How to transport your paddleboard by car?
Transporting your inflatable SUP by car can be a practical and efficient solution for accessing bodies of water, especially if you cannot walk there or do not want to deflate and reinflate your board. While an inflatable paddleboard is easier to transport by car than a rigid paddleboard, it is essential to choose a suitable transport system and take the right precautions to protect your equipment from damage and avoid accidents on the road. Discover all our tips here for transporting your SUP effectively.
Step 1: choosing the right transport equipment
Transporting your inflatable paddleboard by car requires adequate transport equipment to ensure its safety. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right equipment to transport your board.
Roof rack and roof bars
A roof rack is one of the most popular systems for transporting a paddleboard. Make sure it is compatible with your vehicle and capable of supporting the weight of your board. Roof bars — or crossbars — are particularly practical: easy to install, they can be adjusted to fit different board sizes. This is generally the best technique for transporting your board.
Straps and fasteners
Choose the right fasteners to hold your board in place. Straps are the most common fasteners and are usually included with roof racks and roof bars. They must be strong enough to support the weight of your board and securely attached.
Specialised supports for inflatable paddleboards
There are supports specifically designed for the adapted transport of an inflatable support. These supports are equipped with protective foam to protect your board from shocks and rubbing during transport. Some models can also be used inside the car, which is a practical option if you prefer not to leave your equipment outside.
Protective cover and transport bag
Don't forget to equip your board with a protective cover or an appropriate transport bag. In addition to protecting your SUP from scratches and bad weather during loading and unloading, a good protective cover reduces the risk of damage from vibrations on the road. Some transport bags are designed as a backpack, which makes it easier to carry between the car park and the water's edge.
Step 2: securing the inflatable paddleboard to the car roof
To transport your board without deflating it, you can either slide your SUP inside the passenger compartment, by lowering the rear seats, if your vehicle allows it, or on the vehicle's roof.
Roof transport: the most practical method
The most common method for securing an inflatable paddleboard to the roof is to use roof bars or a roof rack. Here are the steps for optimal safety:
- Install your roof bars or rack on the vehicle.
- Place the protective foam on the crossbars to absorb shocks.
- Then place your board on your setup, with the fins facing up.
- Pass the transport straps around your board and attach them securely to the roof bars.
- Tighten the straps enough to hold your board in place without risking damage.
- Check that your board is securely fastened before hitting the road.
In-car transport: a simple method
If your vehicle has a large enough boot (estate car, SUV, van), you can opt for in-car transport by folding down the rear seats. This is a simple method that effectively protects your board from external elements. Make sure the board is well inflated and that the fins are not compressed in a position that could deform them.
Transport without roof rack
No rack or roof bars? It is entirely possible to transport without a roof rack using flexible fastening systems (also called "soft racks") that slide through the doors and attach to the internal straps. This is an economical and practical transport system, ideal for occasional users. However, be careful to secure the load well and regularly check the tension of the straps.
Step 3: checking the load stability during transport
Transporting your inflatable paddleboard by car requires regular checking of the load stability to avoid any risk of accidents on the road.
Once your board is installed and secured, check that it no longer moves by performing a test in a secure location. If the board moves or you hear a rattling noise, this may indicate that it is not properly secured. In this case, tighten the straps.
For 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, side winds can cause excessive movement and vibrations on your paddleboard, compromising its stability. If this happens, reduce your speed and remain cautious.
In summary
To ensure optimal and secure car transport for your paddleboard, here are our tips:
- Make sure your paddleboard is well inflated, otherwise you risk damaging the structure or fins of your board.
- Your board must be proportional 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 correctly. Avoid placing other heavy objects on the car roof, especially on the side opposite the board, to avoid imbalances while driving.
- Use a cover to protect your board from scratches or bad weather.
- Stay alert for road obstacles (low bridges, tunnels, covered car parks, sharp turns, etc.)
- To protect your board from theft, you can pass a third strap around the board or use a suitable anti-theft device.
- If you regularly transport your paddleboard, invest in a quality roof rack and a robust transport bag to facilitate transport in the long term.