10 Best Paddle Board Rack For Car 2026 in the United States

The Thule Compass Kayak and SUP roof rack is a solid choice for anyone needing to carry one or two kayaks or stand-up paddleboards on their car roof. It supports boats up to 36 inches wide and can handle a total weight of 130 pounds, which covers most recreational kayaks and SUPs. The carrier’s J-style design is versatile, allowing you to carry a single kayak in either J or saddle mode, or stack two kayaks, plus it can hold two SUPs comfortably.

Installation is straightforward and tool-free, thanks to universal mounting hardware that fits most roof racks, making it user-friendly even if you’re not experienced with gear setup. Padding is a strong point here—thick rubber saddles and a padded upright help protect your watercraft from scratches and damage during transport. The integrated StrapCatch also simplifies securing your gear by managing straps more easily. When not in use, the rack folds flat, which is convenient for storage and helps reduce wind resistance when driving, contributing to better aerodynamics.

It weighs about 20 pounds, so it’s not the lightest option out there, which might be a consideration if you need to install and remove it frequently. Also, while it fits a wide range of kayaks and SUPs, very wide or heavy boards over 130 pounds won’t be supported. This rack suits casual to intermediate paddlers looking for a reliable, protective, and fairly easy-to-use roof carrier that works on various car racks.

The Thule DockGrip is a versatile paddle-board and kayak rack designed for cars, supporting boards and kayaks up to 36 inches wide and 85 pounds in weight. It is highly compatible with various roof rack systems, including Thule's own, round bars, and most factory racks, thanks to its t-track and flip fit brackets. This flexibility is a significant advantage for users who may have different rack systems on their vehicles.

The large, flexible, cushioned pads help protect the hull of your kayak or paddle-board during transport, and the independent pivoting saddles provide secure holding by adjusting to different hull shapes, ensuring stability and safety on the road. Ease of installation is enhanced with the center load straps that come with car-protective buckle bumpers and quick draw bow and stern tie-downs, simplifying the securing process. However, users new to installing roof racks may still find the process a bit challenging initially.

Security features are decent, with the tie-downs ensuring that the load remains firmly in place, although it does not have additional locking mechanisms which might be a concern for those looking for extra security. The aerodynamics of the rack are adequate; the design manages to keep noise and drag to a minimum but might not be the best in class. People seeking a reliable and protective rack for their paddle-board or kayak will find the Thule DockGrip a solid choice, especially if compatibility and protection are their primary concerns.

The Yakima SupDawg Rooftop SUP & Surfboard Mount is designed for convenience and ease of use, arriving fully assembled and requiring no tools for installation. It can hold up to two boards, each up to 36 inches wide, making it suitable for most users. The integrated rollers make loading and unloading oversized SUP boards straightforward, while the soft padding ensures they are protected during transit. This rack also prioritizes security with its bow and stern tie-downs, integrated strap management, and SKS locks, which help protect against theft.

The versatile design allows it to fit most crossbars, including Yakima round, factory, aero, and square bars. The sleek, glossy black finish is aesthetically pleasing and matches well with modern vehicles. Although its aerodynamic design isn't explicitly highlighted, its streamlined dimensions imply efficiency. The rack's load capacity of 30 kilograms is decent, though it may not be sufficient for heavier boards and gear. The product is relatively lightweight at 14 pounds, making it easy to handle. However, some users may find the cost a bit high compared to other options on the market.

Customer reviews are generally positive, with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 201 ratings, indicating satisfaction among most users. This rack is best suited for those looking for a high-quality, easy-to-install option that offers solid security and protection for their paddleboards.