How to Carry Surfboards on the Roof of a Car

Transporting your surfboard to or from your surf destination takes a little bit of planning and preparation in order to keep the boards, your car and other drivers safe.

Instructions

    • 1

      Clean your boards well before you get ready to put them on the roof of your car so that sand from the boards doesn't end up scratching your car's paint. Then, put each surfboard into its board bag. If you find the bags are a little low on padding, wrap the surfboards in a towel or two before putting them in the bags.

    • 2

      Place the surfboards on the roof of the car with the fins facing up. If you can't position multiple boards on the roof without the fins getting in the way then remove the fins from the surfboards before you prepare to carry the boards on your car roof.

    • 3

      Use a surfboard roof strap such as ones by WrapRax or Strapworks. Attach one end of the front straps to the front of the roof and then do the same with the back straps. Place the surfboard either on the roof or within the straps' locking system and secure the other side of the straps.

    • 4

      Make sure the straps are secure and that the boards don't catch wind as you drive.

    • 5

      Add an extra bungee or rope around the surfboards and run it through the windows if you expect to drive at high speeds or in high winds.

    • 6

      Tie a warning flag to the tail of long boards that extend significantly over the back of your car.