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A paddle board is one of the best purchases you can make for an ocean, lake, or river adventure. It’s a great way to exercise, relax, and spend time with friends and pets.
But there’s one problem.
Paddle boards are large, and they can be heavy. If you decide to get a SUP, you’ll need a SUP carrier that uses straps for your board and shoulder or wheels that you can pull across the sandy beach.
In this article, I’ll share the best SUP carrier for 1 or multiple boards. I’ll make sure to include a range of options to fit your budget and needs. Let’s get started.
Why You Need A SUP Carrier
Recently I took a walk on my favorite path along the harbor and I saw a father and son taking their paddle boards from their car to the water. They were carrying their SUPs, as most people do, but the son had a tough task. The board was as big as him.
I watched as he dragged the board on the pavement and dirt down to the water. It was painful to watch because I know how expensive SUP boards can be. It’s a big investment and dragging it on a coarse surface can damage it.
I decided to write this article because there are a number of affordable options to carry your board without damaging it. Alternatively, there are a few SUP carriers with wheels that reduce the weight of carrying (they conveniently roll on the sand).
The most inexpensive option are SUP carriers with straps. The straps wrap around the board and your shoulder, making carrying it a breeze. Carriers with wheels are slightly more expensive and securely attach to the back of the SUP while you pull the front of the paddle board. Carriers with wheels are made for 1 or 2 boards.
5 Best SUP Carriers and Dollies (Straps and Wheels)
#1 SUP-Now Paddle Board Carrier and Storage Sling
The SUP-Now carrier is my favorite option for paddle boarders. It has a simple design and is practical to transport or to store the board in your garage.
The fact that it has few moving parts, makes the strap easy to keep in the back of the car or in a bag on the beach – it doesn’t take up much space at all.
Highlights:
- Black in color, uses 2 straps for the board and 1 for the shoulder
- Works for tall and short individuals
- Paddled shoulder with neoprene for comfort
- Strong Velcro straps
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Includes simple bag for a water bottle and personal items
You won’t get a better SUP carrier for the price and because it’s made with thick straps and Velcro you don’t have to worry about anyone stealing the carrier (check SUP-Now Carrier on Amazon).
I also like that the carrier can be used to hang the board in a garage. Keeping your board off the ground will help keep it free from scuffs and damage.
#2 Better Surf Than Sorry – SUP Carrier with Shoulder Sling
This SUP carrier uses the same style and design as the option above. Most people will utilize the straps around their shoulder, however, this option can also be held using a handle and takes pressure off shoulders that are sore from paddling all day.
Highlights:
- Uses 2 straps around the board and one shoulder strap
- Also includes a carrying handle
- Padded shoulder strap for comfort (adjustable)
- 100% guaranteed or your money back
- Can also be used for storage
A number of reviews are from shorter people who have trouble carrying the board. They seem to be the happiest with the strap, so it’s perfect for petite and short people (check out this SUP carrier on Amazon)!
Similar to the #1 option this SUP carrier strap can be used for transport and storage. It might make a good decoration on the wall in your house (beach theme).
#3 Bonnlo Kayak and SUP Carrier Cart
Bonnlo makes a SUP carrier that works differently from the first 2 options I mentioned. This carrier uses 2 wheels that attach to the back of your paddle board using bungees.
Once attached the front of the board can be pulled while the majority of the board rolls.
Highlights:
- 2 wheels and straps to secure your SUP
- Reduced weight on the shoulder
- Easy to pull across different surfaces
- Lightweight and sturdy
- Compact – will easily store in the back of a car
- 150 weight limit
What I like about this SUP carrier is its versatility. Not only does it work with SUPs but it’s also perfect or kayaks, surfboards, and canoes (check Bonnlo SUP carrier on Amazon).
If the fins are removed from your paddle board, this carrier could carry multiple boards.
The boards rest on top of the padded frame and are held down by bungee cords (included). Reviews for this carrier are excellent.
Customers like how it works and that it folds down when it’s not being used.
#4 Suspenz – 2 SUP Carrier
The Suspenz SUP carrier was made for multiple boards. If you use this carrier you won’t have to remove the fins (they will point in opposite directions).
This SUP carrier is also unique because the board attaches to the wheels at the center of the board, not the rear (check Suspenze dual SUP carrier on Amazon).
Highlights:
- Unique design for 2 boards
- Bungee straps secure boards to neoprene foam pad
- Aluminum frame
- Airless tires
- Measures: 28 x 17 x 34 inches
- Wheels are positioned in the middle of the board
- Can be pulled or pushed
- No stress on your shoulder – no need to carry
The main reason you’d choose this SUP carrier is if you have 2 boards. I like the design but I believe having the wheels at the back is easier to pull and control.
With wheels in the middle of the board, you’ll have to keep the carrier balanced so it doesn’t tip forward or backward.
#5 Apex SUP Carrier/Dolly
I like this SUP carrier a lot because it’s thin and practical. It is made for a single paddle board, using two wheels and bungee straps.
I bet you could attach the front of the board to the back of a bicycle and ride with it. Good idea right?
Highlights:
- Measures 25 x 11 x 22 inches
- Weighs 8 lbs
- Aluminum frame with neoprene pads and bumpers
- 1 SUP board
- 2 wheels
- Rolls on sand
- 1 year warranty
Reviews for this carrier are good, and state that it’s best for medium-sized paddle boards and may not be great for largest paddle boards.
Customers also like that the board stands on its side and not flat, which takes up less space laterally when transporting (check Apex SUP carrier price on Amazon).
Overall this a great paddle board carrier that comes well reviewed.
Which SUP Carrier Did You Choose
It’s nice to have a few options for paddle board carriers. If you’re a minimalist and prefer the shoulder strap there are inexpensive options that work great for transporting and storing your board.
I tend to like the SUP carriers with wheels because they take the load off the shoulder. Although you’ll still have to pull the board it’s isn’t a chore and it will help keep the board in great condition.
Conclusion
Purchasing a SUP is a big investment. It’s also a good decision because they provide exercise, the ability to relax in the sun, as well as a way to spend time with family.
But carrying your paddle board from the car or house to the beach is a chore. SUPs are heavy.
Paddle board straps or wheeled carriers make the process easy and they help protect your board. Carriers can even be used to store your board in the garage – they keep your board off the ground.
In this article, I shared the best SUP carriers and gave a range of options for someone with 1 board or multiple boards. Thanks for reading. Let us know in the comments which carrier you prefer.