How to Use Surfboard Tie Down Straps

Transporting your surfboard to and from the beach need not be a hassle.

Properly securing a surfboard to the roof of your vehicle keeps your board in good condition while keeping sand and water out of your car's interior. Tie down methods vary according to the type of vehicle you are driving. Vehicles that are factory or retrofitted with roof racks require a different tie down strap than those that are not so equipped. Some cars have well defined gutters at the point where the windows meet the roof and others do not. Tie downs and the best way to use them differ with vehicle type and design, and the number of boards transported.

Things You'll Need

• Sponge sheeting
• Loop strap
• Cam strap
• Ratchet strap
• Flat hook strap

Instructions

Roof Rack Transport

1. Attach the loop at one end of the loop strap to your vehicle's roof rack.

2. Place your surfboard on the roof rack fin side up with the fin facing the front of the vehicle.

3. Toss the free end of the loop strap over your board.

4. Attach the unattached loop to the roof rack on the opposite side of the first loop.

5. Buckle the unlooped part of the strap and pull tightly.

Transport Without Roof Rack

1. Place a piece of sponge sheeting sized to fit the roof of your vehicle. This will prevent scratches to your board and/or the roof of your car.

2. Place your surfboard atop the sponge sheeting as described in Section 1, Step 2.

3. Open the doors of your vehicle. Run a cam strap through the open doors and around your board. Use a strap through both front and back doors if your vehicle has four doors.

4. Pull the strap(s) tight and snap down the cam buckle(s) to lock the strap(s) in place. Close the vehicle doors.

5. Use a ratchet strap and foam cushioning between the boards if transporting more than one surfboard at once. Tighten the ratchet clamp by pushing down on the ratcheting mechanism until the strap is secure.

Transport With a Vehicle With Gutters

1. Place the foam padding and surfboard atop your car as in Section 1, Step 2.

2. Locate the ridge or gutter located where your vehicle windows meet the roof. You may need to open the windows slightly to make use of the gutters.

3. Insert one hook of the flat hook strap into the driver side gutter. Toss the other end to a helper on the other side of the roof or place gently close to the passenger side for self retrieval.

4. Hook the remaining hook into the gutter on the passenger side. Pull the strap tightly and lock the cam clip to secure your board. Use two flat hook straps on a four-door vehicle.

Tips & Warnings

• Always place roof-mounted surfboards fin side up for better air flow and less wind resistance while driving.

• Foam sheeting is available at most sewing or craft stores.

• Twist straps during installation to avoid noisy humming sounds while driving.

• Always secure your load properly before setting out. Improperly supported loads can cause accidents and injury.

References

• Strapworks: Surfboard Tie Downs
• ISLE: Surfboard Racks For Your Car and Home
• Surfing Handbook: Surfboard Roof Rack Pads