How To Install Your SUP Paddleboard or Surfboard Racks

Having your own surfboard or paddleboard is great, but figuring out how to store something so large and bulky can be a challenge. Surfboards and SUPs are expensive, and a ding or dent can result in costly repairs. The last thing you want is water getting into your board and causing further damage.

Proper storage is essential for protecting your boards when you're not out on the water. Whether you want to display your surfboards in your home, store them in the garage, or keep your paddleboards safely off the floor, installing the right surfboard or paddleboard rack is one of the best solutions.

If you don't have a lot of available floor space, wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted racks can help you make the most of your space. Surfboards and SUPs can take up a significant amount of room when stored on the floor, so getting them safely up and out of the way is a smart solution.

The first step is finding the right surfboard rack or paddleboard rack. COR Surf offers a variety of racks for indoor, garage, and outdoor storage.

Step-by-step Guide on Installing Paddleboards or Surfboard Racks

Installing a surfboard or SUP wall rack doesn't have to be complicated. However, choosing the right hardware and installing the rack securely are critical for protecting both your boards and your walls.

1. Get the Right Hardware

One of the most important parts of installing a SUP, kayak, or surfboard wall mount is making sure you're using the correct mounting hardware.

The last thing you want is to hear your boards crashing down in the middle of the night because the screws pulled out of the wall.

Disclaimer: COR Surfboard Racks come with wood screws designed for installation into wood wall studs. If you're installing your rack on another type of wall, you may need to purchase appropriate mounting hardware from your local hardware store.

Here are some common options for different wall types:

Plasterboard and Drywall

Drywall and plasterboard can be tricky, especially when you're hanging heavier equipment. Using the appropriate anchors is essential.

Heavy-Duty Anchors: Metal toggle bolts and Molly bolts are among the strongest options, while winged plastic anchors can also work for appropriate applications.

                                        

Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors: These anchors are designed to screw directly into drywall and can support lighter loads. Always check the manufacturer's weight rating before installation.

                                            

Ribbed Plastic Drywall Anchors: These are common and suitable for lighter applications. Avoid using them for extremely heavy boards or racks unless their weight rating is appropriate.

                                           

Concrete

For concrete walls, you'll typically need a hammer drill and masonry bit. A hammer drill combines rotation with a hammering action, making it easier to drill into concrete.

Tapcon Masonry Screws: These are commonly used for securing hardware to concrete, brick, concrete block, and masonry. Make sure you select the correct size and weight rating for your rack.

When drilling into concrete, keep the drill as straight as possible and follow the fastener manufacturer's installation instructions.

                                       

Wood

Wood screws are ideal when installing COR Surf wood wall racks directly into wall studs.

Because surfboards are relatively lightweight compared with many other wall-mounted items, properly sized wood screws can provide excellent support when installed into a solid stud.

Another advantage is that wood screws generally leave smaller holes than larger lag bolts, making repairs easier if you eventually move.

                                          

Metal Studs

If you're mounting a surfboard rack to a metal stud, you'll need hardware specifically designed for metal framing.

Self-Tapping Screws: These screws have a pointed tip that allows them to penetrate metal without requiring a separate pilot hole in many applications. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific screw you're using.

Heavy-Duty Anchors: Heavy-duty toggle-style anchors may be appropriate for heavier wall-mounted equipment, but make sure they're rated for your specific wall construction and load.

Ceiling Storage

Ceiling-mounted storage can be an excellent way to maximize garage space, especially when storing a SUP, longboard, or kayak.

However, ceiling installation requires extra care because the rack and board will be suspended overhead. Whenever possible, secure the rack directly into ceiling joists or other structural framing.

If you don't have access to a joist where you need the rack, use an appropriately rated heavy-duty anchor designed for your ceiling construction.

Always check the manufacturer's mounting instructions and weight limits before installing overhead storage.

                                     

Note if you don’t have a stud or joist, you will need to get a heavy-duty toggle bolt.

Space the Rack Arms Correctly

Before drilling any holes, measure your board and determine how much space you have available in your garage or home.

For example, if you have an 11-foot SUP, you'll want to make sure your rack is appropriately sized and provides adequate support.

 

 

                  

If you're installing the rack into wall studs, use a stud finder to locate the studs before marking your mounting points.

Once you've located the studs, mark the positions where you'll install the rack. Measure carefully so that both sides of the rack are positioned evenly.

You also want to make sure there is enough distance between the rack arms to provide stable support without putting unnecessary pressure on the board.

Take your time with measuring. A few extra minutes spent measuring and marking can prevent unnecessary holes and ensure your boards are properly supported.

                            

Install the Lag Bolts or Mounting Hardware

Once you've marked your mounting points, it's time to install the hardware.

Make sure you're using the correct hardware for your wall type and rack. If you're installing into wood studs, position the screws or lag bolts directly into the center of the stud.

A power or impact driver can make installation easier, but be careful not to overtighten the hardware.

Also make sure you're using the correct driver bit for the screw head. Stripping a screw during installation can make the entire process much more difficult.

Before loading your board, gently test the rack to make sure it feels secure and doesn't move excessively.

 

                        

Adjust the Rack Height

Before loading your boards, determine the ideal rack height based on your available ceiling and wall space.

As a general guideline, extending a rack approximately 18 inches from the ceiling can provide useful clearance for some storage configurations, while maintaining adequate space between the board and ceiling.

However, the exact height will depend on your rack design, board size, ceiling height, and installation location.

Make sure there is enough clearance to safely place and remove your boards without hitting the ceiling, walls, vehicles, or other equipment.

                       

Load Your Surfboard or Paddleboard

Once your rack is securely installed, it's time to load your board.

Depending on the type of SUP or surfboard wall rack you've purchased, carefully place the board onto the rack arms.

Don't immediately let go. First, check that the rack remains securely attached and that the board is sitting evenly on the support arms.

Look and listen for any movement, cracking, slipping, or unusual sounds from the wall or rack.

Make sure the weight of the board is distributed evenly across the rack. If everything looks and feels secure, you've successfully created a safe storage solution for your board.

Now you can finally enjoy having your surfboards or paddleboards safely stored without taking up valuable floor space.

                              

Wrapping Up

Surfboards and paddleboards can easily become damaged when they're left leaning against walls, stacked improperly, or stored in areas where they're likely to fall.

A properly installed SUP board rack or surfboard rack can help protect your boards while also freeing up valuable space in your home or garage.

Before installation, make sure you:

• Choose a rack appropriate for your board.
• Identify the correct mounting surface.
• Use hardware rated for your wall or ceiling type.
• Locate studs or joists whenever possible.
• Measure and mark your mounting points carefully.
• Check the rack's weight capacity.
• Test the rack before loading your board.
• Leave enough clearance to safely load and remove your boards.

With the right rack, hardware, and installation, you can keep your surfboards and paddleboards organized, protected, and ready for your next session.