Roof Straps & Pads

Shop roof straps and roof rack pads for carrying paddleboards, surfboards, kayaks, wing boards and watersports kit safely on your vehicle. Whether you need simple tie-down straps, protective rack pads or lockable straps for extra peace of mind, this collection helps you build a more secure and practical transport setup before your next session.

Good roof transport kit protects your board, your car and your time. If you are not sure which strap length, pad shape or locking option suits your setup, our team can help you choose the right option for your board, bars and journey.

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Roof straps and pads for safer board transport

For most paddlers, surfers and wing riders, the journey to the water is where a lot of avoidable damage happens. The right roof straps keep the board secure, while rack pads protect rails, decks and vehicle bars from hard contact. For regular trips, longer journeys or coffee-stop security, it is worth choosing transport kit properly rather than relying on whatever happens to be in the boot.

How to choose the right roof straps and rack pads

Start with what you are carrying

A single inflatable SUP in a bag needs a different transport approach to a hard touring board, surf SUP, kayak or stacked board quiver. Longer, wider and heavier boards usually benefit from more careful padding, better strap positioning and a quick re-check after the first few minutes of driving.

Choose straps that suit your journey

Classic tie-down straps are a simple essential for roof bars and rack pads. If you regularly stop on the way to the water, leave kit outside a café or carry boards on longer trips, lockable straps such as KanuLock Tie Down Straps add a useful theft-deterrent layer.

Match the pad shape to your bars

Aero rack pads suit many modern roof bar shapes, while round rack pads are designed for rounder bar profiles. The aim is simple: create a cushioned contact point so your board is not sitting directly on a hard crossbar.

Popular options in this collection

Simple everyday roof straps

If you already have suitable roof bars or rack pads and just need a dependable set of straps, look at Dakine Roof Rack Straps 12 ft or Surflogic Tie Down Straps. These are the sort of transport essentials most paddlers end up using again and again.

Lockable strap security

KanuLock Tie Down Straps are useful if you carry boards, kayaks or canoes on the roof and want extra security when stopping mid-journey. They are not a substitute for common sense, but they are a smart upgrade for regular board transport.

Roof rack pads for board protection

Rack pads help protect rails, decks and vehicle bars. Compare Dakine Aero Rack Pads with Dakine Rack Pads depending on your bar shape and how tidy you want the setup to feel on the roof.

Roof straps vs rack pads: what do you actually need?

Roof straps secure the board. They are the part that holds the board, kayak or surfboard down against your roof bars or pads.

Rack pads protect the board. They create a cushioned layer between your board and the hard bar underneath.

For most hard boards, surfboards, composite SUPs and wing boards, we would recommend using both. Straps alone can work if your roof bars are already well padded, but bare hard bars are more likely to mark rails, dent boards or create pressure points on longer drives.

Complete your board transport setup

A good roof setup is only one part of protecting your kit. If you are travelling with boards, paddles, wet kit or family equipment, these related collections are useful next steps:

Advice for SUP, surf, kayak and wing board transport

Inflatable paddleboards

Inflatable SUPs are often easiest to transport deflated in their bag, especially for longer journeys. If you carry one inflated on the roof, use suitable straps and avoid over-tightening, particularly in warm weather where internal pressure can rise.

Composite SUPs and surfboards

Hard boards benefit from proper rack pads and careful strap tension. The goal is firm and secure, not crushed. Board bags are also worth considering if you are driving long distances or carrying premium boards.

Kayaks and larger craft

Kayaks and larger craft usually need a more considered roof setup because of their shape and weight. Make sure your bars, pads and straps are suitable for the size of craft you are carrying, and check the load before motorway driving.

Wing boards and foil boards

Wing and foil boards are often short but still vulnerable to rail and deck damage. Use padding, remove loose parts where sensible, and avoid loading foil components in a way that can press into the board.

Try, Advise, Ride: how we help you choose with confidence

Try: If you are choosing a new paddleboard or paddle, our SUP Test Centre at Woodmill helps you compare equipment properly before you buy.

Advise: If you are not sure whether you need standard straps, locking straps, aero pads or a full board bag, speak to our team before ordering.

Ride: The right transport setup makes sessions easier. Less loading stress, less damage worry and more time actually getting on the water.

You can also learn more about our South Coast store and demo support through The SUP Co x Woodmill, The SUP Co x Lymington and Try It Now at Lymington.

Finance, delivery and support

Roof straps and rack pads are usually small purchases, but they often sit alongside bigger board, paddle, foil or travel kit decisions. If you are building a full setup, you can read more about finance options at The SUP Company, visit our delivery and returns FAQs, or contact us for help choosing the right kit before you order.

Roof Straps & Pads FAQs

Do I need roof straps, rack pads or both?

In most cases, both are useful. Roof straps secure the board to the vehicle, while rack pads protect the board from hard contact with roof bars. If you are carrying hard boards, surfboards, kayaks or wing boards, a combined strap-and-pad setup is usually the cleaner and safer option.

Can I use normal straps to carry a paddleboard?

You should use proper board tie-down straps rather than makeshift straps or rope. Board-specific straps are easier to tension, less likely to damage the board when used correctly, and generally much more practical for regular watersports use.

Are lockable roof straps worth it?

Lockable straps are worth considering if you often stop on the way to the water, leave boards on the car while grabbing food or carry higher-value kit. They add a useful deterrent, although you should still avoid leaving expensive boards unattended for long periods where possible.

How tight should roof straps be?

The board should be held firmly enough that it cannot move on the bars, but not so tight that you crush rails, dent soft boards or put unnecessary pressure through the deck. After loading, check the board by hand, then re-check the straps after a short drive.

Can I carry more than one board on the roof?

Often yes, but it depends on your vehicle, roof bars, board size and total load. Use suitable padding between boards, make sure the stack is stable, and avoid exceeding the vehicle or roof bar load limits. If in doubt, ask us before buying straps or pads.

Which roof pads fit my roof bars?

Aero pads are designed for many modern aerodynamic roof bars, while round pads suit rounder bar profiles. Check the shape and width of your bars before ordering, and contact us if you are unsure which pad style is the best match.

Should I use a board bag as well as rack pads?

For short local trips, rack pads and straps may be enough. For longer journeys, premium composite boards, surfboards or boards you want to keep in the best condition, a board bag adds another layer of protection from knocks, road dirt and handling marks.

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

Yes. Tell us what board or craft you are carrying, what vehicle and roof bars you use, and how far you normally travel. We can then suggest a sensible setup using roof straps, rack pads, board bags or related transport accessories.