Every good surf session starts long before you hit the water. It begins in your driveway, with the simple but crucial task of getting your board securely fastened to the roof of your car. Using the right tie down straps isn't just a suggestion—it’s a non-negotiable for keeping your board, your car, and everyone else on the road safe.
This is your complete rundown on gear security, from the easy-to-use cam buckle straps we all know and love to seriously tough locking systems and versatile soft racks.
Why Quality Tie Down Straps Matter
Think of your tie downs as a critical piece of your surf equipment, right up there with your leash or fins. Grabbing a quality set is the difference between a cruisey, stress-free drive to the beach and watching your pride and joy cartwheel down the road in the rearview mirror. We need to get past the ‘any old strap will do’ mindset and really understand the important job they do.
A shoddy strap or a lazy tie-down job is just asking for trouble. Properly securing your gear prevents the big three headaches:
-
Board Damage: No one wants to deal with dings, pressure cracks, or a completely snapped board before you've even paddled out.
-
Vehicle Damage: A shifting board can easily scratch your paint or put a nasty dent in your roof.
-
Road Hazards: This is the big one. A board flying off your car at 100 km/h is a legitimate missile that can cause a serious accident.
The Essentials for Securing Your Surfboard
So, what’s the right setup for you? It really boils down to how you use your gear.
For those quick daily surf checks, cam lock tie downs are king. They’re super quick and easy, letting you cinch your board down and be on your way in minutes. We stock awesome options from trusted brands like FCS, Creatures of Leisure, and Ocean and Earth. If you're heading on a longer road trip or carrying heavier loads like a longboard or SUP, D-ring tie downs offer that extra bit of bomber security.
If you’re leaving your boards on the roof while you grab a coffee or are parked up somewhere for a while, premium lockable tie downs from a brand like Kanulock are a game-changer. We stock the full range of Kanulock tie downs, which are built with reinforced steel cables inside the webbing and a proper lock, giving you some serious peace of mind.
And what if your car doesn't have roof racks? No worries. Soft roof racks are brilliant, turning pretty much any four-door car into a board-carrying machine. We’ve got versatile options from Creatures of Leisure, FCS, and Ocean and Earth.
While you might see people using heavy-duty ratchet straps for things like boats, be careful. Exploring options like the best ratchet boat straps is fine for bigger toys, but it's incredibly easy to over-tighten them and crush the rails on a fragile surfboard. For surfboards, cam lock and D-ring straps are almost always the better choice.
Choosing Your Strap: Cam Lock vs D-Ring Systems
When you're looking at tie down straps, the locking mechanism you choose is a game-changer. It dictates how fast you can get your boards on the roof, how secure they are on the road, and generally how much fuss is involved. Not all straps are created equal, and picking the right system is crucial. The two main players you'll come across in the surf world are cam lock and D-ring systems.
Think of a cam lock strap like a modern ski binding. It’s built for speed and efficiency, getting you locked in and ready to hit the road with zero mucking around. This makes it the perfect go-to for your daily surf missions when all you want to do is get from home to the beach.
A D-ring system, on the other hand, is more like the classic lacing on a sturdy pair of hiking boots. It might take a bit more time and attention to thread and tighten, but the result is a rock-solid hold that's almost impossible to shake loose. This makes D-rings an awesome choice for long roadies over bumpy back roads or when you’re hauling multiple heavy boards.
Cam Lock vs D-Ring Straps at a Glance
Need to make a quick decision? This table breaks down which system best suits your surfing lifestyle, whether you're making quick trips down the road or embarking on an epic adventure.
| Feature | Cam Lock Straps | D-Ring Straps |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Everyday use, quick trips, single or light boards. | Long road trips, heavy loads, bumpy roads, extra security. |
| Speed | Very fast. Pull to tighten, press to release. | Slower. Requires threading the webbing through rings. |
| Ease of Use | Extremely easy and intuitive. No knots needed. | Simple, but requires a specific threading technique. |
| Security | Good for standard loads and highway driving. | Excellent. Friction lock gets tighter under load. |
| Maintenance | Spring mechanism can wear out over time on cheap models. | Minimal. Just two metal rings and webbing. |
Ultimately, both systems will get the job done. Cam locks win for convenience on most days, while D-rings offer that extra peace of mind when the stakes are higher.
The Cam Lock Advantage: Speed and Simplicity
The cam lock buckle is the most common mechanism you'll find on surf-specific tie down straps, and for good reason. The design is brilliantly simple. You just feed the loose end of the webbing through the spring-loaded buckle, pull it snug, and the toothed "cam" bites down, holding the strap firmly in place.
This system is a surfer's best mate for a few key reasons:
-
Speed: You can have a board secured in under a minute once you’ve got the hang of it. Just pull to tighten and press the release to loosen—it’s that quick.
-
Ease of Use: There are no tricky knots to learn or complex threading patterns. It’s so intuitive that anyone can use it correctly straight out of the gate.
-
Sufficient Security: For a single shortboard or a mid-length on your daily commute, a cam buckle gives you more than enough holding power to keep everything locked down.
We proudly stock a wide range of top-quality cam lock straps from the most trusted names in surfing, like FCS, Creatures of Leisure, and Ocean and Earth. These brands use corrosion-resistant metal for their buckles and include a soft neoprene or silicone pad underneath to protect your car’s paint and your board’s deck.
The real value of a quality cam lock strap is its reliability. While cheaper straps might look the same, their springs can weaken and the metal can corrode, leading to slipping and potential failure when you least expect it.
D-Rings: The Gold Standard for Heavy Loads
While cam locks are perfect for the daily grind, D-ring tie downs offer a different level of security. This system uses two simple metal rings and the power of friction. You loop the webbing through both rings, then back through just one, creating a powerful locking action that actually gets tighter the more you pull on it.
This method really shines in more demanding situations. Imagine you’re stacking two heavy longboards on the roof for a weekend trip up the coast. The added weight and wind resistance call for a system that won’t budge an inch—that’s where D-rings excel. They give you peace of mind that your gear will stay put, no matter how many kilometres you cover.
If you’re looking for the ultimate in board security, it's also worth checking out premium lockable options. Our Kanulock tie downs, for example, combine a user-friendly cam buckle with an internal steel core and a key lock, giving you security from both movement and theft.
Don't Forget Soft Roof Racks
What if your car doesn’t have factory-installed roof racks? You’re not out of luck. Soft roof racks are a seriously versatile solution that can turn almost any vehicle into a board-carrying machine without any permanent installation.
These systems, available from brands like Creatures of Leisure, FCS, and Ocean and Earth, consist of high-density foam pads with built-in tie down straps. The straps pass through the inside of your car, creating a secure cradle for your boards on the roof. They’re perfect for rental cars, road trips with mates, or for anyone who prefers a clean roofline on their daily driver.
Ultimate Security With Premium Lockable Tie Downs
Every surfer knows that little pang of anxiety when you leave your quiver on the roof rack. It's a classic dilemma. Standard tie downs are great for keeping your boards secure on the move, but they offer zero protection the moment you turn your back.
Walk away to grab a coffee or duck around the corner to check another spot, and your expensive boards are a sitting target. This is where premium lockable tie down straps completely change the game. It’s the difference between closing your front door and actually deadbolting it. One gives you real peace of mind; the other is just wishful thinking.
Introducing Kanulock Straps
Here at Blitz, when it comes to board security, we reckon the Kanulock system is the gold standard. These aren't just regular straps with a cheap lock tacked on as an afterthought. Kanulock straps are engineered from the ground up as a serious theft deterrent, making them a must-have for any travelling surfer.
What really sets them apart is their core of reinforced stainless steel cables, woven right into the webbing. This simple but brilliant feature makes them incredibly tough to cut with a knife, stopping opportunistic thieves in their tracks. Combine that with a solid, key-operated locking buckle, and you’ve got a robust system that lets you relax.
This isn’t just a visual warning; it’s a proper security system protecting your investment. With good boards easily costing over $1000, leaving them unsecured is a huge gamble. Investing in a set of Kanulock tie downs means you can stop for food, stay overnight on a road trip, or rig up your gear without constantly looking over your shoulder.
Why Security Is More Important Than Ever
A set of Kanulock straps isn't just about stopping theft; it's about buying freedom. The freedom to explore, to take your time, and to stop worrying that your prized boards might vanish from your roof.
The best strategy is to combine security on the road with protection everywhere else. Kanulocks guard your boards on the car, while the right board bag protects them from dings and baggage handlers. To really dial in your gear protection, have a look at our guide on how to choose the ultimate surfboard travel bag. This one-two punch ensures your quiver is safe from dings, breaks, and thieves, no matter where the search for waves takes you.
Your Guide to Using Soft Roof Racks
Got a car but no factory-fitted roof racks? No dramas. Soft roof racks are your ticket to getting your boards to the beach on pretty much any vehicle, making them perfect for anyone who doesn't want permanent hardware on their daily driver.
Think of them as a set of high-density foam pads with tie down straps built right in. You simply place the pads on your car's roof and feed the straps through the inside of your car, then connect them through the inside of the car. This gives you a secure, cushioned spot for your boards without needing any tools or drilling a single hole.
Their flexibility is what makes them essential kit. They're ideal for chucking in your luggage for a surf trip when you'll be in a rental car, or for those impromptu missions with mates whose cars aren't set up for surf.
Choosing a Quality Soft Roof Rack
Like anything in surfing, you get what you pay for, and not all soft racks are made equal. Spending a bit more on a quality set from a trusted surf brand means better protection for your board and your car's paint job. At Blitz, we only stock models from brands we use ourselves.
-
Creatures of Leisure: These guys are known for their seriously robust construction. Their soft racks often have a wider footprint, which is great for spreading the load.
-
FCS: A powerhouse in surf hardware. FCS racks are designed with a keen eye on security and aerodynamics, often featuring sleek profiles and rock-solid buckles.
-
Ocean and Earth: This brand nails user-friendly design. Expect thick, high-density foam and excellent buckle protection to make sure you don't get any dings or scratches.
When you're comparing them, look at the thickness of the padding, how well the buckle is protected (usually with a neoprene or silicone sleeve), and the weight capacity. A good set of soft racks is a long-term piece of gear that buys you convenience and peace of mind. And while you're packing for that next trip, our guide on what to cram into a weekender bag in NZ might help you get all your gear sorted.
Pro Tips for Using Soft Roof Racks
To get the most out of your soft racks, there are a few simple but vital things to keep in mind. Nailing these techniques means your boards stay put, your car stays tidy, and you avoid some classic rookie errors. These same principles apply to securing any load to your roof; even looking at how you'd secure a heavier car topper tinny can teach you a lot about proper strap tension and load balance.
First up, always clean your roof before putting the racks on. Any sand or grit trapped under the foam pads will act like sandpaper on your journey, potentially scuffing up your paintwork. A quick wipe with a microfibre cloth is all it takes.
Another absolute lifesaver is knowing how to route the straps to stop water from getting inside your car when it’s raining. When you pass the straps through the car, give them a half-twist before you shut the door.
This simple twist breaks the capillary action that lets water run along the flat strap and start dripping on your seats. It’s a tiny detail that makes a massive difference on a rainy day mission.
Finally, always position the buckles so they are on the inside of the car, never resting on the roof. This stops them from vibrating against your paint and causing damage. With these tricks up your sleeve, you can use your soft racks with confidence, turning any car into a surf wagon at a moment's notice.
How to Properly Tie Down Your Surfboard Step by Step
Alright, this is where the theory hits the road—literally. Knowing how to properly use your tie down straps is the final, most crucial step in making sure your board gets to the beach in one piece. We'll break it down into simple, repeatable steps so you can secure your board like a seasoned pro every time.
The Foundation: Setting Up for Success
Before you even touch a strap, getting your board sitting right is half the battle. Nail this part, and the rest is a piece of cake.
-
Board Position: Place your board (or boards) on the roof racks with the fins facing up and the deck facing down. This gives the straps a nice, flat surface to grip onto and, just as importantly, stops wax from melting all over your car on a hot day.
-
Centring the Load: Line the board up so it's centred between your roof racks. You're aiming to have the midpoint of the board sitting roughly halfway between the front and back rack. This balances the weight perfectly and stops the nose or tail from bouncing around on the motorway.
The Foolproof Four-Step Securing Method
Once your board is positioned correctly, it's time to lock it down. This method works a treat for both hard and soft racks, using standard cam buckle straps from brands like FCS, Creatures of Leisure, or Ocean and Earth.
-
Route the Strap: Put the buckle end of the strap on top of your board, near the edge. Toss the long, loose end over the board to the other side of the car. Now, loop that tail end underneath the roof rack crossbar—not the board itself—and throw it back over the top.
-
Feed the Buckle: Grab the loose tail and thread it up through the bottom of the cam buckle and out the top. Pull all the slack webbing through until the strap is sitting snugly across your board. The buckle itself should be resting on the board, never on your car’s paintwork.
-
Tighten with Care: This is the most important part. Pull the loose end of the strap down firmly, but don't try to winch it down with all your strength. You're looking for "hand-tight"—just enough tension so the board feels solid when you give it a push. It should feel like it's part of the car, not like it's being crushed in a vice.
-
Manage the Tail: Do the exact same thing for the second strap on the other crossbar. With both straps tight, you need to deal with the leftover tails. You can tie them off neatly around the rack, but the easiest and safest way is to just open your car doors and chuck the ends inside before shutting them. Job done.
If you’re using soft racks, the initial setup is a bit different, but the same idea of a secure base applies.
It’s a simple flow: clean the roof, position the pads, and run the main straps through the car's interior. This creates a solid foundation before you even put your board on top.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best gear, a few simple blunders can lead to a damaged board or a seriously stressful drive. Here are the top three mistakes we see all the time and how to sidestep them.
-
Overtightening the Straps: This is, without a doubt, the number one cause of pressure dings and cracked rails. Remember, you’re just securing the board, not trying to crush it. Modern surfboards, especially the lightweight epoxy ones, are surprisingly fragile. Always go hand-tight, and no tighter.
-
The High-Speed Hum: That infuriating buzzing noise that kicks in around 80 km/h is caused by wind vibrating the flat strap webbing. The fix is ridiculously easy: put a few twists in any section of the strap that's exposed to the wind. This breaks up the airflow and kills the hum, making for a much quieter trip. If you're heading off on a longer mission, you'll find more handy tips in our guide on what to pack for a surf trip to Gisborne.
-
Flapping Strap Tails: Letting the loose ends of your straps whip against your car is a surefire way to wreck your paint job. It might seem harmless, but over hundreds of kilometres, that constant tapping will wear right through the clear coat. Always, always secure the tails by tying them off or shutting them inside your car doors.
A final check is always worth the extra 30 seconds. Before you hit the road, grab the nose and tail of your board and give it a firm shake. If you feel any lifting, wobbling, or shifting at all, your straps are too loose. Jump back out and give them another gentle pull.
Maintaining Your Straps for Safety and Longevity
Your tie down straps are some of the most important bits of gear you own, but they take a hell of a beating from sun, salt, and road grime. It’s easy to forget about them, but treating them as a consumable safety item and giving them a bit of TLC is key to making them last, protecting your boards, and keeping everyone safe on the road.
A little bit of care goes a very long way. Think of it like rinsing your wetsuit after a surf—it's a simple habit that stops things from falling apart way too soon. Getting into a quick routine after a session can easily double the life of your straps and make sure they don’t let you down when you need them most.
After the Surf: A 2-Minute Habit
After you get out of the water, especially if it’s been a salty or dusty mission, just take two minutes to look after your straps. This simple process is your best defence against corrosion and UV damage, the two biggest killers of any tie down system.
-
Rinse with Fresh Water: Give them a good rinse, and pay extra attention to the buckles. Salt is incredibly corrosive and will seize up your cam locks or rust out D-rings in no time. A quick dousing with fresh water gets all that salt and grit out.
-
Dry Them Out Properly: Chucking wet straps in a pile is a recipe for mould and mildew, which slowly eats away at the fibres and weakens the strap. Always let them air dry completely before you pack them away.
-
Store Them Out of the Sun: The sun’s UV rays are brutal on polyester webbing. Over time, it makes the material brittle and seriously reduces its strength. Keep your straps in a dry, shady spot like the garage, a gear bag, or the boot of your car—anywhere but left on the roof racks.
Your Essential Inspection Checklist
Before you even think about loading up your boards, get into the habit of giving your straps a quick once-over. It takes seconds, and knowing what to look for can help you spot a problem before it turns into a disaster on the motorway.
A worn-out strap is a disaster waiting to happen. Never, ever just hope a dodgy-looking strap is "good enough" if it shows obvious signs of wear.
Use this quick checklist to inspect your gear:
-
Webbing: Look for any major fraying along the edges, and check for cuts or tears. Run your hand along the strap—if it feels stiff, brittle, or has shiny patches, that’s a clear sign of heat or UV damage.
-
Buckles: On a cam lock buckle, check for any rust or a weak spring. The cam should bite down hard and not slip at all when you pull on the webbing. If you have D-rings, check for rust or any signs of bending.
-
Stitching: This is a big one. Check the stitching that holds the buckle to the webbing. Look for any broken or pulled threads. This is a common failure point you don't want to miss.
Knowing When to Call It and Get New Straps
At the end of the day, tie down straps are consumable. They aren’t built to last forever. If you spot any of the problems above, it’s time for a new set, no questions asked.
Replacing a worn $50 set of tie down straps is nothing compared to the potential cost of losing a $1500 surfboard on the road, or worse, causing a serious accident. It’s one of the smartest and cheapest bits of insurance a surfer can have.
Your Tie Down Strap Questions Answered
We get asked these questions all the time at the shop. Here are some quick, no-nonsense answers to the most common queries we hear, giving you the real-world info you need before hitting the road.
How Tight Should My Tie Down Straps Be?
This is a big one. You want your straps firm enough that the board is completely secure, but never so tight that you risk crushing the rails. The golden rule is to pull them ‘hand-tight’ without throwing your whole body weight into it.
Overtightening is probably the number one mistake we see, and it’s the fast track to pressure dings and cracked fibreglass.
Here's a quick test: give the nose or tail of your board a firm push. It shouldn't shift, lift, or wobble at all. The board should feel like it's part of the car, not like it’s being held in a death grip.
Can I Use Ratchet Straps for My Surfboard?
In a word: no. We strongly advise against using industrial-style ratchet straps on your surfboards. Their mechanical leverage makes it ridiculously easy to apply enough force to snap a board clean in half or crush its delicate rails.
Those things are designed for heavy-duty cargo like timber or machinery, not your fragile surfboard. Always stick to purpose-built surf straps with a cam buckle from trusted brands like FCS, Creatures of Leisure, or Ocean and Earth. They're designed to give you plenty of tension without the risk of destroying your board.
How Do I Stop My Straps From Humming at High Speed?
Ah, the dreaded high-speed hum. That annoying buzzing noise is just wind vibrating the flat strap webbing as you drive. Luckily, the fix is super simple.
Just put a few twists in any part of the strap that’s exposed to the wind. These twists break up the airflow, stop the vibration, and kill the hum. It’s a small trick that makes those long drives to remote breaks a whole lot more pleasant.
Are Lockable Kanulock Straps Really Worth It?
If you value your boards and want some peace of mind, then yes, absolutely. Your standard straps are great for transport, but they offer zero protection against theft.
Kanulock tie downs are different. They have steel cables running through the webbing and a proper locking mechanism on the buckle, making them a serious deterrent for any would-be thief.
Think of them as affordable insurance for your quiver. They're a must-have if you ever leave your board on the roof unattended—whether you're grabbing a coffee, staying overnight on a surf trip, or just checking another spot down the road.
Here at Blitz Surf Shop, we stock a huge range of tie down straps and soft roof racks to get you and your gear to the beach safely. Check out our full collection online and find the perfect setup for your next mission.
