One of the questions I hear from my SUP students all the time is, "How do you rack your paddleboard, and what kind of roof rack should I get?"
It is a good question. Buying a paddleboard is one thing. Figuring out how to safely transport a 10-, 11-, 12- or 14 foot board on your car is another.
The good news is that you have several options, from simple soft roof pads to a permanent roof rack system. The right choice depends on your vehicle, how often you paddle, how many boards you transport, and how much convenience you want.
I personally use a SeaSucker Board Rack, and for my needs, it has been a great solution because my vehicle does not have traditional roof bars.
Here are the main options I recommend considering.
1. SeaSucker: My Personal Favorite
If your vehicle does not have roof bars and you don't want to install a permanent rack system, take a look at SeaSucker.
The SeaSucker Board Rack uses powerful vacuum mounts instead of traditional roof bars. The current Board Rack has two crossbars, six 6-inch vacuum mounts, padding and straps, and is designed to carry up to two surfboards or paddleboards.
Why I like it
For me, the biggest advantage is convenience.
I don't have roof bars permanently attached to my car. When I want to paddle, I put the SeaSucker rack on the roof, secure my board and go. When I'm finished, I can remove it and put it away.
Even better, I can use the same rack on another vehicle.
That makes it especially attractive for people who:
- Don't have factory roof rails
- Don't want a permanent roof rack
- Change vehicles
- Travel with their board
- Want to use the rack on multiple cars
- Don't want a rack sitting on their vehicle all the time
SeaSucker also offers its Monkey Bars, which provide a more traditional crossbar-style setup while still using vacuum mounts.
One important thing
A vacuum-mounted rack still needs to be installed correctly. The roof surface needs to be clean and suitable for the vacuum mounts. The manufacturer recommends attaching the cups to clean, unobstructed surfaces and checking the mounts before use.
So don't just slap it on the roof and throw your board up there. Follow the manufacturer's installation instructions and inspect the mounts before every trip.
2. VAMO Universal Travel Rack Pads: Simple and Affordable
If you're looking for something more basic and don't want to invest in a full rack system, VAMO Universal Travel Rack Pads are another option.
VAMO Universal Travel Rack Pads
These are soft, padded roof carriers that strap directly to the vehicle. VAMO says the system fits most cars, vans and SUVs and can carry up to three SUPs. The current pads are 30 inches long and include heavy-duty webbing, cam buckles and straps designed to keep everything secure and reduce loose straps and flapping.
This type of system can be a good choice if you:
- Paddle occasionally
- Want something inexpensive
- Don't have roof bars
- Need something that stores easily
- Don't want to permanently modify your vehicle
The tradeoff is that a soft rack isn't as convenient or substantial as a dedicated roof rack. You'll also need to pay attention to how the straps are positioned and make sure the board is properly secured.
3. A Dedicated SUP Rack: The More Permanent Solution
If you're paddling frequently and transport your board all the time, a dedicated rack system may make more sense.
One example is the Thule SUP Taxi, which is designed specifically for transporting stand-up paddleboards. Systems like this attach to existing roof crossbars and provide a dedicated cradle for your board.
The advantage is convenience. Once your vehicle is properly equipped, loading your board becomes a much faster process.
This is the option I would consider if:
- You paddle several times a week
- You always use the same vehicle
- You transport your board long distances
- You want a more permanent setup
- You want additional security and convenience
You will first need a compatible base roof rack system on your vehicle.
4. Traditional Roof Bars + Board Pads
Another popular option is to install a traditional roof rack system such as Thule, Yakima or Rhino-Rack and then add SUP-specific padding.
This is probably the most versatile solution if you use your vehicle for lots of outdoor activities.
Once you have the crossbars installed, you can add pads designed for paddleboards, surfboards or kayaks. You can also use the crossbars for other equipment such as bikes, kayaks, cargo boxes and skis.
For example, Rhino-Rack makes universal wrap pads designed to fit many factory and aftermarket crossbars.
The downside is cost. Depending on your vehicle, you may need the towers, fitting kit and crossbars before you even get to the board pads.
Which SUP Roof Rack Is Right for You?
Here's how I would break it down:
| Your situation | What I'd consider |
|---|---|
| No roof bars and want maximum convenience | SeaSucker |
| No roof bars and want a simple budget option | VAMO soft rack |
| Paddle frequently and always use the same vehicle | Dedicated SUP rack |
| Want a versatile system for lots of outdoor gear | Thule/Yakima/Rhino-Rack + pads |
| Need to use the rack on multiple vehicles | SeaSucker |
| Transport several boards regularly | Traditional crossbars or SeaSucker system |
How Should You Position Your SUP?
Once you have your rack, there is another important question: Which way should the board face?
For most rigid SUPs, I recommend transporting the board deck side down and bottom side up, particularly when using roof bars or a dedicated rack. This helps protect the deck and allows the board to sit securely on the padded supports.
Position the board so that the rack supports are properly spaced and the board is balanced on the vehicle.
Your straps should go over the board and through the rack system, with the cam buckle positioned where it won't damage the board.
And don't crank the straps down like you're trying to crush the board. They need to be tight enough to secure the board, but excessive pressure can damage some boards.
Don't Forget the Bow and Stern
For longer drives, especially at highway speeds, I strongly recommend using bow and stern tie-downs when appropriate.
The main straps secure the board to the roof rack. Bow and stern lines provide additional stability and help prevent the board from shifting or lifting in strong airflow.
This is especially important with long SUPs because they can act like a sail when exposed to wind.
A Few SUP Transport Tips
Before you hit the road, make this part of your routine:
- Check that your rack is properly installed.
- Check the straps before every trip.
- Make sure the board is centered and balanced.
- Use padding between the board and rack.
- Don't overtighten your straps.
- Remove your fin if it could interfere with the rack or vehicle.
- Use bow and stern lines for longer trips when appropriate.
- Check your vehicle and rack manufacturer's load limits.
- Stop and recheck everything after driving a short distance.
And one more thing: don't leave your board on the roof when you don't need to.
Wind, weather and temperature can put unnecessary stress on your equipment, and there's no reason to leave your expensive SUP sitting on top of your vehicle.
So, What Would I Choose?
For someone who paddles regularly but doesn't want a permanent roof rack, SeaSucker is my personal choice.
I love that I can put it on when I need it, remove it when I don't, and use it on another vehicle. That flexibility is a big deal for me.
If you're an occasional paddler and want to keep things simple, a quality soft rack such as the VAMO can make sense.
If you're a dedicated paddler who transports boards constantly, investing in a traditional roof rack system and SUP-specific carrier may be worth the additional cost.
The important thing is not to choose a rack simply because it's the cheapest option. Choose a system that is appropriate for your vehicle, your board and the way you actually paddle.
After all, getting to the water should be the easy part. Once you've got your rack figured out, you can spend your time thinking about the paddle instead of how you're going to get the board there.
