Car Accessories

Car transport, protection and post-session kit

Car Accessories for Paddleboarding, Surf, Wing & Watersports

This collection brings together practical car accessories for getting your watersports kit to and from the water more easily, including roof rack pads, board straps, waterproof car seat covers, key locks, portable showers and car organisers.

Whether you are carrying a hard paddleboard, protecting your car after a wet session, or making regular beach trips less of a faff, the right setup helps protect your gear, your vehicle and your time.

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A good car setup usually starts with three questions: what are you carrying, how far are you driving, and how wet or sandy will the kit be afterwards? For most paddlers and watersports users, the essentials are secure roof straps, suitable rack pads, a waterproof seat cover, and somewhere safe for keys while you are on the water.

How to choose the right car accessories for your watersports setup

Start with the kit you carry most often. Inflatable paddleboards usually pack into a bag, so your main car accessories may be seat covers, boot protection, waterproof bags and key storage. Hard boards, surf SUPs, wing boards and surfboards normally need a stronger roof transport setup using rack pads and reliable tie-down straps.

If you regularly travel with wet wetsuits, buoyancy aids, sandy changing robes or muddy boots, waterproof car seat covers and organisers make a big difference. They are not glamorous, but they keep the session simple: load up, paddle, ride, rinse, go home.

For a wider transport setup, browse our full SUP transport accessories, roof straps and rack pads, car seat covers, waterproof bags and board bags.

Roof straps, rack pads and carrying boards safely

If you are carrying a hard paddleboard, surf SUP, wing board or surfboard on roof bars, a good combination of rack pads and roof straps helps reduce pressure points and keeps the board more secure in transit. Rack pads protect the board and bars, while proper straps give a more controlled hold than improvised rope or bungees.

Useful options in this category include Dakine Aero Rack Pads, Dakine Roof Rack Straps 12 ft and the broader roof straps and pads collection.

As a general rule, protect the board at every contact point, avoid over-tightening, check the straps after the first few minutes of driving, and make sure any loose strap ends are secured before setting off.

Keeping your car clean after wet, salty or sandy sessions

A waterproof seat cover is one of the simplest upgrades for anyone who paddles, surfs, wings, foils or swims regularly. It protects your upholstery from wet neoprene, saltwater, mud, sand and post-session chaos — especially if you are driving home in a wetsuit or changing robe.

For single seats, start with the Surflogic Waterproof Car Seat Cover. For families, group sessions or vans, the car seat covers collection includes wider options such as double and triple covers.

It is also worth pairing car protection with dry bags, waterproof bags and changing robes so wet kit stays contained rather than spreading through the vehicle.

Key locks, portable showers and small accessories that make sessions easier

The small bits often make the biggest difference. A key lock helps avoid the awkward question of where to leave your car key while you are on the water. A portable shower can help rinse salt, sand and mud from feet, wetsuits, dogs, boards or kit before everything goes back into the car.

For key storage, see the Surflogic Key Lock Double System. For post-session rinsing and car organisation, browse the full car accessories collection.

These are especially useful for regular paddlers, winter users, families, dog owners, van drivers and anyone doing short sessions before work or after school runs.

Brand guidance: Dakine, Surflogic, Moloko, Mystic and Jobe

Within car and transport accessories, different brands tend to suit different needs. Dakine is a strong choice for surf and board transport essentials such as rack pads and straps. Surflogic is especially useful for practical car protection, key locks, seat covers and session accessories.

You may also see selected options from Jobe, Moloko and Mystic, depending on the type of car accessory or transport item you need. Rather than buying by brand alone, choose based on your vehicle, board type and how often you will use the item.

Complete the setup: what else should you consider?

Car accessories work best as part of a wider transport and protection setup. If you are carrying boards on the roof, look at composite board bags and inflatable board bags for protection before the board reaches the car.

If you are heading out in changeable UK conditions, consider buoyancy aids, SUP leashes, pumps and the full paddleboarding accessories collection.

For the bigger buying decision, you can also compare boards through our paddle boards collection, inflatable paddle boards and composite paddle boards.

Try, advise, ride: getting the whole setup right

If you are buying a board, upgrading to a hard board, or moving into wing, foil or surf SUP kit, transport is worth thinking about before the board arrives. The best board in the world is frustrating if you cannot move it safely, store it properly or get it to the water without stress.

You can try and compare paddleboards at the SUP Test Centre at Woodmill, and explore wing, foil and premium watersports kit through The SUP Co x Lymington Try It Now service. If you are unsure what car accessories you need for a particular board or vehicle, ask the team before ordering.

Delivery, finance and support

Most car accessories are smaller, practical add-ons, but they often sit alongside bigger purchases such as paddleboards, hard boards, wing boards or foil kit. You can view our delivery information and finance options if you are building a complete setup.

For product advice, vehicle-fit questions or help choosing the right transport accessories, contact The SUP Company team. We would rather help you get the right setup first time than see you struggle with the wrong straps, pads or protection.

Car Accessories FAQs

What car accessories do I need for paddleboarding?

For inflatable SUPs, most paddlers start with a waterproof car seat cover, dry bag and key lock. For hard paddleboards, surf SUPs or wing boards, you will usually also need proper roof rack pads and tie-down straps.

Do I need roof rack pads for a paddleboard?

If you are carrying a board on roof bars, rack pads are strongly recommended. They help protect the board rails and deck from pressure marks, reduce movement and make the board sit more securely on the bars.

Can I use normal straps to carry a SUP on my car?

Purpose-made roof straps are the better choice. They are designed for securing boards, are easier to tension correctly and are less likely to damage your board than unsuitable rope, bungees or general-purpose straps.

Are waterproof car seat covers worth it for watersports?

Yes. If you regularly drive home in wet neoprene, a changing robe or sandy clothes, a waterproof seat cover is one of the most useful accessories you can own. It helps protect your car from saltwater, mud, sand and damp kit.

Where should I put my car key when paddleboarding?

Many paddlers use a key lock or key safe attached securely to the vehicle. Always check that your key type and vehicle security system are compatible with your chosen storage method before leaving the car.

Can The SUP Company help me choose the right car transport setup?

Yes. Tell us what board or kit you are carrying, what vehicle you drive and how far you normally travel. We can help you choose the right combination of straps, pads, board bags, seat protection and practical accessories.

Need help building the right car setup?

If you are unsure whether you need soft racks, roof pads, straps, a seat cover, key lock or board bag, ask us before ordering. We can help match the accessory to your board, vehicle and the way you actually use your kit.

Start with transport accessories, roof straps and pads, car seat covers or speak to the team at The SUP Company for practical advice.

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