Best Surfboard Carriers for Easy Travel and Storage

The best surfboard carriers for easy travel and storage include roof rack pads, surfboard slings, wall racks, and ceiling mounts. Roof racks are ideal for car transport, slings work well for walking or biking to the beach, and storage racks keep your board safe and out of the way at home. Choose based on how you travel and where you store your board.

A low-quality surfboard carrier can destroy your board before you even hit the water. Flimsy straps, poor stitching, and weak materials aren’t just frustrating, they're a real risk. One wrong bump on the road or a torn handle mid-carry, and you're left dealing with pressure dings, cracks, or a board sliding off your roof. It's not just inconvenient, it's expensive.

This is why choosing the best surfboard carriers for easy travel and storage isn’t optional.It can mean the difference between keeping your board safe and paying for repairs. So, which surfboard carriers actually hold up without slipping, tearing, or falling apart? Let’s first understand what a surfboard carrier is.

 

What Is a Surfboard Carrier?

A surfboard carrier is a tool that helps you transport or store your surfboard safely. Travel carriers like roof racks, shoulder slings, or bike mounts are designed to make getting your board to the beach easier. Storage carriers, such as wall racks or ceiling hooks, keep your board protected and out of the way when you're not using it.

Using a carrier helps prevent damage, makes transport more convenient, and saves space at home. It's a simple, effective way to keep your board in good shape and your gear organized.

 

What Are the Best Surfboard Carriers for Travel?

Here are some of the best surfboard carriers for travel, whether you’re driving long distances, flying overseas, or walking to your local break.

 

1. Roof Racks for Cars

The best option for long-distance travel and road trips. Roof racks are typically padded, strap-secured, and designed to be aerodynamic, keeping your board safe at high speeds. They also work well as a reliable longboard carrier, offering extra length support and secure fit. Ideal for surfers with permanent setups or frequent travel by car.

 

2. Soft Rack Systems

Perfect for those without permanent roof racks or renting a vehicle. These systems are lightweight, easy to install, and compatible with most car types—making them a flexible solution for short-term use.

 

3. Backpack Surfboard Carriers

Great for surfers who walk or bike to the beach. A backpack-style surfboard carrying strap is hands-free, comfortable to wear, and comes with adjustable straps and padding to evenly distribute weight and reduce strain.

 

4. Surfboard Travel Bags with Shoulder Straps

Best for flights or trips that involve rough handling. These bags are usually padded and come with compartments, offering both board protection and easy transport. Ideal for air travel or storing boards during extended journeys.

 

What Are the Best Surfboard Storage Carriers?

Here are some of the best surfboard storage carrier options, ideal for homes, garages, shops, or rentals.

 

1. Wall Mount Racks

Wall mount racks are best for home garages, surf shops, or any area with limited floor space. These racks allow you to store your board horizontally or vertically, depending on the wall layout and board size. They’re space-saving, easy to install, and provide quick access, perfect for frequent surfers who want to keep their board secure yet within reach.

 

Looking for something functional and beautiful? The Sun Rack from Living in Sunshine offers a clean, free-standing solution that fits naturally into modern or coastal spaces. It’s designed to hold your board securely while complementing your interior with handcrafted charm.

 

However,  if you only need to store a single board and want something sleek and simple, The Solo Rack is a minimalist, wall-mounted option designed to keep your surfboard safe without taking up extra room. Ideal for apartments, studios, or anyone with limited wall space.

 

2. Ceiling Surfboard Slings

Ceiling slings are ideal for apartments or garages with unused overhead space. Using adjustable tension straps, these slings suspend the surfboard from the ceiling, keeping it out of the way and protected from foot traffic. They’re a smart choice for long-term storage, especially when you're not using your board regularly.

 

3. Free-standing Surfboard Racks

Free-standing racks work well for displaying multiple boards without needing to drill into walls or ceilings. These are great for surf rental shops, board collectors, or anyone with a personal quiver at home. With no installation required, they offer convenience and flexibility while keeping boards upright and separated to prevent dings or scratches.

 

If you’re looking for a beautifully crafted option that blends functionality with coastal design, check out The Spirit Rack. It’s a durable, handcrafted solution made for surfers who want style and storage in one. 

 

How Do You Choose the Right Surfboard Carrier?

• Consider your mode of transport: Choose based on how you travel—roof racks for cars, backpack-style carriers for walking or cycling, and padded travel bags for flying.
• Match the carrier to your board size: Ensure the carrier fits your board’s length, width, and weight to avoid damage during transport.
• Look for padding and protection: Pick carriers with padded straps, cushioned interiors, or durable materials to prevent dings and scratches.
• Check your storage space: Think about where you’ll store the carrier—compact designs are best for smaller cars, flats, or limited garage space.
• Factor in your budget and portability: Lightweight, foldable options are great for frequent travellers, while more rigid systems suit regular car use or permanent setups.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Surfboard Carrier?

Using a surfboard carrier protects your board from dings, cracks, and sun damage during transport. It also makes carrying or storing your board more manageable, especially when walking long distances, loading your car, or flying.

 

Many carriers include padding or straps to keep the board secure and reduce strain on your body. Whether you're heading to the beach or storing your board at home, a good carrier saves space, improves convenience, and helps extend the lifespan of your gear.

 

Secure Your Gear, Embrace the Coast

Choosing the right surfboard carrier isn’t just about convenience; it’s about protecting your gear, saving space, and making travel easier. A good carrier keeps your board secure, whether you’re heading to the beach, flying overseas, or storing it at home. It reduces the risk of dings, saves time, and helps you stay organised. For any surfer, it’s not just a nice-to-have, it’s a smart investment that pays off every session.

 

At Living in Sunshine, we’re all about making coastal living easy, breezy, and beautifully inspired. Whether you're heading to the beach or just want that laid-back coastal feel wherever you are, our Full Collection of Racks & Accessories has everything you need, from surfside essentials to lifestyle favourites that keep the sunshine vibe going all year round. Got questions or need help with your order? Reach out anytime at contact@livinginsunshine.com or call us at +1 (269) 533-7127—we’re here to help.

 

FAQs 

 

Which airline is best for surfboards?

American Airlines and Alaska Airlines are among the best options for surfers, as they treat surfboards as standard checked baggage. This allows you to avoid oversized baggage fees—provided your surfboard bag stays within the airline’s weight limits.

 

Can you use the same surfboard carrier for different board sizes?

Some carriers are adjustable and work with multiple board sizes, but not all. Always check the carrier’s specs to ensure it supports your board’s length and width. Oversized boards may require custom-fit solutions or carriers with wider straps and reinforced padding.

 

Are surfboard carriers weatherproof?

Many surfboard carriers, especially travel bags and soft roof racks, are made with weather-resistant materials like PVC or polyester. However, not all are fully waterproof. If you plan to travel in wet conditions, choose carriers with sealed zippers and water-repellent fabric.

 

How do you clean and maintain a surfboard carrier?

Use a damp cloth to wipe down soft carriers or roof racks after use, especially if exposed to saltwater or sand. For travel bags, shake out any debris and air them out between trips to prevent mildew. Regular checks for fraying straps or broken buckles help maintain safety and performance.