Always a problem Mr Rage, particualalrly with big boards. Light ones are harder too because the wind wants to take them away.
With 4 x 4's being that bit higher you don't have as much control because you are stretching up the whole time.
If you have a Land Rover Discovery 3, drop the suspension as low as possible.
If not, Park next to a kerb so you can be a bit higher on one side.
Have a small fold up step ladder.
Definitely keep the nose into the wind.
Put your straps on the roof racks first so that you can grab them quickly and put them over the board.
If you have a drop down tailgate, stand on that and feed your board onto the racks.Keep the board as flat as possible.
If I think of more i will post them.
Oh yeah, keep smiling!
ET.

Thanks guys,

I would have asked for help but conditions were pretty miserable and there weren't any passerbys at the time. Definately will try to point the nose in the direction of the wind next time. I will either park the car facing into the wind or make sure I back it out and face it into the wind before lifting the board. I feel pretty silly for not thinking of that on the day. My car was parked at right angles to the wind and I was trying to hoist it up on the worst angle. My struggles would have looked pretty funny to watch.

Sandsy1 said...
After a surf on the mal, the wind had gone nuts.
I gave up and slid the board (in it's bag) on top of the roof and under the roof racks. Trying to work out what to do, gave up and tied the board to the racks upside down. Only had to go a couple of kms and it worked fine.

What a great idea !

Never thought of that. Thnx.

Hi pcrage,

Drop into Bunnings, they do a rubber strap with "S" hooks in either end. Hook one end on one side of the racks, place rthe board in position and with one hand, pull one strap across the board and hook it down over the board onto the rack, a single strap will hold it still long enough to get a second one on, then use your normal straps to secure it down properly. Occy's aren't strong enough, but the black rubber straps are. Check 'em out.

DM

Most people are happy to help, most of the time.

18 months ago I cracked some ribs SUP surfing and when I got the board back to the car I couldn't raise my arms over shoulder height while holding the board. I had to get a mum and her young daughter load my board onto the (4WD) car and strap it down. When I explained the reason, they were really happy to help.