Best way to Carry A Kayak-Our Top 6 tips
You are interested in learning the best way to carry a kayak, are you? Which path offers the most protection?
It is essential to understand how to move your kayak from point A to point B, with this guide you will know the best way to carry a kayak. It would help if you did not hurt yourself while you appreciate nature, so we have compiled some guidelines and a few kayaking safety recommendations to assist you on your journeys and keep you out of harm’s way by showing you the best way to carry a kayak.
You may employ lift aid items, such as a kayak cart, to help you transport your kayak from point A to point B, especially if it is over longer distances. If dragging your kayak is not an option, you can use a kayak cart. Remember to use stern tie downs, so your kayak does not move about, especially if the kayak carts do not have suction cups to reduce movement.
There is a variety of lift assist equipment available, in addition to kayak carts, that may help you comfortably load your kayak onto a kayak roof rack. These lift assist items are particularly useful for longer or heavier touring kayaks.
If you are using a personal flotation device (PFD), this may often help to offer a cushion and add padding for your shoulder, which can make it less of a strain, so that you can carry kayaks even more easily. This is one way that you can make carrying kayaks even simpler. Which can make it the best way to carry a kayak.
Kayak Lifting Over A Car
When transporting a kayak, it is in everyone’s best interest—including yours, the kayaks, and the vehicle—to be familiar with how to properly and securely load the kayak onto the car’s roof. This may help reduce the risk of damage to all three. Lift assist systems available on the market can help you get your kayak onto your car roof rack system or even trailer (this might be beneficial if you do not have a second person to help you load). Side loading a kayak can be made easier by lifting it with the assistance of another person.
Many kayak lifts assist items are available, and they may operate in conjunction with J-cradles and your roof rack system to assist. Side loading is one area in which they are very useful. You may also use pool noodles as a rolling device, which can assist preserve the hull of your kayak and the top of your car. Another option is to use pool noodles.
You must use cam straps to tie your kayak to a roof rack system properly. Once your kayak is positioned correctly in the J cradle on your car’s roof, the cam straps are typically fastened to your vehicle’s crossbars using the appropriate tools. Additionally, the bow and stern need to be fastened down.
The cam straps must be crossed over the kayak and brought around to the other to transport the kayak from one side of your vehicle to the other. To protect your vehicle from being damaged by the cam strap buckle, you might ask your lifting partner for assistance with this. Be sure that your straps are secure and have enough tension, but keep in mind that the hull might be damaged if there is too much stress. Before you go on your trip, remember to tie up the end of the strap hanging loose or free.
If you have more than one kayak, you must go through the process again with the subsequent kayak. In addition, you have to make use of bow and stern lines to secure the kayak to the front and rear ends of your vehicle. The tow hitch in the rear can serve as a point of attachment for the stern line. When you are facing this kind of situations this can be the best way to carry a kayak.
How To Carry A Kayak On Your Own? Here’s the best way to carry a kayak
Step 1: Preparation
Place your yak on the ground so that it is facing you, and position yourself so that the bow is directed in the desired direction of travel. If the bow is to your right, the kayak will be carried on your left shoulder; if the bow is to your left, the kayak will be carried on your right shoulder.
Turn the kayak on its side so the cockpit is facing away from you and rolls it back onto its feet. You want to ensure that you are in the middle of the yak, so give it a little lift; you do not want it to be uneven while resting on one shoulder! The certain lift may assist carts or racks will not require you to accomplish this, but it is still a good idea to know how in case you ever find yourself in a situation where you do not have access to a lift assist.
Step 2: Use Your Legs
Put both of your hands on the rim of the cockpit closest to you, and then raise the kayak onto your legs; your thighs will support the weight. At this stage, it is important to keep your knees bent to prevent damage and ensure that the kayak can sit securely on your thighs.
Step 3: Roll Up
While keeping your knees bent and your back straight, reach across the cockpit with the hand closest to the stern and hold the rim of the cockpit with your palm facing upwards and the cockpit facing you. Keep your knees bent and your back straight.
Roll the kayak onto your shoulder, allowing the rim to rest, and then use your hands to bring it into a comfortable position so you may continue paddling. Stabilize it, pay attention to how long it is, and watch out for any blind spots. Loading an automobile might be simplified by using lift assist equipment. These tips are the best way to carry a kayak on your own. This can be the best way to carry a kayak. This method is the best way to carry a kayak
Watching this video will give you further assistance by giving you an idea of how to do the task
The Ways People Could Carry A Kayak
The best way to carry a kayak over shorter distances, is for one person to grab the toggle handle at the bow and the other to grab the toggle at the stern. After that, all that is needed is to lift it off the ground and move forward while maintaining communication and a firm grip on the grab handles.
You will need a different way if you want to, for example, hoist your kayak onto your car with two people or go a greater distance than you normally would be able to do so. When lifting a kayak onto the top of a vehicle, lift assist equipment might be of great assistance.
Step 1: Before You Lift
Grab a fellow kayaker. You should stand facing the kayak on the ground, with both on the same side but at opposing ends.
Step 2: Lifting The Kayak
After you have found a comfortable position, the next step for each of you is to straighten your back, bend your knees, and grip the toggle closest to you. It is important to keep in mind to communicate with your partner kayaker to ensure that you are both on the same page.
When you are both ready, hoist the vessel simultaneously, so it does not break. You should now have the kayak at a waist-high level for both of you. You may find that certain lift aid items allow you to car top a kayak from this vantage point.
Step 3: Kayak At Shoulder Level
Communication is required to make sure that both of you are comfortable and ready for this portion of the process. When you are both ready, you should each take a turn lifting the yak and placing it on your shoulder. Afterward, you and your paddling companion should switch places so that the kayak’s hull rests on each of your shoulders.
In this posture, you may put it onto a roof rack or safely go to the water, regardless of whether you have a lift assist tool with you or not. Remember that whoever is ahead of you will need to tell the person behind you about any problems you encounter. And this must be the best way to carry a kayak.
How to carry a kayak – Final Thoughts
After reading the guide of the best way to carry a kayak, you will want to put what you have learned into practice on your own and head out into the world. Have you had fun figuring out how to hoist your kayak without risking your safety?
As time goes on, you will grow comfortable with the correct method, and hopefully, it will become as natural to you as breathing is to most others. You could also have learned that a lift assist rack or cart with two-wheeled attachments.
Don’t forget to protect your kayak by using a cockpit cover, it avoid scratches and dust
If you want more fun while out on the water, you must study the procedures and be cautious.
