Transport a rigid SUP

The bulkiness of a SUP can represent a dead end for many boardsport enthusiasts who want to get into this sport and enjoy its many advantages, in particular its wide range of use, but solutions exist! Here they are :

Note to begin with that whatever your mode of transport, by car, by bike or on foot, the use of a board bag is essential because sooner or later, a board the size of a SUP will end up hitting a wall, a stair rail or the corner of the trunk. It’s just a matter of time 😉 So rather than missing out on a session for a ding repair, be covered with a quality board bag. We offer a specific range of bags to protect your SUP.

Now let’s see the options for reaching the spot with your SUP.

A trolley for short distances

If you are lucky enough to be at a reasonable distance from the spot, you can pull your SUP on foot or by bike by placing it on wheels. For example with a trolley that allows you to quickly and firmly fix your board. These small transport carts can also help you transport your equipment from the parking lot to a distant spot or to cross dunes thanks to their large wheels. Folded up, the trolley takes up very little space in the trunk. One thing is certain, with a trolley, you will still have enough energy to row at the peak!

By car with a compact SUP board

You don’t necessarily need a van to transport a SUP because a lot of models can fit into a station wagon or a large city car. For example, the compact Mob, which can suit a beginner, can be slipped through a hatchback trunk to the front of the car. You just need to fold down the passenger seat.

Be sure to keep perfect visibility and to fix the board so that it does not move around the car on the first turn or worse, hit the windshield (yet another reason to use a boardbag). A solution that can therefore cover the needs of smaller riders or those who practice on small ShortSUP models such as the Alley or the Karmen. If you do not want to deprive yourself of two seats in the car or if the dimensions of the car are too small, you have to go for a roof rack.

SUPer: Patrice, GONG Boss & Shaper, with the Mob FSP Pro.

On the rook of the car : soft rack or roof rack

If your car isn’t big enough to fit your rigid SUP, don’t panic. You can transport it on the roof of your vehicle with a roof rack or a soft rack.

On roof racks, simply put a foam protection to protect your board from vibrations and shocks on the road. These are offered in durable materials and in a reinforced canvas of the same quality as our GONG board bags which have a foam thickness of 15 mm. In terms of installation, nothing could be simpler: these roof rack protections are equipped with a hook and loop system that is easy to put on and take off. To make sure your board doesn’t end up in the middle of the road, get quality straps. Some like those of Kanulock even have a locking system to leave your equipment on your roof with complete peace of mind. Follow this how to to correctly put on your straps.

If you don’t have a roof rack, you can opt for FCS soft racks, in single for a SUP (also available in double to put two surfboards side by side). A safe system, entirely made of fabric, which therefore cannot suffer from any mechanical failure. On long journeys, regularly check the tension of your straps, whether you use roof racks or soft racks.

SUPer: Melissa, GONG team rider, with GONG roof rack foamies.

Inflatable alternative

If you don’t have the possibility to mount roof racks or a soft rack, if your car is too small or you if don’t have the space to store a SUP at home, we offer a very wide range of Inflatable SUPs, from the 7’5 foot ShortSUP to the 18 foot Race SUP. Folded up, an inflatable SUP takes up no more space than a large backpack that you can easily fit in a trunk. The Couine Marie range even has wheels to reach the spots. Going as a family or in a group with SUP gear is no longer a problem!