Ditch the bungee cord and secure your board with ease. The Gnarly Pads Inflatable Board Retention System is a simple, low-profile way to help hold and protect your surfboard in a bike rack without the hassle of wrapping straps or cords around your board every time you ride. Sold as a pair, the inflatable pads gently press your surfboard into the rack cradle to help reduce movement while adding soft cushioning around the board.
Quick, Easy Surfboard Retention
Gnarly Pads use small inflatable air chambers that sit inside or alongside the rack cradle. Once your board is in place, a few squeezes of the built-in bulbs inflate the pads and create gentle pressure against the surfboard to help hold it securely.
When you arrive at the beach, simply press the air-release valve to deflate the pads and lift your board out. No wrapping, tightening, or untangling a bungee cord every time you load or unload.
Key Features
- Ditch the bungee cord: A clean, convenient alternative to traditional board-retention cords for compatible surfboards.
- Sold as a pair: Includes two inflatable board-retention pads.
- Inflatable air pouches: Gently squeeze the surfboard into the rack cradle to help reduce movement.
- Quick inflation: Secure your board with just a few squeezes of the built-in bulbs.
- Fast release: Press the air-release valve to quickly deflate the pads when you're ready to surf.
- Added board protection: Creates a cushioned contact point between your surfboard and the rack.
- Works with shortboards and longboards: Designed for common surfboard bike-rack setups.
- Reusable design: Inflate, deflate, and use them session after session.
Gnarly Pads Inflatable Board Retention Specs
- Brand: Gnarly Pads
- Product: Inflatable Board Retention
- Quantity: Pair
- Retention method: Inflatable air pouches
- Inflation: Hand-operated squeeze bulbs
- Release: Air-release valve
- Best for: Shortboards and longboards
- Use: Surfboard bicycle rack retention and protection
Secure Your Board Without the Bungee Hassle
One of the biggest advantages of Gnarly Pads is convenience. Instead of stopping to wrap and secure a bungee every time you head to the beach, you can place your board in the rack, pump up the pads, and go.
The inflatable design also creates a softer contact point between the board and rack, helping reduce rubbing and direct contact with hard rack components during transport.
Flexible Placement
The inflatable pads can be positioned to create pressure where it works best with your rack and board. Their adjustable air pressure also allows you to fine-tune the fit rather than relying on a fixed-size pad or overly tight cord.
Important Board-Size Considerations
Gnarly Pads work well with shortboards and longboards, but they should not be relied on as the sole retention method for larger or heavier boards such as SUPs. For oversized boards, use an appropriate strap or additional retention method.
Rider Shack Note
Buying your Gnarly Pads from Rider Shack supports a small business and core surf shop run by surfers. If you bike to the beach regularly, these are a clever way to simplify your setup: ditch the bungee cord, secure your board quickly, and spend less time loading gear and more time surfing.
FAQ: Gnarly Pads Inflatable Board Retention
How do Gnarly Pads hold a surfboard in place?
The pads use inflatable air pouches that expand against the board and rack cradle, creating gentle pressure that helps hold the surfboard securely.
Can Gnarly Pads replace a bungee cord?
For compatible shortboards and longboards, they provide a convenient alternative to a traditional bungee-style retention setup. Larger and heavier boards may still require an additional strap or retention method.
How do you inflate Gnarly Pads?
Each pad uses a small hand-operated bulb. A few squeezes inflate the air pouch and tighten the fit around the board.
How do you remove the board?
Press the air-release valve to deflate the pads, then lift your board out of the rack.
Are Gnarly Pads sold individually?
No. This product is sold as a pair.
Do Gnarly Pads help protect the board from the rack?
Yes. The inflatable pads create a soft, cushioned contact point that can help reduce rubbing and direct contact between the surfboard and hard rack components.
