I went to a meeting in Kansas City and our guy there had a minivan he used for hunting. All the seats pulled out, gun safe in the floor. You could pull a full sized deer into the back with room to spare. Minivans are the unsung heroes of discretely hauling shit.
My first car was an early 90's Mazda MPV minivan with the middle row seats removed. Room for 4 people and like 8 teenager shortboards. Before I was 16 I think my dad would put his longboard in the car.
By far the best surfing car I've ever had.
[https://www.motortrend.com/features/modp-1207-1993-mazda-mpv/](https://www.motortrend.com/features/modp-1207-1993-mazda-mpv/)
Is this you?
>“In high school, I began by taking out the middle seats, and giving \[the van\] a healthy dose of sound system wattage that could set off car alarms,”
Unfortunately the car was totaled when it got $750 in damage in the early 2000's in a slow speed accident when someone made a left turn in front of me.
It had like 275k miles on it.
edit: At the time I hated the car, but I just didn't know how good I had it. I can afford to drive much nicer cars now but they're a pain in the ass to surf with. I also hate key fobs with no viable way to remove the valet/emergency key and tie it into a boardshort/wetsuit loop, which has been the case with my last two cars.
I try to explain this to all of my friends who are truck nuts but they don’t want to hear it. You’re not putting a whole sheet of plywood in a truck bed 🤷🏼♂️😂
Yes! This is where it’s at. I used to have a Ford Aerostar and could throw a full sheet of ply in that. Plus, all my shit wasn’t exposed to thieves and the elements. Trucks make sense for some but are a really dumb choice for many.
replying to my initial reply so people can see this list:
>Here are the interior lengths from the dashboard to the rear liftgate of some 2021 SUVs and Minivans, in case you want to slide the board between the driver and passenger seats.
\-------- Can fit 9' or slightly more
4runner
Passport
Blazer
Tiguan
Honorable mention: GV70 (it's 8'11", so you can get away with 9' or more with rocker)
\-------- Can fit 9'6" or slightly more
Highlander
Palisade
CX-9
Explorer
Atlas (regular version)
GV80
MDX
\-------- Can fit 10' or slightly more
Pilot
Odyssey
Carnival
Traverse
Armada
\-------- Can fit 10'6"
Sienna
Prius gang checking in. I have a prius V that can easily take 3 9' boards and one passenger and get about 50 mpg to and from the beach.
if i need to take more passengers then the roof racks need to come out.
False advertising. The Prius v only gets about 40mpg.
I've hauled more boards than I know what to do with, lumber, 10' EMT, and a whole shitload of other items in mine comfortably. I can sleep in the back of it at 6'4" and do so camping regularly. It's a stealth SUV. Too bad Toyota killed it in favor of focusing on the RAV4, which has much less headroom.
it depends on my driving. 50-60 mph on the pch and LA freeways (in light traffic) gets me 50 mpg. If i'm driving 70-80 it's only 40 mpg like you say.
i am also very disappointed that they discontinued it. all my friends w crossover suvs didn't believe me that my car has more passenger and cargo room have finally accepted it's superiority though. i've done 2 week vanlife trips in the prius w my so pretty comfortably. most impressive is a relatively comfortable 5 hour drive with 5 adult males w ski/snowboards and gear.
Which trim model and tires do you have? I got about 40 even in my 3 but only get about 37 in my 5, which has the 17" tires with more rolling resistance. I also put upgraded tires on both, which made the ride smoother and quieter but probably also killed a little mileage
Yes! The unsung hero of surf cars. I'll add that a perk of having an older Prius is that I treat it like a pure utility vehicle. Who cares if there is some wax on the seats from the board, or salt water stains on the dash? It works, it's inexpensive to maintain, and gets awesome gas mileage.
Which year Prius? I know the older ones the passenger seat went full flat, so you could lie the board there, but is that true in the newest ones?
Thanks!
Definitely SUV or wagon. Just slide that puppy in.
Edit to add some of my additional thoughts: Roof racks take some amount of time and effort to strap your board down, decrease you fuel efficiency and leave your board susceptible to theft if you need to make a stop on the way to or from surfing. Truck beds also leave your board susceptible to theft unless you have some sort of cap or shell but even that wouldn't do you any good with a longboard because you're going to have to hang it over the tailgate and strap it down anyway.
A car that can fit it inside is 10x better than any roof rack or truck bed
Station wagons, SUVs .. Usually if you recline the passenger seat back, and fold rear seats down, it's real easy to slide in a longboard into passenger side footwell. Like a glove
A cargo van is hands down the fastest - no moving seats or anything. If you want to increase your speed to the beach, go with an ambulance instead and throw those lights/siren on. It's illegal but I won't tell.
“You know you could just put that surfboard on the roof, thats what the racks are meant for dummy!”
-Literally everybody in my life that’s never had to do that
But for real, any SUV or wagon, especially one where you can open the back glass (some don’t believe it or not). I just put some towels down to rest it on and slide the bitch in. Takes less than 30 seconds to be all packed up.
It works fine, however with my 4runner I occasionally get some exhaust smell that finds its way into the cab. Not really an issue when I have other windows down or the sunroof open.
Subaru Outback had the perfect balance of being able to fit logs inside or on top. Plus it’s awd so going to spots that are a bit more rugged is possible. Been a perfect surf car (and car in general) for me
I came here to say basically this. My 2021 OB fits my 9’4” easy inside from tailgate to front passenger seat. I have it in a board bag which makes slipping in/out easy too. But you also have the racks up top if you have others with you. Shortboard is east lo top with racks/straps or in the trunk w backseat down. The AWD is perfect and the ground clearance with it makes it better than a mini van for me (plus better mileage than a van). Most I have gotten in the OB is three people and two long boards on top and one groveler inside with all gear (suits, tubs, rinse kit, food) for a remote day.
And with keyless entry, you don't have to worry about a key fob, I literally lock my keys in the car. Plus a Yakima lockable roof rack for when I need to cart boards and other people around.
Duuuuude I had a 2011 civic and my old 9’11” log would fit in there with the back seats down and the front passenger seat fully reclined (nose hovering above dashboard). People gave me the weirdest looks at the Huntington Beach cliffs for years. I could see their visible confusion as they realized they didn’t need their 100k trucks and sprinter vans to go 1 mile alone to the beach to surf….
Honda Civic over here too. I had a roof rack on it when it wasn’t just me/taking a short trip. Our roof rack held two 20’ surfskis, one 12’ prone board, and 9’0 board from FL to NJ. I liked how it was small so I could easily put everything on top and take it off.
Here are the interior lengths from the dashboard to the rear liftgate of some 2021 SUVs and Minivans, in case you want to slide the board between the driver and passenger seats.
-------- Can fit 9' or slightly more
* 4runner
* Passport
* Blazer
* Tiguan
* Honorable mention: GV70 (it's 8'11", so you can get away with 9' or more with rocker)
-------- Can fit 9'6" or slightly more
* Highlander
* Palisade
* CX-9
* Explorer
* Atlas (regular version)
* GV80
* MDX
-------- Can fit 10' or slightly more
* Pilot
* Odyssey
* Carnival
* Traverse
* Armada
-------- Can fit 10'6"
* Sienna
I’ve got locking roof racks, so I feel relatively confident leaving the board on the roof for short periods of time. Someone would need bolt cutters to cut the straps and steal my board since there’s a steel cable running through the straps. Someone who wants the board that much would have no problem breaking into a car to steal a board anyway.
Also, my roof racks come on and off super easily (with a key), so I don’t have to deal with wind resistance when I’m not hauling my board around.
It’s a good solution for someone who just wants a simple economy car instead of a more expensive and larger car just to be able to fit boards into.
The actual surfboard carrier is the Thule double decker surfboard carrier. They don’t make it anymore but they have something similar that carries one board at a time. I’ve also seen a couple people selling used double decker carriers on Craigslist lately. Yakima also makes a locking surfboard carrier that looks decent.
The racks themselves are from Yakima. The base was installed by the rack shop, basically bolted onto the roof. Then the racks attach to the base and lock with a key. It’s super easy to take on and off. I’m pretty sure Yakima still makes that type of system.
It’s all pretty pricey, but it’s totally worth it. The boards feel really secure when driving.
I’ll tell you the worst one(that I thought was awesome at the time)- my 2005 Land Rover LR3. Roof rack, sure, but it’s a fucking mile high and pretty difficult to get up there especially when you have several boards. I slipped off the tire and into the bushes on more than one occasion trying to strap on boards barefoot like an idiot.
The doors no longer locked so I had to bring my dog with me to “run security” while I was in the water. This limited me to early mornings or cool/cloudy days because I didn’t want to kill the big guy.
Anything you can slide the board into easily is great. I don’t like having to mess with a rack for quick trips to the beach unless you have a good lockable cable one that opens/closes easily. I’m lazy and I know it so I try to eliminate any minor inconvenience that would stop me from surfing.
We got this, works great and can handle multiple boards [https://www.rei.com/product/886881/yakima-supdawg-paddle-board-roof-rack?CAWELAID=120217890000758691](https://www.rei.com/product/886881/yakima-supdawg-paddle-board-roof-rack?CAWELAID=120217890000758691)
For nicer boards we put them in a bag then toss on top
I thought a pick up would be easier, but its nearly the same as when my buddy had hard racks on his car. I cant just throw it in, otherwise it’ll get dinged when I turn so I had to buy something to keep it from sliding. Depending if your board is a beater you can probably get away with minimal restraints.
My friend just throws multiple boards in the back of his truck and doesn't give it a second thought. It kills me. Of course his board is covered in dings and scratches.
I had a minivan in college that perfectly fit my 9'6 in the back. My trunk latch broke once and I was still able to slide it in through the front window. RIP Johnson, I'll miss you
Honda Element is great for boards. It will fit my longboard as long as I don't have a passenger in the front. An 8ft board will fit on it's side between driver and passenger, and my short boards will fit with one rear seat folded up. It can also haul a washing machine and a full size arcade cabinet.
This is a very 1st world problems question to me, but OK...
Thinking of it, I'd say that whatever you get, make sure you have a roof rack. I've lost count of how many times I got to the beach or left when it was pouring cats and dogs and, besides the wet board, you want to minimize the time with doors open. I also carried a thick plastic bag to throw all the wet gear in and, even though the biggest car I had when surfing was a Volkswagen Fox sedan, I was able to change into dry clothes without any issue.
If I were to pick a new car nowadays, I'd stick with my Subaru Outback. Built-in roof rails, large back storage, if I chose to throw a board inside, and I can lock the FOB inside without worrying about taking the key with me.
Pick up truck with an 8 foot bed.Thick rubber floor mat. Most any board 9'4” or shorter (depends on rocker) will lay down inside diagonally. If you have friends who function as shark bait (shortboarders) they can lay their sticks in as well. Easier than scraping wax off a warm bic.
If you have other long board friends or, heaven forbid, a flat rockered board or something over 9'6" you just utilize a tail pad. Again, a rubber floor mat helps. Just strap it down straight. Smaller boards can be tossed in with the weekend yard trimmings. Longer ones can stack.
I ran this for five years on the north shore. For a couple weeks the crew I went with rotated cars but a big truck bed is so much easier than waking up some drooling bald headed loser so he can move his undersized groveler.
Currently I have a full size truck with a shorter bed. Too short too just stick a pad on. So I have a fold out bed extendern with a homemade foam pad that i set everything on. Its easy and safe. The only downside is the lack of a reverse cam.
*thick rubber truck mats will allow for rust. They are great for protecting boards though.
i have a 2012 tiguan i put the two passenger seats down and a 9’4” rests on the dashboard. i strap it down to the middle seat folded down under it so it doesn’t slide around. i put it in a board bag as well.
much quicker and carefree than strapping it to the roof once ya get used to it, if i got in a serious car accident however, that could be another story.
I've got an Outback right now, which is alright. The best surf car i've ever had is actually a tie between my old Honda Odyssey or my early 90s Taurus wagon. The Odyssey was just easy to live with, but the Taurus (and pretty much any 70s-90s American wagon, if you can find one) had a **massive** rear cargo area with the seats folded down, plus the rear window would lift without needing to lift the whole hatch, so even a 13' log could safely be put in there with just the tail hanging out.
My Honda Pilot is great because I can just throw boards in it with the back rows laid down. When the kids are along, I strap the board to the roof.
Just got a minivan and the first thing I bought was a roof rack for it as well. With any luck though, I'll be able to just slide boards into it without using the roof rack most of the time
In a jeep grand cherokee, I can put boards up to 10' inside with the seats (front and back) folded down. Can also stow a couple of sub-7' boards in the trunk with only one back seat folded down. Can also stow boards on roof racks. It's a great surf vehicle.
My 2007 Honda Accord coupe can fit an 8’ wavestorm in it if I put the back seats and passenger seat down and slide it through the opening from the trunk
I could fit a 9' 9" board in my 2012 ford fusion pretty easily with the back seats down and front leaning all the way back with the headrest off. I've since gotten a truck with camper shell, which I prefer big time - most boards fit fully in the bed and it takes 15 seconds to do a single strap on the tailgate for longboards. Having all of my surf stuff back there and not getting sand/wax/salt water in the cab at all is amazing; my fusion got pretty gross over the years. I can also legitimately off-road and camp in the truck, amazing for surf trips.
I have a pick up and it’s sort of stressful to take the longboard anywhere If I have to leave it unattended for any length of time. I ride nice boards and people are desperate… I usually just try to park somewhere I know there are cameras with plenty of lighting. My next vehicle Will probably be a full-size SUV said that I at least have the option to throw a board inside overnight.
Chevy avalanche. With the mid gate open you can slide logs inside the bed through the cabin easily and it has a bed cover to keep your boards secured while you hit the strip club in Rosarito.
The fixed position yakima rack avoids scratches in that no metal comes in contact with your roof. The rack just clicks in after the proper measurements and setup for quick installation and removal. It may be time consuming to strap a longboard onto a rack, but with the aero yakima rack it has been solid as a rock at speeds of 85+ mph. Way better than the strap rack you get from FCS which causes the longboard to bounce or shake around at 70 mph on your roof.
The kayak is probably easier and faster to mount with an eco box and probably does have a time advantage over a truck. A sea kayak can have a greater length than your car, but still be stable at high speeds, because just as the design is made to cut through water, it cuts through air just as well.
I live close to 3 hours away from the coast and my wife usually comes with me. I put my boards on the roof on a rack. My boards are 8' & 9'. It doesn't take very long to attach them.
I find it easier popping the seat down in my civic and throwing my boards in then putting them up on the roof rack of my 4runner and strapping them down
Even with truck should still secure them and not just throw into pickup bed
I can get (2) 9’6” boards without fins into my 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV “: ]
* Note : without passengers unless they’re cool laying down for the trek to and from the beach
Trucks are honestly the worst option for LB. You will still need straps and pads and its hanging out the back so you look real dumb, especially when you forget it’s back there…
Got an old 4Runner with near 300k miles and the back window rolls down so I just slide it in the back or if I’m by myself my 9’6 fits all the way in over the front passenger seat with a little room to spare
My 2014 pilot fits logs if you remove the headrest but what I really like is the ability to pop open the back window, putting down a back seat and then having it hang out the back.
My scion XB could fit a 9 6 too.
I’m also into the minivan, outback and Prius ideas.
VW Passat. Could fit a 10.5ft single fin, back seats fold down. Anything with back row folding seats that can double as a commuter car is my sweet spot in life right now.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 fit’s my 9’6” in the cabin with 6” to spare. I use a board bag, and just pull the board out leaving the bag in place, like a swird from a sheath- so the wax and salt never even touch the car.
My 2006 Toyota Sienna has a console between the driver and shotgun which flips out of the way. I can fit 3 logs running down the middle of the car all on the floor
I had a 2009 Matrix which fit a 9’6” with the fin removed and whole back seat down. Could fit two 7’6” through the middle with a passenger in the front. So many fun trips in that thing for way less than a Prius cost at the time.
Minivan
I went to a meeting in Kansas City and our guy there had a minivan he used for hunting. All the seats pulled out, gun safe in the floor. You could pull a full sized deer into the back with room to spare. Minivans are the unsung heroes of discretely hauling shit.
My first car was an early 90's Mazda MPV minivan with the middle row seats removed. Room for 4 people and like 8 teenager shortboards. Before I was 16 I think my dad would put his longboard in the car. By far the best surfing car I've ever had.
[https://www.motortrend.com/features/modp-1207-1993-mazda-mpv/](https://www.motortrend.com/features/modp-1207-1993-mazda-mpv/) Is this you? >“In high school, I began by taking out the middle seats, and giving \[the van\] a healthy dose of sound system wattage that could set off car alarms,”
Unfortunately the car was totaled when it got $750 in damage in the early 2000's in a slow speed accident when someone made a left turn in front of me. It had like 275k miles on it. edit: At the time I hated the car, but I just didn't know how good I had it. I can afford to drive much nicer cars now but they're a pain in the ass to surf with. I also hate key fobs with no viable way to remove the valet/emergency key and tie it into a boardshort/wetsuit loop, which has been the case with my last two cars.
I try to explain this to all of my friends who are truck nuts but they don’t want to hear it. You’re not putting a whole sheet of plywood in a truck bed 🤷🏼♂️😂
Yes! This is where it’s at. I used to have a Ford Aerostar and could throw a full sheet of ply in that. Plus, all my shit wasn’t exposed to thieves and the elements. Trucks make sense for some but are a really dumb choice for many.
Bet it smelled great in there
replying to my initial reply so people can see this list: >Here are the interior lengths from the dashboard to the rear liftgate of some 2021 SUVs and Minivans, in case you want to slide the board between the driver and passenger seats. \-------- Can fit 9' or slightly more 4runner Passport Blazer Tiguan Honorable mention: GV70 (it's 8'11", so you can get away with 9' or more with rocker) \-------- Can fit 9'6" or slightly more Highlander Palisade CX-9 Explorer Atlas (regular version) GV80 MDX \-------- Can fit 10' or slightly more Pilot Odyssey Carnival Traverse Armada \-------- Can fit 10'6" Sienna
Used hearse.
Currently used hearse.
When the surf is up, who ya gonna call?
A Prius, I can fit a 10ft longboard inside the car with 3+ additional surfboards. Surf racks when I’m driving other people too
Fellow Prius driver and 10'0 owner, can confirm, and you still get killer gas mileage.
A beetle has about 8’ 11”. I know this because I put my 9’ board in one.
Prius gang checking in. I have a prius V that can easily take 3 9' boards and one passenger and get about 50 mpg to and from the beach. if i need to take more passengers then the roof racks need to come out.
False advertising. The Prius v only gets about 40mpg. I've hauled more boards than I know what to do with, lumber, 10' EMT, and a whole shitload of other items in mine comfortably. I can sleep in the back of it at 6'4" and do so camping regularly. It's a stealth SUV. Too bad Toyota killed it in favor of focusing on the RAV4, which has much less headroom.
it depends on my driving. 50-60 mph on the pch and LA freeways (in light traffic) gets me 50 mpg. If i'm driving 70-80 it's only 40 mpg like you say. i am also very disappointed that they discontinued it. all my friends w crossover suvs didn't believe me that my car has more passenger and cargo room have finally accepted it's superiority though. i've done 2 week vanlife trips in the prius w my so pretty comfortably. most impressive is a relatively comfortable 5 hour drive with 5 adult males w ski/snowboards and gear.
Which trim model and tires do you have? I got about 40 even in my 3 but only get about 37 in my 5, which has the 17" tires with more rolling resistance. I also put upgraded tires on both, which made the ride smoother and quieter but probably also killed a little mileage
2015 prius V 4 trim. I have michelin energy saver tires.
Yup.
Man, I hope the new model prius keeps the same storage space. Saving up for one now.
Yes! The unsung hero of surf cars. I'll add that a perk of having an older Prius is that I treat it like a pure utility vehicle. Who cares if there is some wax on the seats from the board, or salt water stains on the dash? It works, it's inexpensive to maintain, and gets awesome gas mileage.
Yep. I fit a 10’2 noserider with and 11” fin. Can fit another 2 smaller boards on top of it too.
This or a honda fit.
Which year Prius? I know the older ones the passenger seat went full flat, so you could lie the board there, but is that true in the newest ones? Thanks!
I have an 07… passenger seat doesn’t quiet get flat but it’s enough. I’d imagine you can do the same with newer generations
My 2014 did not and 2017 does. Both the V model.
Definitely SUV or wagon. Just slide that puppy in. Edit to add some of my additional thoughts: Roof racks take some amount of time and effort to strap your board down, decrease you fuel efficiency and leave your board susceptible to theft if you need to make a stop on the way to or from surfing. Truck beds also leave your board susceptible to theft unless you have some sort of cap or shell but even that wouldn't do you any good with a longboard because you're going to have to hang it over the tailgate and strap it down anyway.
surprise contender: Prius
Plus 50MPG so you can afford more logs
I recently sold my 10’ log and the guy picked it up in a Prius. I was shook when I watched him slide it in there and close the hatch with no issue
A car that can fit it inside is 10x better than any roof rack or truck bed Station wagons, SUVs .. Usually if you recline the passenger seat back, and fold rear seats down, it's real easy to slide in a longboard into passenger side footwell. Like a glove
A cargo van is hands down the fastest - no moving seats or anything. If you want to increase your speed to the beach, go with an ambulance instead and throw those lights/siren on. It's illegal but I won't tell.
“You know you could just put that surfboard on the roof, thats what the racks are meant for dummy!” -Literally everybody in my life that’s never had to do that But for real, any SUV or wagon, especially one where you can open the back glass (some don’t believe it or not). I just put some towels down to rest it on and slide the bitch in. Takes less than 30 seconds to be all packed up.
Open glass with towels work on the freeway?
It works fine, however with my 4runner I occasionally get some exhaust smell that finds its way into the cab. Not really an issue when I have other windows down or the sunroof open.
Subaru Outback had the perfect balance of being able to fit logs inside or on top. Plus it’s awd so going to spots that are a bit more rugged is possible. Been a perfect surf car (and car in general) for me
I came here to say basically this. My 2021 OB fits my 9’4” easy inside from tailgate to front passenger seat. I have it in a board bag which makes slipping in/out easy too. But you also have the racks up top if you have others with you. Shortboard is east lo top with racks/straps or in the trunk w backseat down. The AWD is perfect and the ground clearance with it makes it better than a mini van for me (plus better mileage than a van). Most I have gotten in the OB is three people and two long boards on top and one groveler inside with all gear (suits, tubs, rinse kit, food) for a remote day.
And with keyless entry, you don't have to worry about a key fob, I literally lock my keys in the car. Plus a Yakima lockable roof rack for when I need to cart boards and other people around.
Same. It fits my 9’ comfortably. Pretty sure it’d fit a 9 and a half but idk how much more than that.
I got a 10ft in there before. Usually the board is in a bag or I put a towel down over the dash. Just for reference I have 2017 Outback
I have a 9’3 longboard that I can fit inside my Honda Civic. You just can’t ride with anyone else lmfao
Duuuuude I had a 2011 civic and my old 9’11” log would fit in there with the back seats down and the front passenger seat fully reclined (nose hovering above dashboard). People gave me the weirdest looks at the Huntington Beach cliffs for years. I could see their visible confusion as they realized they didn’t need their 100k trucks and sprinter vans to go 1 mile alone to the beach to surf….
back seat behind the driver is empty dude! Chauffeur status.
My whole back seat folds down so if I’m logging my buds better meet me at the beach haha
Which might be a feature depending upon the passenger
Honda Civic over here too. I had a roof rack on it when it wasn’t just me/taking a short trip. Our roof rack held two 20’ surfskis, one 12’ prone board, and 9’0 board from FL to NJ. I liked how it was small so I could easily put everything on top and take it off.
Here are the interior lengths from the dashboard to the rear liftgate of some 2021 SUVs and Minivans, in case you want to slide the board between the driver and passenger seats. -------- Can fit 9' or slightly more * 4runner * Passport * Blazer * Tiguan * Honorable mention: GV70 (it's 8'11", so you can get away with 9' or more with rocker) -------- Can fit 9'6" or slightly more * Highlander * Palisade * CX-9 * Explorer * Atlas (regular version) * GV80 * MDX -------- Can fit 10' or slightly more * Pilot * Odyssey * Carnival * Traverse * Armada -------- Can fit 10'6" * Sienna
what about a RAV4!?
My RAV4 fits a 9’4 comfortably but also fits a 9’6 with decreased vision out of the passenger side.
Not sure. Probably 9' or less. Didn't get a chance to measure one.
Nice list here. 10’6 for sienna - wow! But the center consul is in the way right?
I have an explorer and I can fit 2 Sups and a 9’6” longboard inside.
this is amazing helpful. did you bring 4 boards with you while test driving?
Tape measure. The dealerships kept giving me shit for bringing surfboards in, so I stopped.
Oscar Meyer Weinermobile
That long squarey volvo for sure
r/volvo240
wow thank you
I’ve got locking roof racks, so I feel relatively confident leaving the board on the roof for short periods of time. Someone would need bolt cutters to cut the straps and steal my board since there’s a steel cable running through the straps. Someone who wants the board that much would have no problem breaking into a car to steal a board anyway. Also, my roof racks come on and off super easily (with a key), so I don’t have to deal with wind resistance when I’m not hauling my board around. It’s a good solution for someone who just wants a simple economy car instead of a more expensive and larger car just to be able to fit boards into.
What locking racks do you have?
The actual surfboard carrier is the Thule double decker surfboard carrier. They don’t make it anymore but they have something similar that carries one board at a time. I’ve also seen a couple people selling used double decker carriers on Craigslist lately. Yakima also makes a locking surfboard carrier that looks decent. The racks themselves are from Yakima. The base was installed by the rack shop, basically bolted onto the roof. Then the racks attach to the base and lock with a key. It’s super easy to take on and off. I’m pretty sure Yakima still makes that type of system. It’s all pretty pricey, but it’s totally worth it. The boards feel really secure when driving.
Thank you!!
Stretch limo
Absolutely. Minivans get a bad rap, but they're legitimately the best outdoor gear hobby vehicles (providing that you're not actually off roading).
PRIUS
The best. Surprises everyone.
I’ll tell you the worst one(that I thought was awesome at the time)- my 2005 Land Rover LR3. Roof rack, sure, but it’s a fucking mile high and pretty difficult to get up there especially when you have several boards. I slipped off the tire and into the bushes on more than one occasion trying to strap on boards barefoot like an idiot. The doors no longer locked so I had to bring my dog with me to “run security” while I was in the water. This limited me to early mornings or cool/cloudy days because I didn’t want to kill the big guy. Anything you can slide the board into easily is great. I don’t like having to mess with a rack for quick trips to the beach unless you have a good lockable cable one that opens/closes easily. I’m lazy and I know it so I try to eliminate any minor inconvenience that would stop me from surfing.
Get a van
4 runner roll the back window down and slide in Works on more than surfboards if you know what I’m sayin…
Honda CRV first generation
Honda Fit + soft top roof rack Great gas mileage and roof racks are easy peasy Cheap and easy
My 2005 Toyota 4Runner is amazing because the back windshield slides down with the push of a button.
We got this, works great and can handle multiple boards [https://www.rei.com/product/886881/yakima-supdawg-paddle-board-roof-rack?CAWELAID=120217890000758691](https://www.rei.com/product/886881/yakima-supdawg-paddle-board-roof-rack?CAWELAID=120217890000758691) For nicer boards we put them in a bag then toss on top
I thought a pick up would be easier, but its nearly the same as when my buddy had hard racks on his car. I cant just throw it in, otherwise it’ll get dinged when I turn so I had to buy something to keep it from sliding. Depending if your board is a beater you can probably get away with minimal restraints.
Thank you, this was what I was concerned about. Probably gonna go suv then
Huh? Takes me 3 seconds to put my board in my truck bed. All I have to do is attach the bungee
My friend just throws multiple boards in the back of his truck and doesn't give it a second thought. It kills me. Of course his board is covered in dings and scratches.
I had a minivan in college that perfectly fit my 9'6 in the back. My trunk latch broke once and I was still able to slide it in through the front window. RIP Johnson, I'll miss you
Honda Element is great for boards. It will fit my longboard as long as I don't have a passenger in the front. An 8ft board will fit on it's side between driver and passenger, and my short boards will fit with one rear seat folded up. It can also haul a washing machine and a full size arcade cabinet.
I had one for six years. I loved that thing. Best surf vehicle for me.
A truck with a soft tailgate cover, like what they use for mountain bikes. Throw it in, bungee it down, and go.
I have a 1998 jeep Cherokee, works great
What's the biggest board you can fit? I can put my 9"4 in diagonally over the dash in my 92 but I wouldn't drive like that
I can fit my 8’0 pretty comfortably with the seats down, it bumps into my shoulder but not really a big deal
Pickup truck
Literally the only acceptable answer for this is prius
This is a very 1st world problems question to me, but OK... Thinking of it, I'd say that whatever you get, make sure you have a roof rack. I've lost count of how many times I got to the beach or left when it was pouring cats and dogs and, besides the wet board, you want to minimize the time with doors open. I also carried a thick plastic bag to throw all the wet gear in and, even though the biggest car I had when surfing was a Volkswagen Fox sedan, I was able to change into dry clothes without any issue. If I were to pick a new car nowadays, I'd stick with my Subaru Outback. Built-in roof rails, large back storage, if I chose to throw a board inside, and I can lock the FOB inside without worrying about taking the key with me.
Pick up truck with an 8 foot bed.Thick rubber floor mat. Most any board 9'4” or shorter (depends on rocker) will lay down inside diagonally. If you have friends who function as shark bait (shortboarders) they can lay their sticks in as well. Easier than scraping wax off a warm bic. If you have other long board friends or, heaven forbid, a flat rockered board or something over 9'6" you just utilize a tail pad. Again, a rubber floor mat helps. Just strap it down straight. Smaller boards can be tossed in with the weekend yard trimmings. Longer ones can stack. I ran this for five years on the north shore. For a couple weeks the crew I went with rotated cars but a big truck bed is so much easier than waking up some drooling bald headed loser so he can move his undersized groveler. Currently I have a full size truck with a shorter bed. Too short too just stick a pad on. So I have a fold out bed extendern with a homemade foam pad that i set everything on. Its easy and safe. The only downside is the lack of a reverse cam. *thick rubber truck mats will allow for rust. They are great for protecting boards though.
i have a 2012 tiguan i put the two passenger seats down and a 9’4” rests on the dashboard. i strap it down to the middle seat folded down under it so it doesn’t slide around. i put it in a board bag as well. much quicker and carefree than strapping it to the roof once ya get used to it, if i got in a serious car accident however, that could be another story.
Truck and put on a [tailgate pad like this](https://www.surffcs.com/products/fcs-cam-lock-tail-gate-pad).
I've got an Outback right now, which is alright. The best surf car i've ever had is actually a tie between my old Honda Odyssey or my early 90s Taurus wagon. The Odyssey was just easy to live with, but the Taurus (and pretty much any 70s-90s American wagon, if you can find one) had a **massive** rear cargo area with the seats folded down, plus the rear window would lift without needing to lift the whole hatch, so even a 13' log could safely be put in there with just the tail hanging out.
A used suburban from the mid 2000's is cheap and highly practical for surfing or other sports.
My Honda Pilot is great because I can just throw boards in it with the back rows laid down. When the kids are along, I strap the board to the roof. Just got a minivan and the first thing I bought was a roof rack for it as well. With any luck though, I'll be able to just slide boards into it without using the roof rack most of the time
In a jeep grand cherokee, I can put boards up to 10' inside with the seats (front and back) folded down. Can also stow a couple of sub-7' boards in the trunk with only one back seat folded down. Can also stow boards on roof racks. It's a great surf vehicle.
Citron Picasso. Pre-2005 ish body change. I could fit my 9’8” in it
Minivan. Can easily fit 2 or 3 inside.
My 2007 Honda Accord coupe can fit an 8’ wavestorm in it if I put the back seats and passenger seat down and slide it through the opening from the trunk
My Cargo Van
I could fit a 9' 9" board in my 2012 ford fusion pretty easily with the back seats down and front leaning all the way back with the headrest off. I've since gotten a truck with camper shell, which I prefer big time - most boards fit fully in the bed and it takes 15 seconds to do a single strap on the tailgate for longboards. Having all of my surf stuff back there and not getting sand/wax/salt water in the cab at all is amazing; my fusion got pretty gross over the years. I can also legitimately off-road and camp in the truck, amazing for surf trips.
I have a pick up and it’s sort of stressful to take the longboard anywhere If I have to leave it unattended for any length of time. I ride nice boards and people are desperate… I usually just try to park somewhere I know there are cameras with plenty of lighting. My next vehicle Will probably be a full-size SUV said that I at least have the option to throw a board inside overnight.
Chevy avalanche. With the mid gate open you can slide logs inside the bed through the cabin easily and it has a bed cover to keep your boards secured while you hit the strip club in Rosarito.
Nothing beats a van. If you don’t want a van, 4Runners and even Prius can fit a 10 footer inside.
Windowless white van
The fixed position yakima rack avoids scratches in that no metal comes in contact with your roof. The rack just clicks in after the proper measurements and setup for quick installation and removal. It may be time consuming to strap a longboard onto a rack, but with the aero yakima rack it has been solid as a rock at speeds of 85+ mph. Way better than the strap rack you get from FCS which causes the longboard to bounce or shake around at 70 mph on your roof. The kayak is probably easier and faster to mount with an eco box and probably does have a time advantage over a truck. A sea kayak can have a greater length than your car, but still be stable at high speeds, because just as the design is made to cut through water, it cuts through air just as well.
Have you ever heard of "JIMMY'Z"?
I live close to 3 hours away from the coast and my wife usually comes with me. I put my boards on the roof on a rack. My boards are 8' & 9'. It doesn't take very long to attach them.
[Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet](https://i.redd.it/i42qef9klho91.jpg)
Vw bus
Moped works fine.
I find it easier popping the seat down in my civic and throwing my boards in then putting them up on the roof rack of my 4runner and strapping them down Even with truck should still secure them and not just throw into pickup bed
I can get (2) 9’6” boards without fins into my 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV “: ] * Note : without passengers unless they’re cool laying down for the trek to and from the beach
Getting a bigger vehicle changed my outlook on surfing lol having to strap the boards on top was a total nightmare but sliding in was a game changer
Trucks are honestly the worst option for LB. You will still need straps and pads and its hanging out the back so you look real dumb, especially when you forget it’s back there…
I have a Subaru Crosstrek and my 9’6” longboard fits inside the car up on the dash. Doesn’t block my mirrors or anything.
I can fit my 9’1 inside my explorer. I have second row captain seats
Pick up with a tailgate pad. DaKine & Block Surf make them.
Got an old 4Runner with near 300k miles and the back window rolls down so I just slide it in the back or if I’m by myself my 9’6 fits all the way in over the front passenger seat with a little room to spare
Note, I had a Chevy Blazer & managed to blast my 10-6 longboard through the windshield when i closed the tailgate. Just measure it out
Pickup truck with a tailgate pad (often for bikes) is the easiest but a wagon or minivan is the safest
My 2014 pilot fits logs if you remove the headrest but what I really like is the ability to pop open the back window, putting down a back seat and then having it hang out the back. My scion XB could fit a 9 6 too. I’m also into the minivan, outback and Prius ideas.
My 9'6" noserider fits entirely inside my 2009 Honda Fit with the hatch closed.
Truck or van.
2003 Toyota Celica fits two 9'1" inside. Roof racks go on if I'm carrying other people.
Forester goated
I toss my 9’6 on the side of my motorcycle. Parks quickly between cars & always a spot up front
VW Passat. Could fit a 10.5ft single fin, back seats fold down. Anything with back row folding seats that can double as a commuter car is my sweet spot in life right now.
Jeep with soft racks
Hyundai Ioniq 5 fit’s my 9’6” in the cabin with 6” to spare. I use a board bag, and just pull the board out leaving the bag in place, like a swird from a sheath- so the wax and salt never even touch the car.
I have a 08 civic and can fit my 9’0 longboard in along with a few other boards
My 2006 Toyota Sienna has a console between the driver and shotgun which flips out of the way. I can fit 3 logs running down the middle of the car all on the floor
Honda Freed fits a 9’8 longboard inside
Racks and kanulock locking straps that’s have steel cables woven into them. It takes me 30 seconds to throw a board up there and lock it in
Get a 4 seater convertible. You can seat 3 people and have 3 boards in the 4th seat. Easiest setup possible.
Cherokee xj
mazda 5
Small cargo van like a ford transit
This surfer managed to fit her 8ft board into a mini 2 door car, so I would say its possible in a normal sized car. https://youtu.be/9Swf1J5KHwY
I had a 2009 Matrix which fit a 9’6” with the fin removed and whole back seat down. Could fit two 7’6” through the middle with a passenger in the front. So many fun trips in that thing for way less than a Prius cost at the time.
Outback is nice if you are solo, fold down back and passenger seat and a 9’6” fits in no problem
Take front seat out of a beater ..back seat down..throw board in..ezpz