SUP boarding is an exciting activity to experience. However, transporting a SUP board may seem to be a difficult task because of its size and weight. If you are looking for the best way to transport a SUP, you’re at the right place.
In this article, you’d find some of the best SUP transport systems available, so read on.
If you have tried transporting a SUP board before, you might want to believe that it’s a very difficult thing to achieve. As stated earlier, SUP boards are usually large, and you may not be able to carry them by yourself. Also, these boards are usually pricey, and as such, you wouldn’t want to cause damage to it.
There are so many options you can utilize when transporting your SUP. However, the best way to transport a SUP involves using a paddle board cart, a pickup truck, a paddle board roof rack, or a SUP-now carrier strap.
Best Way to Transport a SUP Board with a Vehicle
To transport a SUP board to your destination, the first thing you need to do is to transport it to your vehicle, and here are the ways you can achieve this:
SUP Roof Rack
One way to transport your paddle board is by using a SUP roof rack on your vehicle. Here are the things that you’d need when using a SUP roof rack:
- Roof rack: There are different companies that sell vehicle rack systems, and most of these systems are easy to install. What’s more, is that they help to keep the SUP board secure. Interestingly, these roof racks are compatible with most vehicles.
- Crossbars: You’ll need crossbars to hook the roof rack onto.
- Extra Ropes: Some roof rack systems require extra ropes, while others do not. With ropes that are long enough to go around the board, you can ensure that the board is tightened enough.
SUP Roof Tie Down
In the absence of crossbars, you can utilize kits that will help you strap your board on your roof. The kits should include:
- Ropes: With ropes, you can easily strap the board directly on the roof of the vehicle.
- Straps: Straps, especially those with locks, help to tighten the ropes to keep the board secure
- Padding: You don’t want to damage your board or the roof of your car, and as such, you’d need some padding for protection.
With SUP roof tie-down, you can conveniently attach the SUP board to the roof of your car and transport it with ease.
Pickup Truck
With a pickup truck, you can easily place the SUP board in the bed of the truck. However, it is important to use a SUP board tailgate pad to ensure that the paddle board does not get damaged or scratched. Some of these tailgate straps also come with straps to easily secure the board as you drive.
A Bike
You can also use a bike to transport a SUP, especially if you are in a bike-friendly environment. There are different ways to achieve this. You can either decide to hold the board as you ride or use an attachment for your bike like a paddle board bike trailer.
Another way to use a bike to transport a SUP is with the aid of a paddle board cart or other attachments. With this, you can easily tow the board as you ride.
Best Way to Transport a SUP from your Vehicle to Water
Overhead Carry
People with less upper body strength or shorter arms may find it hard to lift the paddle board by the deck. However, the good thing is that paddle boards come with comfortable handles, which makes the paddle board a lot easier to lift. You can use the handle to lift the board on your head from your vehicle to water. However, you’ll need to be strategic and extra careful when handling the board.
Middle Handly Carry
The handle at the center of the board is a more comfortable spot for some paddlers. If you prefer using this handle to lift the board, then you can use it to lift the board by your side. However, you need to be careful of the wind, and if you encounter a strong wind, you might want to point the tip of the board towards the wind.
Also, when placing the board on the ground, be cautious of the surface you’re placing it on. It is always best to place it on grass or sand so that the board won’t get scratched.
Shoulder Carry Strap
Transporting a SUP board for longer distances can be challenging, but with shoulder carriers, it can be a lot easier. These carriers comprise high-quality materials and fasteners to keep the board secure and also make it easier to carry. One advantage of this method is that it ensures even distribution of the weight of the board.
Inflatable Boards vs. Rigid Boards
Paddle boards can either be rigid or inflatable. However, the inflatable SUPs are generally much better for all-around leisure paddling. They are also generally more portable, lightweight, durable, and versatile than the rigid boards. However, for paddlers buying a SUP for racing or surfing, a rigid board would b a better option.
Another area where inflatable boards are better than rigid boards is in the area of movement. In general, inflatable boards are a lot easier to carry compared to the rigid boards. This is because they can be easily deflated at any time and placed in a backpack. It is worth mentioning that the boards are also easy to inflate and deflate.
Final Thoughts
There are so many other ways to transport a SUP from your home to the paddling destination. We have only provided the best ways to transport a SUP. Whichever method you choose to use, the most important thing is to ensure that the board is transported safely and securely. Therefore, whether you’re moving it to a vehicle, on a vehicle, or from a vehicle, safety should be your number one priority.
