Paddle Board Transport: The Best Ways To Move Your Board
Paddle Board Transport, moving it without damaging It
No matter how strong you are, at 3 feet wide, 12 feet long and about 35 pounds, paddle boards can be tricky when traveling with them. So, if you were wondering how to transport a paddle board on your next vacation, I have you covered.
In this piece, weβll be talking all about paddle board transport, so you look like a pro next time you hit the beach. By the end of it, you will know:
How to transport a paddle board
How to put a SUP on a vehicle properly
How to strap down a SUP board
Firstly, itβs important to know that this does not apply if you have a paddle board that inflates. In that case, you can just carry it in its designated backpack and inflate it right on the spot.
Whether on a vehicle or under your arm, it can be awkward to transport paddle board if you donβt know how to.
First off, when carrying it in your arms, you should go for the handle located at the center of the board. Look for this handle and position it on the outside of your body so that you can grab the board and place it tightly near your body while gripping the handle.
Here are some practical tips:
Position the board on the side, so its nose faces forward, with the base of the board next to you.
Reach over the top edge of the board to grab the carry handle and lift.
Remember to protect your back so that you bend your knees and keep your back straight when lifting your SUP.
If the board is too heavy, use a cart with wheels until you build up to it.
DORSAL Wrap-Rax Surfboard Roof Rack, Universal Fit for Cars and SUVs
IKURAM R Kayak/Surf/Ski Roof Carrier Rack of J-Style Folding Universal Field & Stream 3-in-1 Multifunction for Canoe, SUP, Kayaks, Surfboard and Ski Board...
Your paddle board transport depends on the type of vehicle you have. If you drive a truck, you can put the board deck-side down in the bed with the nose supported by the tailgate. So, you donβt have to worry about straps and about putting the board on your roof.
However, for those who own sedans, station wagons and vans, letβs talk about how to transport a paddle board on the roof without damaging it or the car.
Things you will need to transport a SUP on your carβs roof securely:
Crossbars There are crossbars that you can install on the top of your carβs factory-installed bars situated in front to back.
Rack padding There are specially designed racks with padding that can be attached across your crossbars that will save the SUP from additional damages like scratches. For this, you can also use basic foam blocks or padding.
Cam straps With cam straps, you can hold your SUP down securely. For one board, two straps of 12+ feet are needed.
Bow and stern lines You can either use a nonstretch, water-resistant rope or special ratcheting lines. With the lines, you need one for the bow and one for the stern.
I would recommend having someone help you with the lifting and getting your board onto the racks/crossbars because thatβs the trickiest part. So, if you have someone, basically, itβs all about each one of you lifting one end of the board and placing it deck-down on the rack. It should have its fins toward the front of the car.
Your paddle (if adjustable) can go in your car. But if it doesnβt fit, then you can attach an additional holder designed for paddles only.
Place the longest SUP on the vehicle first. Then, as you put the other shorter SUPs, put padding between them to prevent scratches.
If you have a truck and your SUP fits inside instead of on the roof, then pad your truckβs tailgate. Also, secure the board in the bed, so it doesnβt move around while driving. Put a red flag at the end of the board to warn other drivers of its length if your board is too long.
Vamo Premium 'No Scratch' Silicone Buckle Surf or SUP Tie Down Straps for Surfboards, Paddle Boards, Kayaks and Canoes (Two Pack)
If, during your paddle board transport, you are using a rack that had been designed to carry a SUP, then itβs easy. You can simply cinch down the built-in straps, and you are good to go!
If you are using foam blocks or padding, then just tie down your SUP with two cam straps. How to do it? Easy. Hereβs how:
Position your SUP, so it is running parallel with the car and with the widest point of the board between the crossbars of your rack.
Take a cam strap and position the buckle, so it is resting on top of the board and near the edge. It should be close to one of the crossbars. Toss the other end of the strap over your SUP.
Walk around to the other side of your vehicle and grab the strap and loop it underneaththecrossbar then toss it back over your board. Make sure the strap is to the inside of where the crossbar attaches to the vehicle. This will prevent the strap from slipping off the end of the crossbar.
Walk back around your vehicle and loop the strap underneath the crossbar, then up into the cam buckle and cinch it down. Again, make sure the strap is to the inside of where the crossbar attaches to the vehicle.
Repeat with the other strap on the other crossbar.
Tighten both straps until snug, but not overtight. Too much tension can deform a SUP.
Tie off the loose ends of the straps just below the cam buckles, then tie any remaining slack to the crossbars. This backs up the cam buckles and prevents the slack from flapping around while youβre driving.
In the end, grab hold of either end of the SUP and shake it from side to side to make sure it is secure.
However, with the bow and stern straps, I would recommend using stern lines in addition to the cam straps. This is just to be safe in case there is wind, or you have a really long SUP. Also, do not worry about installing ratcheting bow and stern lines. This is how you do it easily:
Hook the end of the line with the ratchet to a secure point on the tail of the SUP, such as the leash loop.
Attach the other end of the line to a secure point on your vehicle, such as a tow hook. If you donβt have a stable spot, you can install a hood loop strap to create one. Never attach the tie-down straps to plastic parts on your car.
Pull the free end of the line down to tighten the line until snug. Be careful not to overtighten.
Tie off the loose end of the line just below the ratchet.
Repeat with the bowline. (Note: not all paddle boards have a secure attachment point on the bow. If your board does not, youβll need to add one. Options include suction cup anchors.)
Use a ladder if you have a tall vehicle. Itβs essential to reach all points of the SUP and secure them well.
Look for the widest point of your paddle board and position it between the two cam straps. This way, you are preventing the board from sliding.
Add a twist between the cam straps so that you prevent the strap vibration while you are driving.
If you are making a stop on your way to the beach and you are leaving your paddle board unattended up on your car roof, then locking the straps is a great idea! Get locking cam straps that can be unfastened with a key. Also, thereβs a more secure option, a locking cable. Better safe than sorry, right?
But then, even if you arenβt making a stop on your way, Iβd recommend you do at least one or two depending on the length of the way so that you make sure your paddle board is in its right place and secured well.
Lastly, if you have any concerns or questions about what is the best way of strapping your paddle boarding gear, do not hesitate to ask me. And if you have any additional tips and guidelines on how you strap your board or paddle board transport, our readers and I would love to hear them. Sharing is caring, after all!
Table of contents
❤
I might earn a small commission when you make a purchase through my link, so that I can keep my site running and pay the hosting bill. Read my affiliate policy to learn more.
One response to “Paddle Board Transport: The Best Ways To Move Your Board”
We have a minivan with sliding doors without a roof rack. Is there anyway to strap a SUP to the roof? I don’t think the straps made to go through the widows would work with the sliding door?
Hi! My name is Tom. During the year I try to be on a paddle board as much as possible. By reading this blog you'll stay updated on everything I test on the water :)
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking βAcceptβ, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
We have a minivan with sliding doors without a roof rack. Is there anyway to strap a SUP to the roof? I don’t think the straps made to go through the widows would work with the sliding door?