
- Nose pointing forward. Wind gets under the tail and lifts the board.
- Not re-checking straps after the first stretch of road.
- Fins down. The board sits on its fins and cracks the boxes.
- Racks too close together or too far apart. Aim for a third in from each end.
- Leaving a board on a hot roof for hours. Aussie sun can delaminate a board. Use a cover.
FAQ
Are soft racks safe on the highway?
Yes, fitted properly and re-checked after the first ten minutes. Millions of boards travel this way, and the failures are fitting errors, not product failures.
Deck up or deck down?
Deck down, fins up. It protects the fins and lets air flow over the board instead of lifting it.
Nose forward or back?
Nose to the back of the car, tail to the front. Better aerodynamics and more secure.
Can I carry a board on a car with no roof rails?
Yes – that's exactly what soft racks are for. The straps go through the door frames.
Can I use soft racks on a van?
Yes, but run the strap through behind the top door mechanism so the door still slides and closes normally.
How many boards on soft racks?
Three or four each side.
Do I need a board cover on the roof?
Not for safety, but it stops heat damage, road grit and strap marks. On a long or hot drive, use one.
Is it legal to have a board on the car?
No problems in Australia.
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Cheers,
Branchy
Chris “Branchy” Branch, founder of Summer vibes – 25+ years in surf hardware product development. Designed & developed on the Gold Coast, QLD.