Surfing Car

The surfing car...better get a reliable one to get you and your board to the waves. I don't care how close you live to some surf spot. There are always days when it will suck there and be good somewhere else. Here are some viable vehicles: Camper Vans, Minivans, Station Wagons, and more.

Camper Vans

I had a VW Vanagon Westfalia. Although slow, it was good for holding a couple of people and some surfboards for a day trip or overnighter to surf spots. It's roomy enough in there to keep a longboard locked up inside and not have to worry about it getting ripped off.  It was also great for changing in and out of my wetsuit on a rainy offshore day at Linda Mar. I sold mine to a surfer with a longboard and a dog. Perfect.

Minivans

The stealth surfing car. With the tinted windows and family look, nobody knows you have a couple of surfboards inside. Nice for checking out new surf spots and not getting hard looks by suspicious locals. Roomy enough for a bigger board and a couple of kids. I think it's a great family surf car. When freedom has allowed, I've yanked out all the seats and loaded up the whole quiver for a day trip to some spot. I could even sleep on the floor inside that way. Most Minivans are pretty smooth rides.

Station Wagons

These are good for a single or couple and some surfboards. A little crowded when you add a couple of kids. I like being able sit on the back to get in and out of my wetsuit. Most days I prefer the minivan.

Other

Woodies....come on, does anybody actually drive these? Woodies are for show only. Honda Element. Haven't tried it but I've seen them camping. Looks okay for the quick overnighter. You can sleep inside and it fits boards with no problem. Any old car. Sure you can slap racks on anything, but I always worry about boards getting ripped off when you pull over to eat at the taqueria. I would buy locking racks. Same with a truck. I guess if you have a small enough board and just you or one other, you can fling it in the back. Anybody already doing this knows to crack the windows on a hot day, or will learn soon.

Tell us about your ride!