How to Tie a Surfboard to a Roof Rack

September 01, 2025

If you’re heading to the coast with your 4WD, chances are your surfboard is riding along on the roof. But a loose board isn’t just at risk of scratches — it can be deadly on the road. Reports of surfboards flying off roof racks and striking other vehicles aren’t uncommon, and even a sudden shift in position can distract drivers and cause serious accidents.

Properly tying your board down isn’t just about protecting it from wind damage or road grime, it’s about making sure your trip doesn’t end in danger for you or anyone else on the road.

Prep Your Roof Rack and Gear

Before loading up, make sure your roof rack is clean and free from grit that could scratch your board. You’ll also need proper tie-down straps—preferably with padded cam buckles. Avoid cheap ropes or elastic straps as they can loosen mid-drive. If your rack has padded crossbars or a dedicated surfboard cradle, even better.

Quick Tie-Down Picks:

Rhino Rack Paddleboard Tie Down Straps (4.5m RBAS2) – A premium, durable choice designed for paddleboards and surfboards, offering secure fitment and trusted Rhino-Rack quality.
Ironman 4x4 Ratchet Tie Down Straps (3.6m, 2 Pack IRATCHET0034) – A solid all-rounder with ratchet tensioning, great value for money if you want dependable strength.
Hulk 4x4 Ratchet Tie Down Straps (4.5m HU5401) – Heavy-duty build with 270kg capacity, ideal if you want a bit of extra reassurance for long trips.

These options cover everything from quick tie-down solutions to permanent rack upgrades, giving you flexibility depending on how often you’re transporting your board. If you’d like to explore more options, check out our full range of roof rack accessories to find the right setup for your vehicle and gear.

Positioning the Surfboard

Place the board deck-side down (fins up) to reduce wind lift. If you’re stacking more than one, put a towel or foam pad between them to avoid pressure dings. Centre the boards on the rack so they’re evenly balanced on both sides of the vehicle.

Tying It Down Step-by-Step

Loop the Straps – Thread the straps under one crossbar, over the board, and under the opposite crossbar.
Feed and Tighten – Slide the strap through the cam buckle and pull it tight. Make sure it’s firm but not crushing the rails.
Double Check – Give the board a good shake. If it moves, tighten it again.

Secure the Ends – Wrap excess strap length so it’s not flapping in the wind. Loose ends can slap your paintwork or whip against the board.

Extra Security Tips

For longer trips, use a nose/tail tie to your front and rear bumpers to reduce wind movement.
Avoid leaving the board strapped down for days in the sun—heat and UV can damage both the board and straps.
Always check your load after the first 10–15 minutes of driving. Straps can settle as you move.

Extra Height, Extra Care

Remember, the extra height changes your clearance—don’t forget the board’s up there when entering carparks or under low-hanging branches. Also, be mindful of speed in crosswinds; the board will catch more wind than you think.

Ready for the Surf and the Sand

With a solid roof rack setup and proper strapping technique, you can cruise to the beach knowing your board’s secure. And if you’re after quality tie-downs, roof racks, or 4WD touring gear, 4wheelhouse is your go-to four-wheel drive parts store for everything you need to make the trip there and back hassle-free.