How to transport your paddle in the car?

Transporting your inflatable SUP by car can be a practical and effective solution to access bodies of water, especially if you can’t get around on foot or if you don’t want to deflate and reinflate your board. Although the inflatable paddle board is simpler to transport in the car than a rigid paddle board, it is essential to take steps to maximize safety during transport, to protect your equipment from damage and avoid accidents on the road. Find out here all our tips for transporting your SUP efficiently.

Step 1: Choose the right transport equipment

Transporting your inflatable paddle board in a car requires adequate transport equipment to ensure its safety. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the right gear to transport your board.

comment transporter un paddle gonflable en voiture

First of all, it’s important to choose a roof rack that is suitable for your vehicle. Make sure it can carry the weight of your board and is compatible with the fasteners you use.
Roof racks are also a very good choice for transporting your board. They are easy to install and can be adjusted to fit different sizes.

Choose the right fasteners to keep your board in place. Straps are the most common fasteners and are usually included with roof racks and roof racks. They should be sturdy enough to support the weight of your board and securely attached.

There are also board mounts specifically designed for inflatable paddle boards. These racks are usually equipped with protective foams to protect your board from damage during transport. Some racks can also be used inside your vehicle, a handy option if you don’t want to leave your board outside.

Don’t forget to take into account the dimensions of your board when choosing the transport equipment. It’s also important to make sure that the stand you choose is perfectly suited to the size of your board.

mettre son paddle sur le toit de la voiture

Step 2: Attach the inflatable paddle board to the roof of the car

To transport your board without deflating it, you can either slide your SUP inside the passenger compartment, lowering the rear seats, if your vehicle allows it, or on the roof of the vehicle.

The most convenient method is on the roof installation. To do this, simply install the racks or hardtop racks on the roof of your vehicle, then place the protective foams there to absorb the shocks. Then place your board on your setup, with the fins facing up, then pass the straps around your board and attach them securely to the roof racks. Tighten the straps slightly to hold your board in place, without the risk of damaging the board. Make sure your board is secure before you hit the road.

Step 3: Check the stability of the load during transport

comment mettre son SUP sur le toit de la voiture

Transporting your inflatable paddle board in the car requires a regular check of the stability of the load to avoid any risk of accidents on the road. Once your board is installed and attached, check that your board is no longer moving by performing a test in a safe place. If the board moves or you hear a rattling noise, it may indicate that the board is not secured properly. In this case, tighten the straps.

On long distances, it is recommended to take a break every 2 hours to check the condition of your equipment. Also be vigilant about weather conditions: strong and crosswinds can cause excessive movement and vibration on your paddle, and compromise its stability. If this happens to you, reduce your speed and stay safe.

In short

To ensure optimal and safe transport of your paddle, here are our tips: 

  • Make sure that your paddle is properly inflated, at the risk of damaging the structure or fins of your board,
  • Your board must be proportionate to the size of your vehicle. A board that is too long can affect the stability of your car,
  • It is important to distribute the weight of your load well. Avoid placing other heavy objects on the roof of the car, especially on the side away from the board, in order to avoid imbalances while driving,
  • Use a cover to protect your board from scratches or weather, 
  • Be aware of road obstacles (low bridges, tunnels, parking garages, sharp curves, etc.)
  • To protect your board from theft, you can put a third strap around the board or use a suitable lock. 

If you still have questions about this, or for any other request, please do not hesitate to contact us !

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