Foam fry or beach towels: for very short journeys
Popular on the Basque coast, the foam fry is a simple, economical and easy-to-install solution for short distances at low speeds. But be warned: it's out of the question to drive on the freeway with this device. It can only be used on very short journeys, at reduced speed and with good family driving habits. In terms of budget, you'll need to spend around ten euros for two French fries in a supermarket.
Inflatable bars
The foam roof bar, or inflatable bar, is easy to set up, and has the merit of being designed to carry several boards. Its payload is relatively low, but it can withstand high speeds.
However, it is fixed to the roof by passing a strap through the interior of the cabin. It's therefore possible for rainwater to leak through the door seal. The soundproofing of your car will also be impaired, so this solution will be more tiring on a long journey.
Such equipment, sold by FCS among others, will cost you around ?80.
Fixed roof bars
Fixed bars are the safest and most relaxing solution for long journeys. They can support several boards without any problems, and can cope with high highway speeds.
Longer to set up, it's also the most impactful on the budget, as such a set can quickly cost several hundred euros.
Choosing the right straps
To secure your favorite boards, make sure you choose the right strap model. Ratchet straps can be used, but should not be tightened to the maximum. In fact, their clamping force is such that you risk damaging your board's rail. Ideally, you should choose straps that are
Two straps are all you need, the ideal being to cut them to size with a hot iron once you've got the right ribs, so you don't have an excess that's difficult to store.
If you're transporting your board without a cover, it's best to install bar covers to prevent scratching on the deck. Without a cover and on a long trip, some resins change color, and you risk having the trace of your strap on the hull of your board when you arrive at your destination.
There are specific strap models for transporting boards, with a neoprene insert to protect your bodywork.
Finally, to protect against theft, Kanulock offers straps reinforced with steel cables and lockable.
