The Surfboard Racks Blog

Thule has some excellent surf racks for those who have SUV’s. Best of all you don’t even need a Thule hard rack to use them and they have tons of different styles and types to accommodate any surfer.

The most basic of the SUV type rack is the hard rack pads with strap combo. Thule has a wide variety of surf pads, coming in both the Aero and regular rack types which you can use to help transport your boards to and from the beach. Each pad comes in either an 18 inch or 24 inch to accommodate bigger boards. One of our favorite types of Thule racks is the Thule 531 Express Surf Strap. This is by far the cheapest, fastest, and one of the most convenient ways to load up your surfboards on your hard racks. To use the 531 Express Strap you simply purchase some racks pads, Thule or not, lay on your boards and bungee down the straps. The Surf Strap simply wraps around your loads straps and keeps your boards locked in place. Best of all it works for surfboards and SUP’s alike.

Pricing and info for the Thule 531 Express Surf Strap

Don’t have a SUV but a truck? Have no fear Thule still has you covered as Thule also has one of the better tailgate truck racks using the typical pad and strap system. The Thule 808 Surf Tailgate Pad is also one of our favorites which wraps around your tailgate with two straps and then straps down your to your surfboard. 18 inches in size allows for a variety of boards to be hauled around. The best thing about the Thule Tailgate Pad is the fact that the top strap is sewn into the pad making it very sturdy and less likely to allow moment of your surfboard.

Pricing and Info for the Thule 808 Surf Tailgate Pad

*Remember when using a tailgate pad you need to protect the front of your surfboard. It is wise to get a nose pad or wrap it in a towel to protect your board.

Future post will include the Thule 809 Double Decker Surfboard Carrier and the Thule 810 SUP Taxi Paddleboard Carrier as these are some of Thule’s more permanent and expensive options. So stayed tuned and happy surfing.

Dakine rack pads

Surfboard rack pads are ideal for those with a SUV, existing roof rack, or after market rack, looking to lug their surfboard around. Surfboard rack pads are fairly cheap and come in a variety of styles and colors.

Installation of rack pads are simple and straight forward. Simple open, and velcro the pad over your existing racks. After you have installed your rack pads, you will need some type of strap to keep your boards in place. These racks are well worth the price, as they provide cushioning for your surfboard or other boards you may be transporting. Not only do rack pads keep your gear protected from scrapes and scratches from raw racks, but they keep it from moving side to side once strapped down.

If your new you surfboard rack pads, by far the most popular surfboard rack pads are Dakine rack pads. Dakine has a variety of colors you can use as well as a few patterned designs such as camo and checkered. You can check out the different colors at Dakine.

Not only to surfboard rack pads come in different colors, but different styles as well. You have the option to get either Aero racks pads or regular racks pads. Aero pads are designed to only pad the top of your crossbars and have a more sleeker look when installed. Regular pads pad the whole rack where installed and are rounded in shape. (Notice Below compared to above).

Dakine Aero Pads

You can also choose rack pads that are different widths (long), allowing you to carry more surfboards or other larger items, such as kayaks. Be sure to take a minute to think about what you will be hauling before purchasing your racks pads. Regardless and without a doubt, surfboard rack pads and straps offer the most versatile type of rack system compared to other other surf racks. The options are almost endless. Now go surf!

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