Transporting a kayak made easy

TRANSPORTING A KAYAK MADE EASY
by Brad Miller

Often times when people come in looking for a kayak, they seem to be concerned about how big it is going to be. Not because of what they intend to use it for, but because they are worried about transporting it. I have met people who purchased the wrong kind of kayak for their needs because of this. That's a shame because no one should have to sacrafice performance for ease of transportation. I'm here to tell you that there is always a way to get any kayak on top of a car with relative ease. In the steps that follow, you will learn how to do it by yourself.

This lesson begins by assuming that you already have a rack system on your car, whether it be a factory system or after-market system.

Loading the kayak on top of the car is everyone's biggest concern. Here's how to do it easily.

1. First, position the kayak so that it rests on the ground at an approximate 45 degree angle to the rear corner of the car. Place a towel, an old blanket or kayak dolly on the car to protect the paint.

2. Next, lift the front of the kayak and place it on the towel

3. Then, lift the back of the kayak and slide it forward onto the rear crossbar of the rack.

4. Position the kayak between the two crossbars so that each one holds equal weight. This usually results in the cockpit of the kayak being centered between the crossbars. That's it for loading!

5. Now for the easiest part, securing the kayak to the rack. I am going to use cam-buckle straps, instead of rope, for this. Cam-buckle straps are nice because you don't have to know any fancy knots. From either side of the car, pass the strap buckle under a crossbar.

6. Now pass both the strap buckle and the other end over the kayak. Then pass the other end of the strap under the crossbar on that side. Feed the other end up through the cam-buckle from the underside. It is very important that you feed the strap up through the bottom and not down through the top. The cam-buckle will not work properly if loaded incorrectly.

7. Position the buckle so that you are pulling down, rather than up on it. Apply enough tension with the strap so that the kayak does not lift off of the crossbar. Now, install a strap on the other crossbar.

8. To finish securing the kayak, you must install bow and stern lines. These are just for backup, but are very important. Using fifteen foot lengths of rope, secure the bow and stern of the kayak to the bumpers or tow hooks underneath the car, using a trucker's hitch.

Trucher's Hitch

NOTE: Only apply enough tension to snug up the rope. Overtightening could result in damaging your kayak and/or roof rack.

Brad Miller has been kayaking since 1991, and has been teaching professionally since 1993. He acquired ACA (American Canoe Association) instructor certifications for Whitewater Kayaking in 1995 and Coastal Kayaking in 1998.

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