What makes a vehicle one of the best cars for surfers?
When it comes to selecting one of the best cars for surfers, there are certain features that make a vehicle stand out. Firstly, it should have enough space to fit a surfboard, either in the trunk or on the roof.
Secondly, it should have good fuel efficiency and low emissions so that you can get to your destination without worrying about your carbon footprint.
Thirdly, it should be reliable and comfortable for long drives on the open road.
Lastly, it should be affordable so that you don’t have to break the bank just to get around with your board.
All these factors combined make a vehicle one of the best cars for surfers. With these features in mind, you can rest assured that you will have an enjoyable ride with your board in tow whenever you hit the waves.
What Types of Cars Are Good For Surfers?
Surfers need a car that can handle large surfboards and provide enough space to store all their gear.
Off-road vehicles are an excellent choice for surfers, as they can handle the rough terrain of beaches and coastal roads.
They also have plenty of room for storing boards, wetsuits, and other items needed for a successful surfing trip.
SUVs and pickup trucks are great options for those who want to bring their friends along or need more cargo space.
Station wagons are also great for surfers who want something smaller but still with enough room for their boards.
All these types of cars offer good performance on the road, making them ideal for surfers who want to get out there quickly and safely.
1. Toyota Rav4
MSRP: $26,050
USED: $10,000-$15,000
MPG: 28 city / 35 highway
The Toyota Rav4 is a small SUV that can double as your city car and surf vehicle. The Rav4’s legendary Toyota dependability ensures that you won’t get stranded. That makes the Rav4 an excellent choice for surfers on the road who want to go to their favorite beaches.
With a 35 mpg (highway) rating, the Rav4 won’t break the bank when it comes to long road trips.
Although it doesn’t offer quite as much cargo capacity as some of the others on our list, we give it our approval.
2. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
MSRP: $30,000+
USED: $20,000-$30,000
MPG: 21 city / 26 highway
The Jeep Wrangler isn’t for everyone. It has a poor reputation for dependability, low fuel efficiency, and being rather costly. But, driving a Wrangler along the coast just before top off/doors off is certainly worth it.
The four-door Unlimited model offers a smoother driving experience and more space for your boards and gear than the two-door. The Wrangler is more about the sensation than practicality, but that may be what some surfers desire.
3. Honda Pilot
MSRP: $32,250
USED: $15,000-$20,000
MPG: 20 city / 27 highway
The Honda Pilot has plenty of room for all of your gear (and your passengers). The Honda Pilot is a spacious SUV with 55 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Honda Pilot comes fully equipped and offers plenty of space up top to attach your boards to the roof.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for a sporty, stylish SUV that’s ready-built to become a surfmobile. You can generally locate a used Honda Pilot under $20,000.
4. Honda Element
MSRP: N/A – Discontinued
USED: $8,000 – $15,000
MPG: 20 city / 25 highway
Unfortunately, the Honda Element was discontinued in 2011. This means the most up-to-date model you’ll be able to purchase is ten years old. However, if you can cope with an older vehicle, the Element is one of the greatest modern surf cars.
It has enough interior volume for even 8-9′ longboards, and there’s plenty of space up on the roof as well. It makes for a excellent road trip vehicle because of its huge inside area. Honda is recognized for having a good track record when it comes to dependability.
For a cheap surf beater, we recommend the Honda Element.
5. Toyota Tacoma
MSRP: $30,000+
USED: $15,000 – $25,000+
MPG: 20 city / 23 highway
The Toyota Tacoma is a competent surfmobile that can carry all of your surfing gear to the beach. The Tacoma has enough cargo capacity to transport all of your quiver to the beach, despite the fact that it doesn’t have as much passenger room as an SUV or wagon. We also appreciate how Toyota-quality you get with the Tacoma.
The Tacoma would be ideal for surfers looking for a little adventure — it’ll never break down and is guaranteed to get you where you need to go. The Tacoma is also fantastic for off-roading and camping excursions, in addition to surfing.
It is more expensive than other vehicles on this list. However, the Tacoma has a track record for providing years of trouble-free usage.
6. Subaru Crosstrek
MSRP: $22,245
USED: $13,000-$18,000
MPG: 28 city / 33 highway
Subaru has long been known as the ‘outdoorsy’ automobile – and for good reason. The Crosstrek is a sturdy, roomy wagon. It’s big enough to fit all of your boards and other gear. Even the roof rack is standard!
The longboard may also be installed in the car, making it a no-fuss surfmobile. The Crosstrek is likewise quite inexpensive, with used versions available for well under $15,000.
7. Subaru Forester
MSRP: $24,795
USED: $10,000 – $15,000
MPG: 26 city / 33 highway
The Forester is a versatile vehicle that’s ideal for outdoor activities, such as surfing, and can also be used as an SUV. It’s a more robust version of the Crosstrek, with larger carrying and passenger capacity.
So, if the Crosstrek appears to be too tiny for you, we would highly advise you to consider the Forester. This car is ideal for transporting all of your surfboards, gear, and passengers to the beach and back. It’s also a fantastic camping vehicle.
8. The Volkswagen California Ocean
The Volkswagen California Ocean is a modern interpretation of the classic VW bus, and it has become one of the most popular surf vehicles on the market.
It provides the perfect combination of style and practicality for those who want to explore the world’s best surf spots.
The California Ocean captures the spirit of surf culture, with its iconic design elements and features that make it perfect for any surfer.
The vehicle is equipped with all-wheel drive, an efficient engine, and plenty of storage space for your boards, wet suits, and other items.
It also offers great fuel economy so you can save money while still having a reliable way to get to your favorite surf spots.
Whether you’re an experienced surfer or just getting started in the sport, the Volkswagen California Ocean is a great way to experience true surf culture.
Can A Surfboard Fit In A Small Car?
It is possible to fit a surfboard in a small car, although it may require some creativity and careful planning.
The most common way to transport a surfboard in a small car is with the use of a roof rack. This allows you to attach your surfboard securely to the roof of your car, and can easily accommodate boards up to 8 feet long.
If you don’t have access to a roof rack, you can also try folding down the back seats and placing the board horizontally across them.
Alternatively, if your board isn’t too wide, you might be able to squeeze it into the front passenger seat!
Whichever method you choose, make sure that your board is secured properly before driving off. With some careful planning and creative packing techniques, it’s definitely possible to successfully transport your surfboard in a small car!
How Fast Can You Drive With A Surfboard On The Roof?
Transporting a surfboard can be tricky if you don’t have the right gear.
The best way to transport a surfboard is to use a roof rack. This will allow you to safely and securely attach your board to the roof of your car.
Once the board is secured, you can drive as fast as you want with the surfboard on the roof. However, it’s important to keep in mind that driving too fast with a surfboard on top of your car can be dangerous and cause damage to both your car and the board itself.
Therefore, it’s always best to follow posted speed limits when transporting a surfboard on the roof of your vehicle.
