How to transport the paddle surf board in the car?

Paddle boards are large and bulky, which often makes them difficult to transport. While they have a handle and a carrying strap, the task of transporting a paddle board by car can become tedious. Below, we explain how to do it safely and, above all, legally.

Is it legal to transport a paddle board by car?

Yes. Legally, you can transport a paddle board in your car. However, you cannot do it just any way, especially if it compromises the safety of the occupants or other road users during the journey. Therefore, if your first option was to fold down the seats and carry the board inside your car, you should know that this is strictly prohibited.

The reason is simply a matter of safety. The General Traffic Regulations specify that "the driver of a vehicle is obliged to maintain their own freedom of movement, the necessary field of vision, and constant attention to driving, ensuring their own safety, the safety of the other occupants of the vehicle, and that of other road users."

During the journey, the board can move inside the car and obstruct the driver's free movement or field of vision. In the event of sudden braking, it could hit other occupants and is very dangerous if a traffic accident occurs. Furthermore, you can be fined if you carry the paddle board inside the car, potentially ruining what was supposed to be an unforgettable day.

While you cannot carry the board inside the car if it is inflated, there are other methods to transport it legally and safely. If you are still considering which paddle board to buy, here are some practical tips.

Where to carry the paddle board in the car?

In Spain, it is only permitted to carry the paddle board in the car on the roof. It cannot be transported inside the vehicle unless it is an inflatable paddle board, in which case it must be deflated. And if it is carried on the roof of the vehicle, it is necessary to use a roof rack or a (surfboard-specific) carrier.

The reason why you can only carry the board on the roof of the car is for safety reasons. The paddle board is located outside the vehicle, in an elevated position away from other users, while proper securing will ensure that the load remains fixed and does not cause an accident. Therefore, it is safe for the occupants of the car and for other vehicles.

Now, what solutions exist for carrying the paddle board on the roof of the car?

The year-round method: fixed roof rack

Fixed roof racks are the most conventional method of transportation on the roof of a vehicle. The system consists of two fixed bars mounted on supports that are attached by screws or grips to the roof or upper struts of the vehicle. It allows you to carry everything from boards and other bulky loads to luggage carriers or travel boxes.

Key features include:

• The installation is somewhat more complex and requires some time, which leads many drivers to leave the fixed roof rack installed all year round.
• Generally, they take up more space when storing the roof rack once it is uninstalled.
• It supports a considerable amount of weight, as long as it remains within the maximum roof load approved for the vehicle.
• It is less aerodynamic, which affects the car's fuel consumption.

A quick and easy resource for carrying your paddle board on your car: portable roof racks.

The alternative to fixed roof racks are the so-called portable or flexible roof racks. This transport element adapts better to the characteristics of each vehicle, is easier to install, and, in the case of transporting paddle boards, offers a more natural fit, allowing the shape of the board to integrate better with the shape of the roof.

If you opt for a portable roof rack, make sure it is designed for transporting paddle boards. Keep in mind that a paddle board is longer and wider than a surfboard. Therefore, you need the rack to have a larger contact surface and the straps to be longer.

These are its characteristics:

• They are made with soft materials, such as foam or inflatable bags, which better protects the surface of both the roof and the board during the journey.
• They are installed in a matter of seconds thanks to a system of adjustable straps that hug the roof through the interior of the vehicle.
• They are easier to store when you don't need them, so you can carry them in the trunk. In addition, they are lighter than fixed roof racks due to the material they are made of.
• Due to their shape, they are more aerodynamic, which does not affect fuel consumption as much.

What to consider when carrying the board on the roof of the car?

Consider these measures when transporting the paddle board in the car:

• Place the board upside down on the roof rack: do it with the fins facing up, so the board will have a more aerodynamic shape with respect to the vehicle, helping to save fuel and ensuring that it does not create a screen effect with the wind, which could cause damage to the board. There is no consensus on whether the fin side should be at the front or the back of the vehicle. Our recommendation is that you remove the fins if you are going to take a long trip with the board on the roof of the car.
• Center the board on the roof: the location of the paddle board should be as centered as possible with respect to the length of the car. Remember that the board cannot protrude more than 15% of the length of the vehicle. If it exceeds this, you must mark the load with a V-20 sign.
• Protect it during the trip: if it is only going to be a few kilometers, you can carry the board exposed. But, if you are going to travel a greater distance, we recommend that you use a cover to protect the board from the elements, sunlight, and dirt that may accumulate during the journey. In addition, the cover will serve as padding to further protect the board from bumps.
• Use the straps to secure the load: the straps are the element that keeps the board fixed on the roof rack. You must adjust it both at the front (bow) and at the stern, avoiding the fins.
• Caution when tightening: do not over-tighten the straps. If it is too tight, you can damage the surface of the paddle board. In this case, we want it to be fixed, but it should not be tightened excessively.
• Store the excess strap: you can tie the excess part of the straps after securing the board to the roof or leave it inside the car.
• Drive somewhat below the speed limit to save fuel.

How to secure the board to the roof?

Once you have decided between a fixed and portable roof rack to carry the paddle board in the car, it is time to secure the load. It is important to follow each of the steps so that the board is fixed on the roof and there is no risk of it falling during the trip, which could cause a traffic accident or ruin the paddle board.

On a fixed roof rack:

1. Place the board upside down on the roof rack.
2. Leave the buckle on the board, pass the strap under the bars, and then back over the board. Repeat the same process on the other side of the board.
3. Adjust the strap so that the board is secure, but not excessively tight. Ensure there is no movement.
4. Repeat the process on the other roof rack bar.
5. Tie off any excess strap or store it inside the car.

For a portable roof rack:

1. Place the board upside down on the rack.
2. Use the straps to secure it, encircling the paddle board and positioning the widest part in the center. This will prevent the board from falling.
3. Try to secure the board so it is fixed, but without overtightening the straps.
4. Store or tie off any excess strap.

Tips to protect your board during travel

Here are some protection tips for safely transporting your paddle board in the car:

• Whenever possible, use travel bags to protect your board from the sun and the elements during the journey.
• If the surface of the roof rack does not have any rubbery or foam-like coating, consider placing a towel or some type of foam, rubber, or fabric to act as cushioning and prevent the board from being damaged during the trip.
• You can use this same protection in the areas where the straps are in contact with the board, especially if you are carrying it without a cover, to prevent marking.
• When you are going to transport more than one board, place them on top of each other without stacking more than three. If possible, remove the fins for protection. If this is not possible, place the boards with the fins on opposite sides, i.e., the nose of one board over the tail of the other, and vice versa.

Remember to enjoy the experience aboard your board. And if you are still getting started in this water sport, here you will find a guide with everything you need to learn how to paddle surf.

Life is a journey to be experienced!