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Surfboard tie-down straps range from cheap generic ratchet-free nylon to purpose-built surf-brand straps with silicone buckle covers that won’t ding a rail. These six are real, currently sold straps spanning that whole range.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DORSAL Surfboard Tie Down Straps (15 ft, 2-Pack) | $15-$25 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Curve Tie Down Straps (13 ft) | $14-$20 | Amazon |
| 3 | Thule Express Surf Strap (TH531) | $60-$75 | Amazon |
| 4 | Creatures of Leisure Tie Down Straps | $38-$45 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | FCS Premium Bungy Tie Downs | $50-$60 | Amazon |
| 6 | Yakima Heavy Duty Straps (16 ft) | $44-$60 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
DORSAL Surfboard Tie Down Straps (15 ft, 2-Pack)
The most affordable dedicated surf tie-down here, a straightforward 15-foot nylon pair.
- 15 ft length, sold as a pair
- UV-resistant nylon webbing
- Also rated for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards
- Lowest price of the dedicated surf straps in this group
- Long enough length for stacking multiple boards
- No silicone buckle covers, so pair with a towel or pad at contact points
Curve Tie Down Straps (13 ft)
A budget-friendly pair from a dedicated surf-accessory brand.
- 13 ft length, sold as a pair
- From Curve, a surf-specific accessory brand
- Simple buckle design
- Best value per pair of this group
- Purpose-built for surf racks rather than generic cargo straps
- Shorter 13 ft length than the DORSAL or Yakima options
Thule Express Surf Strap (TH531)
A stretchable strap from the roof-rack category leader, designed to cinch around Thule or compatible crossbars.
- Stretchable webbing that accommodates boards from small surfboards to SUPs
- Loops around the crossbar ends, cinches down over the board
- Sold in a pair
- Stretch design self-adjusts to different board thicknesses
- Backed by Thule’s rack-system reputation
- Pricier than the DORSAL or Curve straps
Creatures of Leisure Tie Down Straps
A dedicated surf-brand strap with a silicone buckle cover to protect boards and cars alike.
- Silicone-covered buckles to prevent dings and paint scratches
- Sold in 9′, 12′, and 15′ lengths
- From a well-known surf hardware brand
- Silicone buckle covers are a real upgrade over bare metal buckles
- Trusted surf-specific brand
- Costs more than the DORSAL or Curve budget options
FCS Premium Bungy Tie Downs
FCS’s bungy-style tie-down, giving some give in the strap for boards on longer drives.
- Bungy/elastic element built into the strap
- From FCS, a major surf hardware and fin brand
- Padded buckle contact points
- Bungy give absorbs some vibration on longer drives
- From a trusted, established surf hardware brand
- One of the pricier options in this lineup
Yakima Heavy Duty Straps (16 ft)
A heavier-duty pair from the other major roof-rack brand, with rubber-coated buckles.
- 16 ft length, box-stitched for strength
- Soft, rubber-coated buckles to protect gear and paint
- Compatible with Yakima and most other crossbar systems
- Rubber-coated buckles protect both board and car finish
- Long 16 ft length handles wider loads
- Regular price runs higher than the budget surf-specific straps
Buying tips
- Silicone or rubber buckle covers (Creatures of Leisure, Yakima) are worth paying up for if the strap will ever touch a glassed rail directly — a bare metal buckle can ding a board on a hard stop.
- Match strap length to your load: 9-13 ft pairs suit a single board, while 15-16 ft lengths (DORSAL, Yakima) give enough slack to stack two or more boards.
- A bungy-style strap (FCS) adds some give for long highway drives, but a static nylon strap (DORSAL, Curve) is simpler to re-tension if it loosens mid-trip.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.