Lightweight and suitable for travelling: Surflogic roof rack for SUP and windsurf boards put to the test

Transportable harness racks are very popular among surfers, often with a harness system with four straps for two narrow surfboards next to each other. These Surflogic soft racks only have one, comparatively wide padding, which is better suited to SUP hardboards or windsurfing equipment. The rack is securely fastened to the roof with two solid-looking 30 mm straps, threaded through the car once. This puts very little strain on the roof. The straps for fastening the board(s) are also sewn on separately and look solid; the buckles are padded with rubber to protect the boards and car paintwork. This means that the boards are not pressed onto the roof with full tension when lashing - as would be the case if the lashing straps were also threaded through the car.
The supports are well padded, adapt easily to the contours of the roof and board, but then do not give way any further, so that the boards lie securely on the roof without wobbling. In our opinion, even more stable than on the thicker inflatable straps. On the other hand, the foam carrier tested here lacks some height, so that windsurf boards cannot be transported with the loops downwards, as they would press into the roof. The manufacturer recommends the carrier for up to two SUP and longboards up to 70 centimetres wide, which should enable a load capacity of a good 20-25 kilos.

Gentle on the roof - as good as it gets

With careful handling, no marks were left on the roof during our test drives, but there are still a few points to bear in mind when using it. The most important tips:

• Keep the roof free of sand and clean before and during installation
• Ensure sufficient headroom in the interior in relation to the seat belts
• Distribute the load as evenly as possible across the width
• Car hire companies may not allow roof transport
• Lash belts securely, but maximum force is not usually necessary
• Observe regional laws for roof transport
• The door seals are not additionally protected as with the inflatable carrier from Handirack. So perhaps tighten more carefully here or place something in between.

The Surflogic Soft Rack SUP/Longboard comes in a well-fitting bag and costs around 95 euros.
surf conclusion: The Surflogic carrier is 1.4 kilos light, equipped with solid 30 mm straps, appears robust, the padding is wide enough and offers a good balance of cushioning and secure hold.

Roof luggage: transporting surfing equipment on the car - the best tips