Kayaking is a thrilling experience, offering a unique perspective of nature from the water. But before you can glide through serene lakes or tackle challenging rapids, you need to get your kayak to the water. That’s where a foam block kayak carrier comes into play. Selecting the right one can make the difference between a smooth journey and a potential disaster. Let’s check out the nuances of choosing the perfect foam block kayak carrier for your needs.
Best 6 Foam Block Kayak Carriers
01. Attwood 11438-7 Universal Rack-Free Car-Top Kayak Carrier
The Attwood 11438-7 Universal Rack-Free Car-Top Kayak Carrier is a handy solution for transporting your kayak without needing a permanent roof rack. It comes with four cushioned foam blocks that support the hull, plus two sturdy straps for securing the kayak to your vehicle. This rack-free setup works with most vehicles and kayak types, making it a go-to choice for weekend paddlers or folks renting gear.
It’s simple to set up and take down, and since it doesn’t rely on built-in crossbars, you can use it on cars that don’t have any existing roof system. However, it may not be the best for long highway drives or very heavy kayaks, as the foam can shift slightly under stress.
✅ Pros
- Rack-free design works on nearly any vehicle
- Soft foam blocks protect vehicle roof and kayak hull
- Lightweight and easy to store when not in use
- Budget-friendly alternative to fixed roof racks
❌ Cons
- May shift on long or high-speed trips
- Not ideal for very heavy or oversized kayaks
02. Seattle Sports Sherpak Universal Kayak Foam Block Carrier
The Seattle Sports Sherpak Universal Kayak Foam Block Carrier is a no-rack transport solution designed for paddlers who need a quick and easy way to haul a kayak. This setup includes two dense foam blocks with non-slip bottoms that grip your car roof and cradle your kayak without scratching the paint. They’re shaped to fit most hull types and can be used on vehicles with or without roof racks.
While the blocks alone won’t secure the kayak (you’ll need to pair them with your own straps and tie-downs), they’re a good option for short trips or occasional paddling adventures. Just keep in mind they may shift at higher speeds if not properly strapped down.
✅ Pros
- Anti-slip foam bases help keep kayak stable on the roof
- Fits a wide range of hull shapes and vehicle types
- Doesn’t require a roof rack to use
- Lightweight and easy to store when not in use
❌ Cons
- Straps and ropes not included—must be purchased separately
- May not hold firm on long highway drives without extra securing
03. WOOWAVE Kayak Foam Block Carrier
The WOOWAVE Kayak Foam Block Carrier offers a practical way to haul your kayak or canoe without needing a full roof rack setup. This universal carrier includes four dense foam blocks that sit between your kayak and your vehicle roof, providing cushioning while protecting the car’s finish. It comes with two heavy-duty tie-down straps and ropes for bow and stern securing, making it useful for quick trips to the lake or coast.
This system is easy to install and works on most vehicles, but it’s best suited for shorter drives or slower speeds. The foam blocks may not hold as firmly during highway travel or in strong crosswinds unless you double-check your tie-downs regularly.
✅ Pros
- Universal design fits cars with or without roof racks
- Includes tie-down straps and front/rear ropes
- Soft foam blocks protect vehicle roof and kayak hull
- Simple and affordable kayak transport solution
❌ Cons
- Foam can shift during long drives if not tightly secured
- Not ideal for high-speed or frequent travel
04. AQUARM Universal Kayak Foam Block
The AQUARM Universal Kayak Foam Block is a simple and lightweight solution for transporting your kayak without a permanent roof rack. This set includes two solid foam blocks designed to cradle the kayak’s hull and sit securely on most car roofs. The blocks feature non-slip bottoms and molded tops that fit a variety of kayak shapes, helping protect both your vehicle and your boat during transport.
It’s a great low-cost choice for weekend paddlers or beginners, but the setup doesn’t come with straps or tie-down ropes, so you’ll need to supply those separately. Also, since the blocks sit directly on the car roof, extra care is needed to avoid sliding at higher speeds.
✅ Pros
- Universal fit with molded grooves for different kayak hulls
- Lightweight and easy to throw in the trunk
- Non-slip base helps reduce movement on smooth surfaces
- Affordable option for casual or backup use
❌ Cons
- Tie-down straps and ropes not included
- Can shift during highway driving without additional securing
05. Pelican Boats – Universal Kayak Car-Top Roof Carrier
The Pelican Boats Universal Kayak Car-Top Roof Carrier is a complete kit designed to help you transport your kayak without needing a built-in roof rack. It comes with four EVA foam blocks, two adjustable straps with metal cam buckles, and two ropes with hooks for bow and stern tie-down. The dense foam blocks are shaped to fit a range of kayak hulls and are designed to rest securely on your vehicle’s roof, providing a cushioned and stable base.
This setup is perfect for short trips to the lake or river, especially for those who want a portable and easy-to-install system. While the included straps and blocks work well for basic travel, they may shift a bit on longer drives or in high winds, so checking your setup before hitting the road is a must.
✅ Pros
- Complete kit includes straps, ropes, and foam blocks
- Foam blocks fit most kayak shapes and vehicle roofs
- No tools or rack system required for setup
- Lightweight and easy to store
❌ Cons
- May shift slightly on long highway trips
- Not recommended for frequent high-speed travel
06. Shoreline Marine Kayak Car Top Carrier Kit
The Shoreline Marine Kayak Car Top Carrier Kit is a straightforward solution for transporting your kayak without a roof rack. It includes four durable foam blocks that rest directly on your vehicle’s roof, plus two cam buckle tie-down straps and front/rear ropes for added security. The foam blocks are shaped to hold the kayak steady while protecting both the vehicle and the hull from scratches or dents.
This kit is ideal for occasional trips to the lake or beach and works with most vehicles. That said, like other foam block systems, it may not be the best option for frequent highway use, especially in windy conditions, unless everything is strapped down carefully and double-checked.
✅ Pros
- Complete kit with foam blocks, straps, and tie-down ropes
- Quick, rack-free solution for kayak transport
- Soft foam blocks help prevent roof and hull damage
- Fits most cars, trucks, and SUVs
❌ Cons
- Foam can shift if not tightly secured
- Less stable during high-speed or long-distance travel
How to Choose the Best Foam Block Kayak Carrier
You got a kayak, but no fancy roof rack? No worries. You ain’t alone. A lotta paddlers—especially beginners or folks with compact cars—go for foam block kayak carriers. They cheap, portable, and don’t need no tools. But picking the right one? That’s where things get messy if you don’t know what to look for.
What Is a Foam Block Kayak Carrier Anyway?
Basically, it’s a set of dense foam blocks that sit between your kayak hull and your vehicle roof. They absorb shock, prevent scratches, and help distribute weight. Most kits come with cam buckle straps, bow and stern tie-downs, and sometimes hood loops. You slap the blocks on the roof, toss the kayak on top, strap it down, and hit the road.
But not all foam blocks are made equal. Some squish. Some slide. Some hum like a mosquito at 80 km/h. You gotta know what you’re buying.
01. First off, what’s it made of?
The kind of foam makes a big difference. Closed-cell EVA foam? That’s what most premium carriers use. It don’t absorb water like cheap open-cell polyurethane. If water gets inside the foam, it’s game over. Wet foam gets heavy, stinks bad, and becomes useless over time. So, first thing: Make sure the block’s closed-cell. Also, check compression rating if brand provides it – good ones resist flattening under weight.
02. Shape of the foam block – does it match your roof?
Some foam blocks are just rectangle bricks. Others got that v-hull cradle design that hugs the kayak. For sit-on-top kayaks, that flat shape might be better. But for sea kayaks or whitewater boats, those cradled cuts hold it tighter. If you’re using a car with curved roof rails, square bottom blocks won’t sit flush. You’ll need something with a contour. Otherwise, you’ll feel the wobble.
03. How thick’s the block?
Thickness ain’t just about cushion. Thicker blocks usually handle more weight, and also help in dispersing pressure over a wider surface area of your roof. Blocks under 3″ thick? Probably okay for lighter plastic kayaks, but a fiberglass kayak or something long like a tandem kayak? You’re gonna want something closer to 4-5 inches minimum.
04. Attachment method matters too.
Some foam blocks slide over factory roof racks. Others grip directly on naked car roofs. If you got no crossbars, get blocks with anti-slip bottoms. Otherwise they’ll move around or worse, fly off. Some have built-in grooves for straps, which stops slipping and gives better strap alignment. Others rely on friction alone – not great if you driving highways often.
05. Let’s talk straps. The block’s just one part of the system.
Good foam carriers always come with high-tensile nylon cam straps. Buckles matter. Avoid plastic ones. Always. You want zinc-coated metal cam buckles, ideally with buckle protectors so you don’t dent your boat. And how long the straps are? You want 12-15 ft length minimum. Shorter than that, and you’re gonna struggle with wide kayaks or tall cars like a Jeep Grand Cherokee.
06. How many blocks come in the set?
Some budget kits throw in two blocks, a pair of straps, and call it a day. That ain’t enough. Ideally, you’ll want four foam blocks—two in the front and two rear. It spreads out the load better and keeps your kayak from teetering on the ride.
07. Also, do not ignore the climate where you live.
If you’re in Arizona or Texas, where the sun’s merciless, foam deteriorates faster. You’ll need UV-resistant foam. In coastal zones, salt spray accelerates wear. There, the straps and buckles better be corrosion-resistant. Northeast folks? Think about wind gusts, because those mountain passes ain’t friendly to unstable loads. The carrier needs wind-tested grip. So your choice should fit the climate too.
08. Storage of the blocks also a thing to consider.
Do the blocks squish when stored under weight? If yes, then next season they might not bounce back. Go for foam that’s advertised as memory-retentive. Also, see if the blocks come with a carry bag. Might sound extra, but that small bag keeps mold, dirt, and rodents off your gear.
09. How much your kayak weighs?
Not every foam block can hold a 90-pound fishing kayak. You’d think they all would, but nope. Check the specs. Some mention maximum weight capacity. Always aim for blocks rated higher than your boat’s weight. Better safe than scrambling on the highway shoulder with a half-fallen kayak.
09. Width of your kayak matters.
If your kayak is real wide, like a stand-up paddle kayak hybrid, make sure the foam blocks extend far enough on either side. Blocks that are too narrow can cause indentations or create pressure points, especially on inflatable kayaks or composite hulls. That messes with performance and resale value too.
10.Local regulations? Might affect your setup.
Some states require front and rear tie-downs regardless of your roof system. If your foam block kit don’t include those ropes or hooks, you’ll need to buy them separate. That’s more cost. Make sure what you’re buying’s compliant with DOT regulations, especially if you travel state lines often.