Ultimate Guide: Safely Transport Your Kayak with Ease

Transporting a kayak safely is an essential skill for any kayaking enthusiast. Whether you’re heading to a serene lake or tackling whitewater rapids, getting your kayak to the water without damage to the boat, your vehicle, or yourself is critical. This guide provides detailed, practical advice on how to transport your kayak securely and efficiently, covering everything from choosing the right equipment to loading and securing your kayak.

Choosing the Right Equipment for Kayak Transport

Roof Racks: Hard vs. Soft

A pair of roof racks will generally come in two types: hard rails or soft rails. Hard rail racks are suited to vehicles with dedicated anchor points, but these are usually specifically designed for your vehicle. You can buy these as aftermarket units or factory-installed for the perfect fit. When you use hard racks, you may prefer to buy a roof rack mount or J-style carrier to make loading and securing your kayak easier. If you have hard rails, it is beneficial to use additional padding to protect your kayak. If you’re after versatility, then a set of soft roof racks are ideal. Soft roof racks can be made from rubber, inflatable tubes, or neoprene. Soft roof racks can be installed on any vehicle, and they are quick to set up, remove, and store.

Essential Accessories

• Cam Straps: Cam straps quickly and securely hold your kayak down. You’ll need two straps that are about 12 feet long or longer.
• Bow and Stern Lines: You can use a nonstretch, water-resistant rope, but special ratcheting lines make the job quick and easy. You usually need one line for the bow and one for the stern.
• Padding: Foam blocks or pool noodles can be used to spread the contact point of crossbars or other inflexible load points, protecting both your kayak and vehicle.
• Kayak Cart: If your waterway is a slight distance away from the car park, then it may be beneficial to purchase a cart. Kayak carts are a set of wheels that attach to the back of your kayak and allow you to pull it along from the nose end.

Specialized Kayak Carriers

• J-Cradles: The J-cradle is not only universal but also one of the most stable on the market. Keeping your kayak at a 45-degree angle gives you more room to mount other kayaks on the crossbar without sacrificing stability.
• Saddle Cradles: Saddle cradles are a great way to transport your kayak. This rack system consists of two cradles supporting the boat’s hull and straps securing the vehicle’s kayak.
• Stacker Bars: If you’re trying to get two, three, or even more boats on top, stacker bars may be the answer. These let you put the boats on their side so they take up less space.

Loading Your Kayak

Two-Person Loading

The easiest method of loading is with a two-person lift. Align the kayak next to your vehicle, and then each person can take hold of the kayak and lift it straight onto the roof racks. Depending on your mounting gear, you can place the kayak upright or upside down. Then it would be best if you centred the kayak, so it is balanced properly. With one person at each end, carry the kayak by the grab handles and position it next to and parallel to your vehicle with the bow toward the front of the car. Grab the kayak at each end by the hull (not the grab handles) and lift the boat overhead.

Solo Loading Techniques

If you’re loading a kayak alone, you may benefit from using a kayak loading system. Lifting a kayak can be challenging for most people, especially after a hard day on the water. Getting the kayak onto your car roof is easier with a purpose-built kayak loader. For tall vehicles (4WD, vans, etc.), you can use the side loader, and for sedans and station wagons, you may find the showboat or rack and roll system provides enough lift. Here’s how to carry a kayak by yourself:

• Stand on the left side of your kayak and face the boat.
• Squat down and grab the edge of the cockpit that’s closest to you with both hands and pull the edge of the boat up onto your thighs.
• Slide the kayak up onto the rack, ensuring it is centered fore and aft between the crossbars.

Using a Kayak Loader

A roof rack load-assist can simplify solo loading. The bars of the load-assist clamp to any roof rack bars you have already installed on your vehicle. This will allow you to slide the load-assist out and rest the stern of your kayak on it while lifting the other end onto the roof.

Securing Your Kayak

Tying Down with Cam Straps

The easiest way to tie down your kayak to your car is with cam straps. You won’t need to know any special knots; you simply feed the straps through buckles and cinch them down. Make sure your kayak is centered fore and aft between the crossbars on your car and running parallel with the car. Take a cam strap and position the buckle so it is resting on the side of the kayak a few inches above and to the side of one of the crossbars. Toss the other end of the strap over your kayak. Walk around to the other side of your vehicle, grab the end of the strap, and loop it underneath the crossbar, then toss it back over your boat.

Bow and Stern Lines

Hook the end of the line with the ratchet to a secure point on the front of the kayak, such as the grab handle. Attach the other end of the line to a secure point on your vehicle. If you don’t have a secure point, such as a tow hook, you can install a hood loop strap to create one. Never attach the tie-down straps to plastic parts on your car. Pull the free end of the line down to tighten the line until snug. Be careful not to overtighten. Tie off the loose end of the line just below the ratchet. Repeat with the stern line.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Over-tightening Straps: If the straps exert too much pressure on the kayak, it may cause it to bow, especially if it’s a plastic hull. Leaving your kayak bowed for long periods can permanently affect the hull.
• Using Bungee Cords: Bungee cords are probably the worst thing you can use; you don’t want something designed to stretch to securely hold down anything.
• Ignoring Loose Ends: Ensure excess strap is securely tied down to prevent flapping or getting caught in wheels.

Transporting Without a Roof Rack

Transporting a 14-foot touring kayak isn’t an easy task at the best of times, even if you happen to have a specific kayak rack. Well, don’t worry. We’ll share a quick trick that will allow you to securely attach your kayak to the roof of your vehicle in no time. Pool noodles: Yes, you will need pool noodles, or any form of soft polyurethane tube with a hole in the middle. You can find pool noodles in a range of outdoor stores, supermarkets, and even hardware stores. Make sure the pool noodles you’ve selected are thick, heavy-duty, and large enough to extend over the width of your vehicle’s roof. Place two pool noodles across the roof, one near the front and one near the rear. Secure the kayak with cam straps through the car’s open doors (not windows) and tie bow and stern lines to prevent forward or backward movement.

Transporting Kayaks in a Pickup Truck

Transporting a kayak in the truck bed is the most straightforward method many starters prefer. It is simple, quick, and convenient. You do not need to buy any additional equipment; all you need is a truck bed mat, cam straps, bow and stern lines, and a red flag. Remove the tonneau cover from the trunk and ensure no debris is left. After you ensure there is no dirt or grime, lay down a truck bed mat on the base to protect your pickup and kayak. Lower the tailgate, and then lift the kayak onto the truck bed. Using grab handles, gently slide the boat up the ramp onto the truck bed with the hull facing up to prevent damages. You can use foam blocks to protect your kayak’s hull and raise it a little from the bed. Now adjust the kayak’s position, ensuring no more than 30% is overhanging at the edge. If the kayak is too long, you’ll have to use a truck bed extender.

Using a Kayak Trailer

If you’re planning a long-distance trip with your kayak, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind. A trailer is another way to transport your kayak, but you first need to calculate the towing capacity of your car before investing. Canoe trailers offer ease of transport when paired with your truck, minivan, or any other vehicle with a hitch. Most commercial canoe trailers are quite large, averaging a 6-8 canoe capacity. As a paddler, you’re probably not looking to cart around nearly as many boats with you, therefore we recommend the Malone Microsport with a two-boat capacity. You can then add the Malone Second Level Tree Load Bars if you’d like to expand your boat capacity.

Driving Tips for Safe Transport

• Check Height: When your kayak is loaded, measure the height of your vehicle, especially if your kayak carrier is holding a second kayak, to avoid low clearances.
• Monitor Straps: During longer trips, stop often and check that the stern straps and bow straps are still taut and that any excess strap is securely tied down.
• Drive Cautiously: The faster you go, the faster things can go wrong. Take your time, glance up at your kayaks occasionally, and ensure they are still pointed straight ahead.
• Pull Over Early: Always pull over after 10-15 minutes of driving to ensure the kayak is still securely fastened.

Comparison of Kayak Transport Methods

Best Product Recommendations

• Yakima JayLow J-Cradle: A versatile and stable J-cradle for easy loading and unloading. Shop on Amazon
• Malone Microsport Trailer: Ideal for transporting multiple kayaks with ease. Shop on Amazon
• NRS Cam Straps: Durable and reliable for securing kayaks. Shop on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transport a kayak without a roof rack?

Yes, you can use pool noodles and cam straps to secure a kayak to your vehicle’s roof for short trips, but this method is less secure and not recommended for long distances.

How do I know if my vehicle can handle a kayak’s weight?

Check your vehicle’s roof load capacity in the owner’s manual. Most cars can handle 100-165 pounds dynamically (while moving), but ensure your kayak and rack system don’t exceed this limit.

Are ratchet straps safe for kayaks?

Ratchet straps can be used but are riskier as they can easily overtighten and damage plastic kayaks. Cam straps are generally safer and easier to adjust.

How often should I check my straps during transport?

Stop and check your straps after the first 10-15 minutes of driving and every few hours on longer trips to ensure they remain tight and secure.

Additional Resources

• REI Expert Advice on Kayak Transport
• Paddling.com Kayak Transport Guide