What is the right way to secure your paddleboard to your car roof rack?
For cars with roof rack bars, it’s all about feeding the straps around the bars and your paddleboard in the right direction for max security. You’ll have 2 straps, one in front and one in back. Start with the clamp end of the first strap on the outside of the board, underneath the roof rack bar. Run the strap across the top width of the paddleboard to the other side of the board, underneath the rack bar, and back along the width of the board. There it will meet the clamp end and you will tighten appropriately. Tie off the excess strap and give your paddleboard and the straps a couple of pulls to make sure nothing is loose.
For cars without roof rack bars, securing the roof rack straps is a bit more straight forward. The front straps and back straps each extend from both sides of the car. Pull them up from each side over your paddleboard and secure the plain end through the clamp and tighten. Repeat for both front and back straps, once again giving the straps a couple of pulls to double check.
Don’t overtighten your straps. Avoid damaging your paddleboard by wrenching your roof rack straps too tightly around it. Different paddleboards are made of different materials, but you can crack fiberglass or other board materials if you pull your straps too tight. Find that just right tightness for your paddleboard. Give the straps a tug to double check.
Mind your straps. Take the extra couple of seconds and make sure your straps are straight and not twisted around your board for maximum contact and hold. Then tie off the ends of the straps, nothing good can come from them flapping in the breeze.
Learn More:
- How to Choose a Paddleboard Roof Rack for Your Car | Best SUP Car Roof Racks
- Preparing Your SUP for Car Roof Racks
- SUP Roof Rack Car Setup and Installation
- What Direction Does My Paddleboard Go On My Car?
- How to Strap Your Paddleboard to your Car Roof Rack
- Loading Multiple Paddleboards on Car Roof Racks