Which kayak roof rack is best for your car, truck or van? Or maybe you’re transporting a surfboard? In this guide, we help you find the best one for your next trip to the waterfront.
Kayak roof racks are generally divided into horizontal and vertical roof racks. If you’re planning to transport more than one kayak, you might want to look at the vertical (sometimes called J-shaped) kayak roof racks. These allow you to stack more kayaks on your vehicle.
Examples:
Thule Hull-a-Port XT: this kayak roof rack can carry one or two kayaks and folds flat when you’re not using it.
Thule Compass: This kayak carrier can be easily configured into different “modes”. When the rack is bent bent to a J-shape or flat in the “saddle mode” you can load one kayak. And in the “stacker” mode you can load two.
Thule Stacker: this space-saving stacker lets you hold up to four kayaks stacked on their side.
If you want a kayak roof rack that can carry your kayak one day and your surfboard or paddle board the next, there are kayak racks that can do both.
Examples:
Thule Compass: This water sports carrier can hold either a kayak or a stand-up paddle board with one system. In the “saddle” mode when the carrier is flat, you can load your kayak or up to two paddle boards onto the rubber saddles that keep your boards safe. If you configure the rack into the “stacker” mode, you’re ready to load two kayaks.
Thule Dockgrip:this is a horizontal kayak carrier where you place the kayak flat on the rubber, cushioned pads. The pads pivot and can be adjusted to fit the hull shape of any kayak or re-adjusted flat to fit a SUP or surfboard.
Transporting a kayak and bike rack?
If you want space left over on your car roof to transport other equipment like a bicycle, a vertical kayak roof rack is probably the better option since it leaves some space on the rack to transport other things.
Examples:
Thule Hull-a-Port:This roof rack is designed specifically to leave room for other rooftop accessories, like a bike rack.
Thule Hull-a-Port Aero:This innovative kayak carrier is safe, stylish, easy to use and integrates seamlessly with Thule roof rack systems. It is easy to quickly raise or fold when not in use using the convenient front release handle.
If the thought of loading a kayak onto the roof of your car sounds challenging for you, there are some kayak car carriers that make the loading process easier. Some kayak roof racks can be lowered so that you can load the kayak at your own height. Others are made of a smooth material that lets you slide the kayak onto the car roof. This means you can load the kayak easily, even if you’re off paddling on your own.
Examples:
Thule DockGlide:This kayak car rack is made up of four saddles, two of which are lined with felt. This means that you can easily glide the kayak into place on top of your car. This makes it a lot easier to load your kayak onto your car alone.
Thule Hullavator Pro:This kayak rack does all the heavy lifting for you. With the help of sliding technology, all you have to do is slide the rack down, load the kayak at waist level, and then slide it back up to the top of the car.
A kayak roof rack for a car without rails
Do you want to transport your kayak on a car roof without rails? No fear! There are still options for you.
With the help of roof racks that use a clamp foot you can attach a rack even to a roof without any side rails or other attachment points. Have a look at our buyer’s guide to find a roof rack that works with your car roof. Then, you can attach a kayak carrier without a problem.
Want a dedicated surf rack or SUP rack?
With a Thule surfboard car rack or SUP rack you’re ready for the waves – just load your board and head out.
Examples
Thule SUP Taxi XT:A carrier that combines security and convenience making it the most popular SUP carrier on the market. Telescoping design and quick and easy locking strap operation makes for a great experience.
Thule Board Shuttle:This is a versatile surf and SUP rack that can carry one or two boards on any type of roof rack. The telescoping design makes it possible to carry boards of different sizes and the soft, weather-resistant padding protects the boards during transit.
Thule Surf Pads:A quick and easy way to carry all types of watersports gear safely and securely. High density foam pads protect your gear in transit.
