I dont know how to find things on this forum.I was trying to access surfboard online shops to see what type of tiedowns they sell ..I currently use the cheap blue nylon straps with a black clip from Big W or similar but they are a pain to use & the ends fray & are hard to feed through..Ive been cutting them & burning the ends but they keep refraying & now they are too short..
What does everyone use..I have 2 boards on a toyota corolla...tight fit.
I use the same straps...although mine are about as corroded as I'm willing to let them get before I lose a board! In saying that...you can't beat descent rope (abseiling rope). Plus, you get to practice different knot configs, and you don't have to worry about clips letting go. Other than that, ratchet-strap!
I just bought some Neil Pryde tiedowns.
They are like the ezzy ones on the surfsail aus site.
I can recommend them, and the padded bit under the buckle is a great advance for protecting the edges of boards.
Thanks.Some good ones there although some of them didnt show the product very well.I like the idea of the lockable straps..we could use it for the kayaks as well.
sboardcrazy, go to Bunning's or a shop like that over there, even some of the auto shops have them. Look for the twin pack tie down traps with hooks fitted to each end. The straps have a ratchet type lever to tighten, once you have them fitted.
They sell for about $12-$20 for the twin pack.
Couple of cautions, don't get to excited when tying down, they will pull very tight.
Put a 360 twist in the strap over the boards. Stops them hammering in the breeze like a reed when traveling.http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/Gripwell-Grizzly-Grip-Ratchet-Tiedown-4-Pack-4-6m-529kg.aspx?pid=121698
www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/Gripwell-Ratchet-Tiedown-1-Pack-4-8m-454kg.aspx?pid=103004#details
These:
Soft roof racks, take up to 80kg(!)http://www.autobarn.com.au/products/1/10/4213829
If you never-ever actually take the ends out through the end-clip-thingie-me-bobs you don't need to worry about them fraying. Just pull them out all the way, well almost all the way, you will still be able to put the board through. Plus your 360 twist will still be there.
Sboardcrazy,
I use Chinook "Wrap Straps". Maui Sails (and maybe others) also has a similar thing - have a look at http://thewindsurfingshed.com.au/tie-down-straps
Best part about them is that you dont have to muck around tying up the excess strap - just fold it up and wrap it in the velcro.
If you come over to Coal Point on Sunday I can show you the sets that I have on the boards on my trailer.
Cheers
James
What does everyone use..I have 2 boards on a toyota corolla...tight fit.
James F
Thanks for the offer but I'll be away Sunday.I tend to be able to sail midweek easier than weekends. Ill have to have a look at everyone elses gear. One problem I have is I dont think I can use hooks as we have a permanent home made double cradle attached to the Rola roof racks to carry the kayaks in & my boards sit in that.I think it obstructs access for hooks ,Ill have to check..
Soft roof racks, take up to 80kg(!)http://www.autobarn.com.au/products/1/10/4213829
I couldnt find a price..how much are these? I could use these instead of the cradle..?
Sue,
similar to the autobarn ones, Andrew at Board Crazy also has these ones for $99:http://www.boardcrazy.ashop.com.au/p/980861/handirack.html
I have a set (use for hire cars when travelling away) and they work quite well. The board tends to bob up and down on the roof a bit (as the racks have a bit of give in them) but you stop worrying about it after a while. The strap that ties around inside the car can also be a bit annoying if you put it too far forward and it rubs on the top of your head. 
lucky you getting to sail during the week - thats where all the wind has been lately!
cheers
james
lucky you getting to sail during the week - thats where all the wind has been lately!
Thats interesting..Ive had some ok sails 10 -15kts + a bit but I thought all the NE's had been at the weekend when i coudn't get there!
Hi Sboardcrazy,
A couple of years ago I bought a set of 4 meter SPT tie down straps. They have been working well when needed.
The good points are:
They are lockable
The straps have steel cable built in so are difficult to cut
The straps are heavy so they are not blown around by the wind
They look like they will last forever
The main bad point is the locking mechanism is a bit difficult to use and need a bit of strength to lock. Also you have to be careful and not lose the keys.
Overall I'm really pleased I bought them. I can have a board on some racks at night and be reasonably sure they will be there in the morning. Plus I alway had problems with the wind blowing straps around when trying to secure a board to the roof. These straps won't do that.
