When the sun´s out, and the wind is on point, there is only one thing for it…get the board out and hit the waves. Preparing a Surfing Trip if you live away from the ocean, can be tricky. You need to get yourself and your kit there while the weather is right. Without the proper preparation, you may miss valuable time on the surf. So its best to plan how to get your board safely in your car or van.
Here are some of the best ways to transport your board safely for your next surfing trip.
Image source: Unsplash Brandi Alxndra
Ensure You Use The Right Car
If you have had your car for several years and find that it simply doesn´t work for surfing. All you want to do is throw the boards in and head out. You might consider upgrading to something more suitable. When you are in the market for new wheels, you should look for something with space and enough power to carry your gear. An SUV is arguably the best option as it provides the best bang for your buck, and this dealer suggests an Audi Q5 or similar for the best of all rounder. It looks great, has tons of space, you can attach boards to the roof, and it is a quality automobile.
But what can you do if you already have a decent car and simply need to get it ready for the surf?
Photo by Evan Dorian on Unsplash
Take Your Board In The Car
If you are travelling solo and have enough space, transporting your surfboard inside your car maybe the easiest option. You will need to remove or collapse the backseats. Or maybe keep your car boot open. Do check out any laws or regulations about driving with an open trunk. If it is not allowed, you’ll have to find another way.
However, if it’s all good, you will still have to take precautions and secure your board firmly using the seatbelts and a set of lashes for good measure.
Photo by James Lee on Unsplash
Attach The Roof Racks
If your car isn’t large enough to safely carry a surfboard inside, attaching roof racks is another solution. The good news is that you can easily remove the racks and upgrade to a decent set, making your life much easier. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be careful not to scratch or chip your paint. Once you have placed your boards on the racks, you will have to tie them tight so that they don’t move in transit. You need a high-quality set of fasteners that you can use time and time again. There are a few things to bear in mind when using a roof rack, including:
- Protect your board: You should avoid placing your board directly on a bare metal rack as it can damage the underside. Instead, you can use protective foam tubes to wrap the bars beforehand.
- Use non-permanent racks if required: If your vehicle cannot affix racks, you need not despair. You can use what is known as a soft rack that wraps around your roof and through the doors. They aren’t perfect but work well for occasional use.
Invest In A Specialist Surfboard Carrier
If you travel often and far away to surf, it might be worthwhile investing in a specific surfboard carrier. They look like luggage boxes but are constructed to encapsulate the board, keeping it safe from the elements. It also keeps the board out of sight, so it´s not visible when you are parked in different places.
Always Place Your Board Nose Down Facing Forward
If you have a basic knowledge of aerodynamics, you’ll understand that a board that is nose up will cause all kinds of chaos. Aside from possibly causing damage to the board, it can be extremely dangerous and could even cause an accident if you are travelling at high speed.
Photo by Joey Pilgrim on Unsplash
Take The Fins Off
This might sound obvious, but many people will place their board’s underside to underside with the fins sticking into each other. If you want to keep your boards in good condition, you should remove the fins and reattach them at the beach. If you have to move more than one board you should take the fins off.
Ratchet Straps Will Be Your Best Friend
Basically what the heading says. By investing in a good set of ratchet straps, you’ll save lots of time packing and unpacking, meaning more time on the surf.
Getting your car ready for a surfing road trip isn’t complicated; it just requires a bit of planning and preparation. You will be fine as long as you have the right vehicle and know how to use a roof rack.
