You enjoy surfing on weekends, but you dread the idea of finding a parking slot for your car, right? If that's the scenario, your best bet is to ride your motorcycle to the beach.
You are probably wondering how you can carry a surfboard while on a motorcycle without compromising your safety. The answer is a surfboard motorcycle rack.
As the name suggests, a surfboard motorcycle rack is a surfing apparatus that you can use to store your surfboard while on the road. This rack can be attached to a two-wheeled vehicle, be it a motorcycle or moped, or a bike.Â
Technically speaking, though, these racks are meant for bike use. But with the proper installation and safety precautions on the road, a surfboard motorcycle rack is a convenient way of bringing surfboards to the ocean.Â
Is it worthwhile to spend your money on a surfboard motorcycle rack? Yes, it is, and the following are the main reasons why:
While surfing is a fantastic sport, getting to the beach may be a chore. First and foremost, there is traffic to consider. This is why many surfers prefer to ride their bikes or motorcycles to the beach so they can navigate the road more easily.
But you're well aware of how heavy a surfboard is. The weight might range from 5 to 15 pounds, depending on whether you use a shortboard or a longboard. That is extremely awkward to hold while riding a motorcycle. This is when a surfboard motorcycle rack comes in handy.
How safe is it to hit the road with a surfboard in your hand? How can you safely cruise the freeways, especially on a windy or rainy day when you are carrying your surfboard while driving? That can be a scary scenario since the length of a surfboard can affect your field of vision while driving.
With these scenarios in mind, you might as well place your surfboard on a surfboard motorcycle rack so you can drive safely to your surf destination.
Yes, a rack comes in different types; it can be either a side-mounted or rear-mounted surfboard motorbike rack. The side-mounted is simpler to install on the side of the motorcycle and is best suited for shortboards. Because the side-mounted surfboard motorcycle rack is not affected by wind direction, speeding up is not an issue.Â
On the one hand, the rear-mounted rack is best suited for longboards (surfboards that are longer than 8 feet). While the freedom of driving without anything on your side is appealing, the rear-mounted variety might slow you down if the wind picks up.
However, if you intend to bring more than one surfboard, a bike trailer with wheels is the best option. While this type is less common, it is particularly safe since it can deal with fluctuating wind directions and road inclines while transporting more than one surfboard at a time.
A premium quality surfboard motorcycle rack should do what it is supposed to do and that is to securely hold your surfboards while you are on a motorcycle on the way to the beach. It should be able to prevent your surfboards from getting scratched or dented, as well as falling on the ground.Â
Do not forget that a premium surfboard motorcycle rack should also allow you to drive comfortably and will not at all interfere with your field of vision while driving.Â
What are the key factors to consider before purchasing a transportable rack for your surfboard? Here are some factors to look into:
Be it a bumpy or a smooth ride to your surfing destination, you want a surfboard motorcycle rack that can keep your surfboards intact on whatever road surface you’re passing through.
The ones constructed with lightweight yet durable powder-coated steel or metal are the perfect choice. You have to think long-term; you might be able to find cheaper products, but these will not last a long time with you.Â
You will be using a surfboard motorcycle rack every so often, so this should withstand wear and tear from the elements as well as from regular usage.
How many surfboards do you normally take with you? Choose a surfboard motorcycle rack that can accommodate the quantity of surfboards that you need.
The last thing you want is a surfboard motorcycle rack that takes time to install. You want everything quick and easy without compromising safety.
Choose also a rack with quick-release bars for easy removal.
A rack that comes with a central locking system to keep surfboards safely in place, even during bumpy rides or under strong and windy conditions.Â
The first thing you need to take note of when carrying a heavy load while on a motorcycle ride is speed. For road safety, it is best not to exceed 55mph when driving. High acceleration and wind can topple you off, especially since you are carrying a surfboard.
Second, if it’s your first time installing a surfboard motorcycle rack, it’s safe to seek the help of a mechanic or a professional surfer who can demonstrate the correct way to you.Â
A durable cord can be your best friend. Tie it securely against your vehicle so the surfboard will not wobble while you are in transit.
For a more balanced ride, some surfers place a bag that weighs almost as much as their surfboards to distribute the weight to keep them centered.
You can go to your surf destination without a surfboard motorcycle rack installed. But you have to factor in so many issues, one of which is your safety on the road. The surfboard motorcycle rack is a surfing tool that is designed with your safety in mind. Plus, of course, is the fact that it will prevent your surfboard from sliding down on the ground.Â
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