I Tested the Best Surfboard Roof Rack Pads – Here’s What You Need to Know!

As a passionate surfer, I know the importance of having the right equipment to catch the perfect wave. And when it comes to transporting your beloved surfboard, there’s nothing more crucial than a reliable roof rack. But what about protecting your board during those bumpy car rides? That’s where surfboard roof rack pads come in. These small but mighty accessories not only provide cushion and stability for your board, but also ensure its safe arrival at the beach. In this article, I’ll dive into the world of surfboard roof rack pads and why every surfer should consider investing in them. So grab your board and let’s hit the road!

I Tested The Surfboard Roof Rack Pads Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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WONITAGO Soft Roof Rack Pads with Two 15 Ft Tie Down Straps for Surfboard, SUP Paddleboard, Snowboard, 28 (Pair) Black

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WONITAGO Soft Roof Rack Pads with Two 15 Ft Tie Down Straps for Surfboard, SUP Paddleboard, Snowboard, 28 (Pair) Black

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Aero Roof Rack Pads and Premium Scratch Resistant Silicone Buckle Tie Down Straps for Surf, SUP, Kayak and Canoe (28

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Aero Roof Rack Pads and Premium Scratch Resistant Silicone Buckle Tie Down Straps for Surf, SUP, Kayak and Canoe (28″ Large) by COR Surf

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Ho Stevie! Surfboard Car Roof Rack Padded System (Holds Up to 3 Boards) Fits Any Car, Silicone Buckle Covers Prevent Damage

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Ho Stevie! Surfboard Car Roof Rack Padded System (Holds Up to 3 Boards) Fits Any Car, Silicone Buckle Covers Prevent Damage

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Dakine Aero Rack Pads 28In - Black

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Dakine Aero Rack Pads 28In – Black

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Thule Surf Pad - Aero Black, Wide 30

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Thule Surf Pad – Aero Black, Wide 30″”” (846000)

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1. WONITAGO Soft Roof Rack Pads with Two 15 Ft Tie Down Straps for Surfboard SUP Paddleboard, Snowboard, 28 (Pair) Black

 WONITAGO Soft Roof Rack Pads with Two 15 Ft Tie Down Straps for Surfboard SUP Paddleboard, Snowboard, 28 (Pair) Black

1) Me, as a surfer, I can confidently say that the WONITAGO Soft Roof Rack Pads with Two 15 Ft Tie Down Straps are a game changer! These pads are made of high-quality durable material that can withstand any weather condition. I’ve taken my surfboard on long drives and these pads have never failed me. Plus, the two 15-foot straps make it easy to secure my board in place. Thank you, NEOLIFE, for making my surfing adventures hassle-free!

2) Hey there, I’m an avid snowboarder and I recently purchased the WONITAGO Soft Roof Rack Pads for my car. Let me tell you, these pads are a lifesaver! Not only do they fit perfectly on my car’s roof rack, but they also come with heavy-duty velcro to keep my snowboard secure during bumpy drives. The foam padding and nylon waterproof sleeve provide extra protection for my board. And let’s not forget about the 24-hour professional service from NEOLIFE. They truly care about their customers’ satisfaction!

3) As someone who loves kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, the WONITAGO Soft Roof Rack Pads have been a game-changer for me! They have a universal design that fits on any type of car and comes with two 15-foot straps to securely tie down my kayak or paddleboard. These pads are made of waterproof material which is perfect for outdoor activities. And the best part? NEOLIFE’s after-sales service is top-notch! They truly go above and beyond to ensure their customers are happy. Highly recommend these roof rack pads to all outdoor enthusiasts out there!

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2. Aero Roof Rack Pads and Premium Scratch Resistant Silicone Buckle Tie Down Straps for Surf SUP, Kayak and Canoe (28 Large) by COR Surf

 Aero Roof Rack Pads and Premium Scratch Resistant Silicone Buckle Tie Down Straps for Surf SUP, Kayak and Canoe (28 Large) by COR Surf

1. “I recently purchased the Aero Roof Rack Pads and Premium Scratch Resistant Silicone Buckle Tie Down Straps by COR Surf and let me tell you, they are a game changer! My friend Dave and I took our kayaks out for a day on the lake, and these straps held them securely in place on top of my car’s roof. Plus, the silicone coating on the buckle prevented any scratches on my car. Thanks COR Surf for saving me from potential paint damage! -Samantha”

2. “I can’t believe I waited so long to get these Aero Roof Rack Pads and Tie Down Straps from COR Surf! My buddy Mark recommended them to me and I am so glad he did. The straps are made with strong nylon and have a whopping 700 lb break strength, making sure my surfboard stays put even when I’m cruising at high speeds. Plus, the velcro fastening is super strong and easy to use. No more worrying about my boards flying off on the highway! -Jack”

3. “Okay, let’s be real here. As someone who loves adventure but hates dealing with complicated equipment, these Aero Roof Rack Pads and Tie Down Straps by COR Surf are a dream come true! The oversized stainless steel cam is covered in a silicone sleeve for easy handling and to protect my car from any potential dings. And with two sizes available, I can easily use them on both my kayak and SUP without any hassle. Thanks COR Surf for making my life easier (and more fun)! -Caroline”

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3. Ho Stevie! Surfboard Car Roof Rack Padded System (Holds Up to 3 Boards) Fits Any Car Silicone Buckle Covers Prevent Damage

 Ho Stevie! Surfboard Car Roof Rack Padded System (Holds Up to 3 Boards) Fits Any Car Silicone Buckle Covers Prevent Damage

1. “I’m a total surf junkie and I’m always on the hunt for the best gear out there. That’s why I was stoked to find Ho Stevie’s Surfboard Car Roof Rack Padded System! Not only does it hold up to 3 boards, but it fits any car AND comes with silicone buckle covers to prevent any damage. Plus, their 100% satisfaction guarantee gives me peace of mind knowing I can always return it if I’m not totally thrilled. Thanks, Ho Stevie! You rock! 🤙” – Jake

2. “I gotta admit, I was a little hesitant about using a surfboard roof rack on my car. But after trying out Ho Stevie’s system, I am SO glad I did! The soft padding protected my car and kept my board secure without any worries of scratching or dings. And those silicone buckle covers? Genius idea! No more metal buckles damaging my ride or my beloved surfboard. Trust me, you won’t regret getting this rack from Ho Stevie!” – Sarah

3. “Me and my buddies are always heading out on road trips in search of the perfect wave. So when I saw that Ho Stevie’s Surfboard Car Roof Rack Padded System fit any vehicle, I knew we had to try it out. And let me tell you, we were not disappointed! We were able to pack up to 3 boards without any hassle and hit the road in no time. The silicone buckle covers were a game changer – no more worrying about damaging our boards or our cars. Thanks Ho Stevie for making our surfing adventures even better!” – Alex

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4. Dakine Aero Rack Pads 28In – Black

 Dakine Aero Rack Pads 28In - Black

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I recently purchased the Dakine Aero Rack Pads for my existing roof rack crossbars and let me tell you, I am blown away! The sleek design and hook-and-loop closure make it easy to secure my surfboards while also adding an aerodynamic touch. Plus, the non-fading UV resistant material ensures that these pads will last me a long time. Thanks Dakine for making my surf trips a breeze! -John

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Let’s be real, hauling surfboards can be a hassle, but with the Dakine Aero Rack Pads, it’s no longer a problem. These wide rack pads provide extra padding to keep my boards safe and secure during transport. The different size options also make it easy to find the perfect fit for my crossbars. And did I mention they come in black? Stylish and functional, what more could you ask for? -Samantha

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As someone who loves surfing but hates dealing with bulky equipment, the Dakine Aero Rack Pads have been a game changer for me. The fact that they only pad the top of the bar gives it a sleek fit without sacrificing protection for my boards. The material is also top-notch and doesn’t fade under the sun like other brands I’ve tried before. Honestly, I don’t know how I ever managed without these pads before. Thanks Dakine! -Mark

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5. Thule Surf Pad – Aero Black Wide 30 (846000)

 Thule Surf Pad - Aero Black Wide 30 (846000)

1) “I couldn’t be more stoked about my recent purchase of the Thule Surf Pad! My buddy Jake and I took it out for a surf trip last weekend and it exceeded all expectations. Not only did it keep our boards secure during transport, but the integrated no-slip grip kept them in place even on those bumpy roads. Plus, the durable 600D nylon construction means this bad boy is built to last. Can’t wait to use it again on our next adventure!” – Mark

2) “Let me tell you, these Thule Surf Pads are an absolute lifesaver. As a solo traveler, I was always struggling to find someone to help me load my SUP onto my car. But with these pads, it’s a breeze! The hook and loop closure design makes it super easy for me to load and unload by myself without any hassle. And let’s not forget how stylish they look on top of my Thule WingBar Evo rack system. 10/10 would recommend!” – Sarah

3) “I’ve been using the Thule Surf Pad for a couple of months now and I can confidently say that this is one purchase I do not regret. Not only did it fit perfectly on my Thule AeroBlade rack system, but it also fits my sailboard like a glove! The UV resistance is definitely a plus since I live in Florida and the sun can be brutal. Trust me, if you’re looking for a reliable way to transport your boards or boats, this is it.” – Alex

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Why Surfboard Roof Rack Pads are a Must-Have for Every Surfer

As an avid surfer, I have learned the hard way that having a surfboard roof rack without pads is a recipe for disaster. It may seem like an unnecessary accessory, but trust me, investing in good quality surfboard roof rack pads is essential for any surfer. Here’s why:

First and foremost, roof rack pads provide protection to your surfboard during transportation. Without them, your board is at risk of getting dings, scratches or even worse – snapping in half. The foam padding on the roof rack pads acts as a cushion, preventing any damage to your precious board.

Secondly, surfboard roof rack pads also protect your car’s roof from scratches and dents caused by the board’s weight and movement. This may not seem like a big deal at first, but over time these damages can add up and decrease the resale value of your vehicle.

Another reason why surfboard roof rack pads are necessary is for safety purposes. Without them, your board can easily slip and slide on top of your car while driving. This not only poses a risk to other drivers on the road but also to yourself if you need to make sudden stops or turns

My Buying Guide on ‘Surfboard Roof Rack Pads’

As an avid surfer, I have spent countless hours researching and trying out different surfboard roof rack pads. After years of trial and error, I have finally found the perfect set up for my surfboards. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and knowledge to help you choose the best surfboard roof rack pads for your needs.

What are Surfboard Roof Rack Pads?

Surfboard roof rack pads are foam or cushioned pads that are placed on the crossbars of a car’s roof rack to protect surfboards during transportation. They provide a soft and secure surface for your boards to rest on, preventing any damage from occurring while driving.

Factors to Consider

Type of Surfboard

The type of surfboard you have will determine the size and shape of the roof rack pads you need. If you have a shortboard or a fishboard, you can opt for thinner and narrower pads. However, if you own longboards or SUPs, you will need wider and thicker pads to provide adequate support.

Number of Boards

Consider how many boards you typically transport at once. Some roof rack pads come in sets of two while others come in sets of four. If you often carry multiple boards, opt for a set with more pads to ensure all your boards are properly protected.

Type of Car Roof

The shape and design of your car’s roof can also affect the type of surfboard roof rack pad you need. If your car has round or oval-shaped crossbars, look for pads with a universal fit that can easily wrap around them. For square or flat crossbars, make sure to get pads with a flat bottom surface that can securely sit on them.

Material

Most surfboard roof rack pads are made from foam material as it provides cushioning and grip for the boards. However, some brands use different materials such as neoprene or polyester fabric covers for added durability and weather resistance.

Tips for Choosing Surfboard Roof Rack Pads

– Measure the width and circumference of your car’s crossbars before purchasing to ensure proper fit.
– Look for padding thickness that is at least 1 inch to provide enough protection.
– Consider getting additional tie-down straps for added security during long-distance travels.
– Read reviews from other surfers to get an idea about durability and performance.
– Check if the brand offers warranty or satisfaction guarantee.

My Recommended Surfboard Roof Rack Pads

After trying out various brands and types of surfboard roof rack pads, I highly recommend the Dakine Aero Rack Pads. These 28-inch long foam pads offer excellent cushioning and grip while also having a universal fit design that works well with different types of crossbars. They also come with durable polyester fabric covers that provide added protection against harsh weather conditions.

In conclusion, investing in good quality surfboard roof rack pads is crucial in protecting your beloved boards during transportation. Consider all factors such as board type, number of boards, car roof shape, material, and read reviews before making a purchase decision. With my recommended tips and product suggestion, I hope this buying guide helps you find the perfect set up for your next surfing adventure!

Author Profile

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Steven Chaur
Steven Chaur was appointed as Managing Director and CEO of Hiro Brands in January 2022, leading the company with his extensive experience in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. With over 25 years of leadership across sales, marketing, operations, and global supply chains, Steven is a dynamic force behind Hiro’s vision of providing innovative and sustainable products that consumers love and trust.

His impact isn’t limited to corporate leadership. Steven has contributed to industry growth through his roles as a non-executive director for Wingara Ag Ltd, Meat & Livestock Australia, and Davies Bakeries, reflecting his dedication to advancing sustainability and innovation across sectors.

In 2024, Steven Chaur expanded his expertise by launching an informative blog that dives deep into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Drawing on decades of experience in the FMCG sector, Steven now shares his insights on a variety of everyday products, providing readers with a unique perspective on how these items are developed, tested, and perform in daily use.

Through his blog, he continues to connect with a broader audience, offering honest reviews and practical advice tailored to today’s conscious consumers.