How to Install Surfboard Soft Racks on Your Car

Transporting your surfboards safely does not have to be complicated. If your vehicle does not have a permanent roof rack system, surfboard soft racks are one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get your boards to the beach.

Soft racks are popular because they are simple to use, easy to store, and work with many different vehicles. Whether you are heading out for a quick dawn patrol or loading up for a full beach day, installing your soft racks correctly is the key to keeping your boards secure on the road.

In this guide, we will walk through how to install surfboard soft racks step by step, plus a few important tips to help you travel safely.

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What Are Surfboard Soft Racks?

Surfboard soft racks are a portable roof rack system designed to help you carry surfboards on top of your car without needing a hard rack already installed. They usually include padded roof bars and straps that run through the inside of the vehicle to hold everything in place.

They are a great option for surfers who want a simple, flexible setup for transporting boards.

How to Install Surfboard Soft Racks

Follow these easy steps to install surfboard soft racks on your car the right way.

1. Open All Four Doors

Start by opening all four doors of your vehicle. This includes the front and rear doors on both the driver’s side and passenger side. You will need the doors open so you can run the long straps through the inside of the car.

2. Position the Soft Racks on the Roof

Lay the soft racks flat on the roof of your vehicle. Place them so they are centered from left to right, parallel to each other, and spaced at least 2 feet apart.

Proper spacing helps distribute the weight of your surfboards more evenly and gives the boards better support while driving.

3. Run the Long Straps Through the Vehicle

With the soft racks in position, take the longer straps and run them through the inside of the car. These straps are what secure the soft rack pads to the roof.

Make sure the straps are laying flat and are not twisted before tightening them.

4. Tighten the Straps Securely

Feed each strap through the buckle and pull it tight until the soft racks are firmly secured to the roof. The pads should sit flat and stay in place without shifting around.

Take a moment to check that both racks are still centered and parallel after tightening.

5. Place the Surfboards on the Racks

Set your surfboards on top of the soft racks with the fins facing up and the nose of the board pointing toward the front of the vehicle. This is a common and secure way to transport surfboards on soft racks.

Be sure the boards are balanced across both pads and not hanging too far forward or backward.

6. Secure the Boards With the Shorter Straps

Take the shorter straps and place them over the surfboards. Feed each strap through the bottom of the buckle and pull tight until the boards feel snug and secure.

The boards should be held firmly in place without excessive movement.

7. Check That Everything Is Tight

Before driving, tug on the boards and straps to make sure everything is secure. Your boards should not slide, rock, or shift. The straps should stay tight and the buckles should hold firmly.

A quick check before you leave can save you a lot of trouble once you are on the road.

8. Avoid Placing Boards Too Far Forward

Do not position your surfboards too far forward past the front pad. If the board sits too far forward, wind can create lift while driving, which may cause the board and rack to shift.

Keeping the board centered on the pads helps reduce wind lift and makes transport safer.

Tips for Transporting Surfboards Safely

Installing surfboard soft racks correctly is important, but safe transport does not stop there. Here are a few extra tips to keep in mind before heading out:

Do a Final Check Before Driving

Once everything is strapped down, give the setup one last inspection. Make sure the pads are flat, the straps are tight, and the boards are centered.

Recheck the Straps After a Short Drive

It is a good idea to stop after the first few minutes of driving and check the straps again. Wind and road vibration can sometimes cause them to loosen slightly.

Keep the Straps Flat

Twisted straps can flap loudly in the wind and may not hold as securely. Keeping them flat helps reduce noise and improves stability.

Do Not Overload the Racks

Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for how many boards your soft racks can safely carry.

Drive With Extra Caution

If you are carrying boards on the roof, especially at highway speeds or in windy conditions, drive carefully and allow for a little extra caution on the road.

Why Use Soft Racks for Surfboards?

Surfboard soft racks are a great solution for surfers who want flexibility without committing to a permanent roof rack system. They are easy to remove, easy to store, and convenient for everyday surf trips.

They are especially useful for:

• cars without built-in roof racks
• occasional surf trips
• traveling with one or two boards
• surfers who want a simple, portable setup

Get Surfboard Soft Racks at Rider Shack

If you need surfboard soft racks or other surf accessories, Rider Shack has the gear you need to make getting to the beach easier. Whether you are picking up your first set of racks or replacing an old setup, we are here to help you find the right gear for your vehicle and your boards.

Shopping with Rider Shack supports a small business and a core surf shop run by surfers.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to install surfboard soft racks is simple once you know the right steps. With the racks positioned correctly, the straps tightened properly, and your boards secured the right way, you can transport your surfboards with confidence.

Take a few extra minutes to set everything up carefully, double-check your straps, and make sure your boards are centered before you drive. A secure setup helps protect your surfboards, your vehicle, and everyone else on the road.