The Surfboard Racks Blog

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By far, the two most popular surfboard racks one the market are Thule and Yakima surfboard racks. Unfortunately they are also the most expensive. Here is a little run down of Thule’s and Yakima most popular surfboard racks that are designed to be used with pre-installed factory and aftermarket rack systems unlike your typical soft surfboard racks.

Thule Surfboard Rack (554xt): A simple, 4 piece rack system that attaches to your factory rack and has straps to hold either 2 surfboards or 2 wind surfboards. Comes with mounting hardware to connect to all pre-installed racks. Once installed, you can set your boards down on your original rack and then throw over the two straps. Tighten the straps and then your are set to go.

Yakima Surfboard Racks (4014 Strapthang): Is basically the same type of rack and works in the same way. However, the Yakima will only work with the Yakima multipurpose roof rack systems. If you have one of these installed then you can install the Strapthang just like the Thule Rack system. Once your boards are laid on the Yakima multipurpose rack system, straps from the Strapthang are strung across and tighten down.

If you have a Yakima Roof Rack system, then obviously the Yakima racks are the way to go. There are lighter, require less hardware, and work a little easier and faster than the Thule racks. However, they are also more expensive that Thule. If you want the Yakima system you have not only have to by strapthang, but another Yakima Rack system and remove your existing rack, if you have one. This will cost you much more, but with the Yakima Multipurpose system you can buy accessories for just about anything you may need to carry.

If you don’t want to shell out that kind of cash and you already have a roof rack, go with the Thule. Not only are they cheaper, but you can use them on just about pre-installed and aftermarket rack system. Perfect if you don’t use the same car every single time you go surfing. Remember the only real difference between the two rack systems is that Yakima makes you buy another rack system if you want their system, Clearly not worth the extra money unless you are just set on having Yakima racks.

As far as pricing goes, both of these surfboard racks run a little over 60 and can be found on any Surfboard rack website.

Also, if you are using any of these surfboard racks or plan to, I suggest getting a set of crossbar pads. These pads are made of foam and fit around your cross bars and keep your board, whichever it is, from getting scraped up. They also allow you to keep your boards from sliding on the racks allowing a snugger fit.

Once again Thule crossbar pads are cheaper than Yakima and work the exact same way. Neither one is better than the other and is strictly a matter of preference.

Technorati Tags: thule surfboard racks, yakima surfboard racks

I began surfing well before I could even think about driving a car. If fact, I learned how to surf before I even learned to ride a bike. The only reasoned I even learned to ride a bike was simple because it allowed me to go to the beach to surf. Thus the need for the Bicycle Surfboard Rack.

I have had quite a few over the years and I would have to say The Carver Bike Rack is one of my favorites.  Here is the one I currently own which can be found on Amazon for a pretty reasonable price.

Notice on this specific type of rack the board will be laying parallel to your bike. I find this to be the best position for keeping the board free from grinding on miscellaneous objects and obtaining marks. Racks that position your board directly behind the bike have one small problem. When you go over bumps they tend to jar the board and it can often come loose and you have no way assisting the board. When the surfboard is parallel, like the rack shown, you can easily reach down to brace it with your hand when you take your bike off road or hit the occasion bump.

I also like this surfboard rack for it’s simple installation process. All tools you need are included and it takes no time at all to slap this guy on. I took this off the carver website to for those curious on installation.

Installation Instructions

CSR Mini Installation The Carver Surf Rack Mini is small but strong enough for boards up to 8′0″. Unlike other brands, this surf rack mounts via the seat post as not to crush, scratch or mar your nice bike frame. Also this feature allows you to mount this surf rack onto mountain bikes, full suspension bikes, and bicycles with unusual frame tube shapes. Loosen 5mm bolts with 5mm allen wrench Open Clamp Snug bolts back on clamps around seat post Put surf rack on slight angle towards the rear wheel Insert carrier arms into clamps Adjust carrier arms to desired width and tighten all bolts snugly Check push pins Go Surf!   If your board is bigger than 8′0″ The Carver Max is basically the same but for bigger boards up to 10′0″. If you have a long board, they got you covered as well with The Carver Long Board Bicycle Rack. As soon as I find a video I will post that as well.

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There is more than one way to get your surfboard vertical!

This may be another way for some, vertical surfboard racks for you home. No other surfboard rack can match them when it comes to visual appeal. However, being low to the ground, like this surfboard rack can put them at risk for getting pretty banged up.  I have my very first surfboard in retirement sitting on a stand just like this one.

This one can be found at www.hawaiiangunrack.com/surfboards.htm as well as a ton of other nice racks.

Here is another one I really like that is designed specifically for the corner. The rack is also clear, which is nice for keeping the clean look. This rack can be found on amazon, just search for vertical surfboard rack.

Well there you have it. These are all the vertical surfboard racks that I have seen in person and/or know someone who owns one. If you know of any others that you like or currently use, let me know and I will put them up.

Technorati Tags: vertical surfboard racks