Have you purchased a paddle board and are now wondering how to bring it from your home to the water? Several components come into place when taking it to the shore.
Your board’s size and weight might be the key factors when carrying it. The type of vehicle you’ll be using and whether you’re paddling solo or with a partner will also play determinant roles.
For each case scenario, we’ll describe step by step how to transport a paddle board. You’ll find out how to set-up your vehicle to avoid paint damage. To prevent unnecessary accidents, we’ll also explain how to safely secure your board onto the roof of your car.
Setting-Up Your Vehicle
Most paddlers carry their SUP—or stand up paddle board—on top of their car. Selecting the right type of paddle board roof rack might be one of the most important aspects when transporting your SUP.
Keep in mind that cars come with different configurations. To avoid disappointment, check your vehicle’s set-up before acquiring a set.
Rack Pads
Most SUV cars come with factory roof racks. The most economical and uncomplicated configuration might be to add padding to the built-in racks. It will only take a few seconds to clip the pads on and take them off when your trip is over. Several types of pads are available.
Foam Pads
You’ll find the all-round foam pads. They generally provide thick and robust padding, and for better durability, some models are ultraviolet light resistant.
They are, however, slightly pricier and aren’t usually waterproof. Without a protective outer layer, foam pads are more likely to get scratched or chipped faster.
All-Weather Pads
Other pads come with an extra Velcro layer of protection. They’re made to withstand water, salt, and even heat. They usually come with two main features.
First, these pads are designed with various thicknesses. If your SUP is heavy or if you’re planning on transporting several SUPs, we’d recommend selecting a thicker pad.
These paddle board roof rack pads also come either with a flat or rounded shape. Double-check the shape of your racks before purchasing a set.
Inflatable Pads
If you’re looking for a combination of maximum thickness and minimum storage space, inflatable padding might be what you’re looking for. Most expandable models are also suitable for flat roofs, without factory racks.
Roof Crossbars
While factory car racks are usually built parallel to your car, crossbars are meant to be positioned in a perpendicular direction. They provide a stronger base to place your SUP.
If you own an SUV, most crossbars will be able to wrap around your existing racks. Without factory racks, you’ll need to purchase different types of crossbars. They usually clip onto the car doors.
Some models include protective padding. If yours doesn’t, the pads previously mentioned can be added to the crossbars.
Popular Attachments
Taking it a step further, specific attachments can be added to the crossbars. If you’re traveling long-distance, at high speed, or want to better secure your SUP, these are worth considering.
J-cradles and saddles might be the most commonly used. Not only will your board be more stable, but they’ll also make it stand further away from the delicate paint on your car. Because they usually come with the needed protection, extra padding shouldn’t be necessary.
A lifting system is a popular choice for anyone having trouble picking up a SUP or with back injuries. The system is composed of two adjustable arms that extend on one side of your vehicle. It’s simple to use:
- Lift and place your SUP between the two side cradles.
- Secure your board to the cradles using straps.
- Using your legs, bring it up.
- Rotate your SUP and push it to lay it flat on the roof.
For heavy SUPs, this method can relieve up to 40 pounds of its total weight.
Solo Transport
Transporting your board on your own can be challenging. First, you’ll need to think of how you’ll lift it up to your car racks. Then, plan for a convenient method to carry it to the water.
Fortunately, these tasks aren’t impossible, and solo paddlers tend to use the following methods.
Manual Lifting
Although it may seem impressive at first, most models can be loaded using this technique.
From the Side
This approach is used by most paddlers:
- Place your board parallel to your car, laying on its edge. Make sure that the deck is facing you. The fin should be located towards the front of the vehicle, facing it.
- SUPs come with a handle placed in the center. If you’re standing on the left side of your car, grab the handle with your right hand. Hold the top edge of your SUP with your left hand.
- Lift it onto your knees.
- Then lift it over your shoulders and put it over the racks.
- The deck should be facing down, the fin sticking up—this should limit the wind resistance when driving. In case a strap becomes loose and the board slips towards the back, this set-up is critical. The fin will get trapped in the strap, limiting the damage.
If this is too challenging, don’t forget that a lifting system can assist you.
From the Rear
If your car is too high or your board too heavy, here is an alternative that still doesn’t require additional equipment:
- Place a towel over the back of your car.
- Rotate your SUP in a vertical position, with the fin at the top facing you. Its nose should be placed on the ground.
- Gently lean it over the rear of your car.
- Grab your board towards the bow and lift it onto the racks.
- Push it forward until it reaches its final destination.
- Remove the towel.
Using a SUP Trailer Carrier
Carrying your SUP on a trailer might be the easiest method of transportation, but also the most expensive one. You’ll need to be comfortable driving with one, which may need a little practice.
As they’re lower to the ground, placing your SUP flat onto the trailer shouldn’t be difficult. Each vehicle, however, comes with a maximum towing capacity. It’s best to check the power of your car before considering this option.
The shape and weight capacity of a trailer might be the most important factors when looking for one. The wheels are also an essential characteristic as they generally determine the durability and practicality of your trailer. If you’re planning to bring it right until the shore, ensure that it’s made of water and salt-resistant material.
From Your Car to the Water
Unfortunately, getting your SUP to a parking lot isn’t the end destination. You’ll still need to carry it to the launching point—into the water. Depending on how far you are, here are a few possibilities.
Under Your Arm
This might be the easiest and most common way to transport your SUP over short distances. It can be easily achieved with narrow and light models.
First, determine where the wind is coming from. You want to make sure the wind isn’t pushing against it. Then take the following approach:
- Place your SUP on the ground, laying on its edge.
- The deck should be facing you, the nose pointing forward.
- Tuck it under your arm, and grab the central handle.
- If you’d like to keep a free hand, put the paddle between your arm and the board.
- Using your legs, stand up and carry the SUP to the water.
Over Your Head
For heavier models, carrying it over your head should be manageable. This technique distributes the weight evenly throughout your body:
- Get your SUP in a vertical position, holding your paddle with one hand.
- Grab it on each side and slide it onto your head.
Onto Your Shoulders
This method should only be used when the wind is weak. It’s also best used when the area isn’t overcrowded, as your SUP will be blocking one side of your view:
- Lay your board horizontally on its edge, the hull facing you.
- Bend your knees and place one hand inside the handle.
- With your other hand, hold it from the bottom.
- Rotate the SUP onto your shoulder.
Using a Cart
You’ll find compact and portable carts to help you move your SUP. The cart is usually placed under either the rear or the bow. You’ll be pulling your board from the other edge, relieving most of the weight.
Duo Transport
With a partner, moving your SUP is a breeze.
To lift your boards over a car, each paddler will carry one end and you’ll place them one by one. To bring to the water, you’ll hold the rear of both crafts, while your partner lifts both bows.
When putting two boards onto your car’s roof, ensure that the larger one is in place first. Then add the smaller one on top.
How to Attach Your Board(s)
Once your vehicle is adequately equipped, and your board loaded, there is one more step before heading the road: securing it.
What You’ll Need
- One or two tight strap(s)—minimum of 12 feet long.
- A safety strap.
- For long or multiple SUPs, two ropes.
- A step ladder for higher vehicles.
For longer drives, you might need to make stops. In this case, lockable straps might be a good idea. They’re similar to regular straps, yet the attachment point comes with key locks.
If you need to keep your board on your car’s roof for long periods of time, a locking cable will keep it away from thieves.
Securing One Paddle Board
Attaching your SUP to the crossbars isn’t very complicated:
- Stand on one side of your vehicle.
- Slide the main strap under the two crossbars facing you. The strap should run horizontally in front of you, from one end to the other.
- Throw both ends to the other side of the car.
- Walk to the other side.
- Above the SUP, twist the straps a couple of times. This will prevent the straps from slapping while driving.
- Slide the two ends under the crossbars now facing you.
- Attach the two ends tightly.
You can now proceed with the safety strap. This additional measure is particularly useful if you’re driving over 40 miles per hour, or driving on highways.
- Open both doors.
- Throw the safety strap over your car’s roof.
- From inside your car, grab the other end of the strap.
- Tighten up the two ends.
- Close the doors.
Securing Two Paddle Boards
As we mentioned, ensure that the larger SUP is placed first. The technique is slightly different from attaching one single board:
- Stand on one side of the car.
- Using one strap, slide it over the crossbar located at the rear of the vehicle. If you’re standing on the left side of your car, it’ll be on your right-end side.
- Throw the two ends over your vehicle.
- Walk on the other side and attach the straps to the same crossbar, at the back of the roof.
- Once tightened, take the second strap. Repeat the process with the front crossbars.
- Use the safety strap, as previously described.
- Attach the bow and rear of your SUP to your car. This can be done by using a strong and water-resistant nylon rope on each end.
What If I Don’t Have a Car?
If you don’t have a car, you may have a bike handy. Tuck your board on a small cart from one end, and attach the other side of your SUP to your bike. Start pedaling, and you’re good to go!
Alternatively, inflatable SUPs can be carried in a backpack. This way, you can cycle, ride a motorbike, go hiking, or jump on public transport to your paddling destination.
Paddle boards can also be transported in a pick-up truck. Several options and configurations are possible.
The easiest method might be to lay it flat on the bed. Adding a truck extension—either vertically or horizontally—or lumber racks should, however, make it more stable.
To secure your SUP onto your pick up truck, this video can be useful:
To Sum Up
Transporting your SUP can be done in many ways. A vehicle, and potentially a set of crossbars, might be the only items you’ll need. Once you’ve reached your launching destination, carry it under your arms, over your head, or on your shoulder.
Solutions such as a lifting system, trailers, or carts are conceived to make your job easier. They come at a higher cost, but when used regularly, it may be well worth the investment. Whichever method you decide to use, we recommend stopping after 10 minutes of driving to check on your straps.