Board transport on the roof rack

What some consider discouraging is not that bad at all – the equipment transport. You don't necessarily need a big car or even a Volkswagen van to get to the beach effortlessly. Those owning a station wagon can most of the time just turn over the front seat and comfortably carry around their equipment as if it was a "quiet" co-driver.

 

As shown in the pictures below, compact car pilots don't have to worry about the transport, either. Those wanting to strap the board on the roof should consider some important advice, though. In principle, you should foam-pad the roof rack rails or put something under them so that the board doesn't get dented. In case of need, a towel also does the trick. Here are the different packing variants:

 

1. Everything on the roof

Fix the board with the nose pointing down and towards the front on the roof rack so that it doesn't overlap much at the rear and put the boom on top of it (put something under it, too). Put the mast on the rack and pull tight with two appropriate tension belts. If possible, the sails shouldn't be lashed onto the roof because that can cause ugly bends.

 

 

2. The board on the roof solely

A popular alternative is to strap only the board onto the roof and to cram everything else into the car. That also works for small cars without problems and surely is the better choice to protect the equipment from robbers. If the straps go over the rails (longitudinal edges of the board) as in the picture, they shouldn't be tightened too much in order to avoid damage.

 

 

3. Tail first

Those who want to be on the safe side in respect of the rails can also transport the board tail ahead with the nose at the back and pointing up. That way, the tension belts don't run over the rails. A certain spoiler look is a pleasant side effect for those who like it. However, pay attention to garages and height limitations. Nose up also means that the total height of the vehicle is raised.

 

4. Not that way!!!

The only packing variant absolutely NOT to recommend is the one with the nose pointing up and forward. That way, the head wind blows against the board, and a pressure not to be underestimated is generated. Fixed that way, many a board has taken off the roof. On highways with two-way traffic, a flying surf board can be life-threatening!

 

 

Photos Jan Frenzel

5. Board bags protect

Not only condoms protect - board bags do, too! Even though modern windsurfing boards are way more durable than before, unappropriate handling can lead to unsightly dents or even holes. Most of the time, such misadventures don't happen on the water, but ashore. A boardbag is the perfect solution here. There's a fitting boardbag for practically every board in the specialised trade - and for little money, too.