After dropping some serious coin on your new surfboard, your next purchase should undoubtedly be one of the best surfboard roof racks! You gotta protect your investment and transport it safely, or risk being the kook who banged up their new board before even stepping foot in the water.
This list boasts nothing but the highest quality roof racks and spans all types of needs, from universal mounts that can carry multiple types of water crafts beyond just your surfboard to vehicle specific mounts (I’m looking at you truck people!). Whatever your situation, we’ve got something just for you.
Quick Answer - The Best Surfboard Roof Racks
- Thule Shuttle Board XT Carrier
- Thule Compass 4-In-1 Kayak Rack
- Thule Goalpost
- Inno Surf Locker Rooftop Carrier
- Sea To Summit Traveller Soft Racks
- Seah Hardware Universal Roof Rack
- Block Surf Surfboard Roof Rack
- Alavente Universal Roof Rack Cross Bar Set
Comparison Table - Best Surfboard Roof Racks
For the best experience turn your device horizontally| Name | Type | Weight | Dimensions | Price | Rating | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thule Shuttle Board XT Carrier | Surfboard-specific | 5 lbs 8 oz. | 6 x 23.3 x 3 inches | $ | 4.9 | Read Review |
| Thule Compass 4-In-1 Kayak Rack | Universal | 20 lbs | 32 x 7 x 19 inches | $$ | 4.8 | Read Review |
| Thule Goalpost | Universal | 27 lbs | 73.8 x 58 x 12.5 inches | $$ | 4.6 | Read Review |
| Inno Surf Locker Rooftop Carrier | Universal | 8 lbs | 33.5 x 12 x 6 inches | $$ | 4.5 | Read Review |
| Sea To Summit Traveller Soft Racks | Universal | 4 lbs 10 oz. | 34 x 8 x 2.5 inches | $ | 4.2 | Read Review |
| Seah Hardware Universal Roof Rack | Universal | 6 lbs | 47.6 x 4.8 x 3.2 inches | $ | 3.9 | Read Review |
| Block Surf Surfboard Roof Rack | Surfboard-specific | 2.8 lbs | 18 x 9 x 4 inches | $ | 3.7 | Read Review |
| Alavente Universal Roof Rack Cross Bar Set | Universal | 12.72 lbs | 47 x 5.9 x 5 inches | $ | 3.6 | Read Review |
| Name | Type | Weight | Dimensions | Price | Rating | Review |
Reviews - The Best Roof Racks for Surfboards
Thule Shuttle Board XT Carrier
Specs
- Type: Surfboard-specific
- Dimensions: 6 x 23.3 x 3 inches
- Weight: 5 lbs 8 oz.
Features
- Fits Thule Aeroblade And Square Bars
- Includes Board Tie Downs And Center Straps
- Made From Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel
BEST MULTI-BOARD RACK
Surfing with a friend? Have more than 1 surfboard you want to try out? You’re gonna need the ability to carry multiple boards and the Thule Shuttle Board XT Carrier (pronounced “Tool-ee”) is the best equipped rack to help you with that!
It’s exclusive telescoping design is super versatile and can accomodate boards up to 34” wide (or size down accordingly) and is made from a highly corrosive-resistant stainless steel, ensuring your money is well spent and will last for years to come.
The Shuttle Board XT also sports weather resistant padding that protects your boards from scrapes and scratches.
Thule Compass 4-In-1 Kayak Rack
Specs
- Type: Universal
- Dimensions: 32 x 7 x 19 inches
- Weight: 20 lbs
Features
- Sets Up Within Minutes Of Opening The Box
- Has An Aerodynamic “Fold-Flat” Option When Not In Use
- Sports 4 Different Setups To Hold Your Surfboard/SUP/Kayak/Canoe
BEST UNIVERSAL ROOF RACK
Are you looking for a universal roof rack that can carry your surfboard on Saturday and your kayak on Sunday? Then the Thule Compass 4-in-1 Kayak Rack is just what you need! It sports the ability to transform into 4 unique setups no matter what you need to carry.
You can flatten the rack to carry your surfboard or SUPs and then pop it back up again to hold one or multiple kayaks with either the “J” configuration or the saddle setup. Multisport athletes unite!
This roof rack is extremely easy to assemble and sets up within minutes of opening. It’s also gas friendly by folding down when not in use to make your vehicle more aerodynamic.
Thule Goalpost
Specs
- Type: Universal
- Dimensions: 73.8 x 58 x 12.5 inches
- Weight: 27 lbs
Features
- Made From Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel
- Anti-Wobble Design Keeps GoalPost Snug In Place
- Telescopic Height Adjustment Lets You Customize To Your Truck
BEST TRUCK-SPECIFIC RACK
Truck people – we need to talk. That cab just isn’t big enough to hold your longboard correctly. Fortunately you can grab the Thule GoalPost, pop it in your trailer hitch, and have the perfect rack extension for your extra long water vessels!
While this is not a standalone system (it plays an auxiliary role to a roof rack) it is certainly a necessity for truck owners who want to carry their surfboards the right way. Thankfully, this rack is a universal design meaning it will also hold a canoe or a kayak too.
It also features an adjustable height mechanism so that you can dial in a custom fit regardless of the make or model of your truck.
Inno Surf Locker Rooftop Carrier
Specs
- Type: Universal
- Dimensions: 33.5 x 12 x 6 inches
- Weight: 8 lbs
Features
- Mounts To Multiple Type Of Crossbars
- Cable Straps Are Rubber Coated To Protect Surfboards
- Ratcheting Mechanism Makes “Load & Go” Quick And Simple
BEST LOCKING MULTI-BOARD RACK
Surfers hauling multiple types of vessels and in need of a locking rack will find their match made in heaven with the INNO Surf/SUP/Kayak/Canoe Locker Rooftop Carrier. Designed to hold and secure any watercraft you may own, this rack is truly fitting of the “universal” monicker (surfboard, SUP, canoe, or kayak).
It features pads for your racks that will protect your surfboard and has an easy to use ratcheting system that lets you load up and go in just minutes!
Bonus points: the rack itself is also universal as it will latch on to most crossbar types including square, round, factory, and aerodynamic.
Sea To Summit Traveller Soft Racks
Specs
- Type: Universal
- Dimensions: 34 x 8 x 2.5 inches
- Weight: 4 lbs 10 oz.
Features
- Anti-Slip Grip Secures Rack To Roof
- 3-Step Setup Makes “Load & Go” A Breeze
- Can Accommodate Surfboards, SUPs, Canoes, And Kayaks
BEST TEMPORARY RACK
Not everyone needs a permanent rack on their vehicle while others don’t have the crossbars on their vehicle to which they can even mount a roof rack. Fret not, we have the ultimate solution in temporary roof racks: the Sea to Summit Traveller Soft Racks!
This universal-type roof rack will not only protect the hood of your car (and your surfboard) from scratches, but also features daisy chained loops for a plethora of tie-down points. The underside also boasts an anti-slip material that grips the hood of your car to prevent slipping while in motion.
Seah Hardware Universal Roof Rack
Specs
- Type: Universal
- Dimensions: 47.6 x 4.8 x 3.2 inches
- Weight: 6 lbs
Features
- Heavy Duty Steel Bars Are Lightweight In Design
- 1,800 Lbs. Of Force Safely Secures Rack To Vehicle
- Can Accommodate Surfboards, SUPs, Canoes, And Kayaks
BEST UNIVERSAL-TYPE BUDGET RACK
Ballin’ on a budget! Multisport athletes looking for a rack that can handle surfboards, SUPs, canoes, and kayaks without breaking the bank are in luck – the Seah Hardware Universal Roof Rack delivers just what you need!
This temporary rack opens your vehicle to new possibilities and features an easy adjustment system for setup and breakdown. Just thread the ratcheting straps through your vehicle’s doors and tighten for simplicity. However, it’s important to note that you will need your own set of straps to attach your board to the rack.
Block Surf Surfboard Roof Rack
Specs
- Type: Surfboard-specific
- Dimensions: 18 x 9 x 4 inches
- Weight: 2.8 lbs
Features
- Includes A Carry Bag For Easy Stowing
- Rubber Casing On Buckles Prevents Scratches
- Padded Softblock Protects Both Vehicle And Surfboards
BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY RACK
Coming in as the least expensive roof rack on the list, the Block Surf Surfboard Roof Rack is perfect for surfers who need to carry multiple boards without burning a hole in their wallet.
Ringing in at just under $50, this rack can hold up to 3 short boards or 2 longboards (depending on their size) and has a universal size that will fit most cars and trucks. The softblock construction ensures that both your surfboards and paint job are protected while also providing clearance for small antennas. The ratcheting buckles also include their own rubber protective grips that won’t scratch or damage.
Alavente Universal Roof Rack Cross Bar Set
Specs
- Type: Universal
- Dimensions: 47 x 5.9 x 5 inches
- Weight: 12.72 lbs
Features
- Can Carry Up To 165 Lbs.
- Locks To Vehicle To Prevent Theft
- Holds Surfboards, SUPs, Bicycles, Snow Skis, & Snowboards
BEST VERSATILE RACK
Surfers looking for versatility will be delightfully surprised by the ALAVENTE Universal Roof Rack Cross Bar Set. With its adjustable design intended to fit a wide range of vehicles and it’s roof locking mechanism, you’ll be sure to have your board and gear loaded with minimal hassle.
Able to hold up to 165 lbs., this rack isn’t just for holding surfboards. You can transport SUPs and even bicycles, snow skis, and snowboards!
This roof rack is also super simple to set up and take down and features rubber pads on the feet to prevent any damage to your vehicle.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING ROOF RACKS
TYPE
The two types of roof racks are universal type and surfboard-specific type. If you want to be able to carry more than just a surfboard, then we suggest snagging a universal roof rack. Also, it’s important to keep in mind that though they may appear similar, a surfboard specific rack will not necessarily accomodate a SUP.
DIMENSIONS
Knowing the dimensions of your surfboard is helpful when choosing a roof rack. With each rack having their dimensions specified, be sure to compare your board to the roof rack to ensure that they will be compatible.
FEATURES EXPLAINED
Soft Block / Stacker Blocks
Soft blocks are foam wedges that help support your surfboard when transporting it.
READ MORE
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