1 / 2 · Carrying by hand
2 / 2 · Loading onto a car
Even a short walk from the parking lot to the water feels different when you're carrying a big board. More so when the wind is blowing. From finding the center handle to the order for loading your car, let's picture each step of the trip.
01. When the wind blows, switch your body and the board around
Feel which way the wind is coming from. Carry the board with your body on the side the wind comes from and the board on the side it's blowing toward. Remember the order: wind → you → board.
Hold the center handle and support the board with your other hand. Use the handle to find the balance point. If the board still sways and is hard to control, stop and ask for help.
02. If it's hard to lift, carry it together
Dragging the board along the ground can damage both the ground and the board. Don't let your guard down just because it's a sandy path; look out for rocks or sharp objects too. If it's hard, first consider having two people carry it together.
You can also carry it over your head, but that isn't comfortable for everyone. Consider the board's weight, the wind and the space around you, and don't push it if you're not used to it. For longer distances, find places along the way where you can take a break.
03. Onto the car gently, and in the center
First check that your car and carrier can take this board. Set the board down gently on padded supports; as the basic picture, you can look at placing it deck down and centered on the carrier.
The deck is the surface you stand on when riding. Dedicated racks or boards with a different build may need a different loading direction, so follow the product instructions first. If your car is too high for you to lift the board up, it's better to get help.
04. Strap it down, then check once more
Check that the front and rear straps are properly attached to the carrier's designated tie-down points. Don't just wrap them around the board and call it done, and tidy up loose ends so they don't flap around.
Check that everything is secure before you leave, and check again that nothing has come loose when you stop for a break. How tight to pull the straps and the load limits follow the vehicle, carrier and strap instructions. Pulling hard alone doesn't make the load secure.
Sources and scope
The artwork is Starboard's two original infographics on carrying a board and loading it onto a car; the explanation is Starboard Korea's commentary. It keeps the originals' wind and board positions, the use of the center handle and a supporting hand, and the basic deck-down loading picture. Strap placement and tightening follow your carrier and strap product instructions; we have not added any general figures for load weight, speed or strap tension.
- Starboard · 3 tips for carrying your board ↗
- Starboard · Carrying your board over long distances ↗
- Starboard · Loading a SUP board onto your car ↗
The illustration is Starboard's original artwork; the explanation is Starboard Korea's editorial guide, translated into English here. Sources checked: 2026-09-08.
