When it comes to carrying your Kayak, many first time owners wonder exactly how they can do it. Is it possible to carry it alone? Can it be loaded onto a vehicle? There are a few techniques out there which can make carrying a Kayak a lot easier and help you get to the water quicker than you ever imagined!
Depending on the weight of your kayak, many people can carry them alone without any help. This means you will build up stamina and strength, and even though it will feel unnatural in the beginning, it will become easier as you get used to it.
For those who want to go about things a little easier however, or even who aren’t able to carry due to other health reasons, there are special kayak carts which can be used to drag kayaks to their location as well as roof-racks which can be used to mount boats on a car roof without too much work.
These technologies are perfect for helping you get you and your kayak where you need to be without any extra hassle and are worth learning about before you go kayaking again! We will share with you the exact techniques how to carry a kayak. Whether you decide to carry it alone or with added help, we have covered the techniques so it will be easier for you.
Carrying it alone
Kayaks can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as in a variety of weights which typically range from around 40 to 80 pounds. Kayaks which are created for recreational purposes are generally smaller made and lighter, whereas sea kayaks are on the heavier side.
The most effective way to lift smaller boats is by picking the kayak up and leaning it on one shoulder. Start by placing the kayak against your shins, and the cockpit facing outwards. Bending your knees, place your hands on the cockpit edge, and slide it up onto your thighs keeping your knees bent. As soon as the kayak is sitting on your thighs, with the right hand, try to grab the opposite end of the cockpit end. As you begin to get up again, lift the right-hand side of that same cockpit end onto the shoulder and let it rest there. Carefully place the kayak so that it is comfortable on your shoulder, while at the same time stable enough to allow you to walk without the boat touching the ground at any point.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind when carrying a kayak:
– If you would like extra comfort when lifting, simply put on a lifejacket and it will protect your shoulder from straining.
– In order to keep your back safe during the lifting process, always make sure your knees are bent and not your waist.
– Remember when lifting a kayak that the bow is in a forward direction as it makes it much easier to lift and carry.
It’s important to keep in mind that some boats will definitely be too difficult to carry by one person alone. The elevated seat kayaks are also a little harder to carry as they don’t include the cockpit rim which rests nicely on the shoulder.
A quick alternative that can work with short boats is that they can be carried by two people instead of one. This type of carrying requires that you and another person lift one of the toggles or grab loops at the front and back of the kayak. Make sure you bend your knees and keep communicating with one another throughout the entire process as this will help prevent any injuries from occurring!
By Hauling it
In the case of owning a boat which is made of plastic, then you can simply drag it by pulling its grab loop handle at the front or the toggle. A fiberglass design, on the other hand, would be better to avoid dragging altogether as this can ruin the hulls which are more fragile.
Attach a Kayak Cart
A kayak cart is also perfect for pulling across even ground, grass and sandy beaches, and in some cases rockier terrain, depending on the design and durability of the cart.
A Kayak cart is an attachment which fixes onto the bottom of a boat and helps you to pull it along without any struggles. It features two wheels and a handle on the end and functions pretty much like a wheelbarrow since it does most of the work. Many kayak carts are easy to store away as they fold up, meaning they can fit snug in your hatch when paddling or kept in the boat.
A typical kayak cart will cost between $50 and $200, depending on the brand and design. You can also find some homemade carts online if you are looking for something cheaper.
On top of a car Roof Rack
One of the most common ways of carrying a kayak is by using a roof rack. Mounting a kayak onto a car roof is quite challenging alone, so it is useful to get a quality rack system to help you out with the process. There is a large variety of rack types out there, and some which can completely lift the kayak and load it on the roof without you having to do anything.
In the case of your vehicle already possessing pre-installed racks on the roof, then all you need to do is buy special kayak rack accessories. If you don’t have any pre-installed racks, then not to worry as you can find a pair of basic tower and crossbars which will support the racks.
Whatever method you decide to go for, there will be always be something that will work for you. It is important to take advantage of the products which are out there to help as this will increase your enjoyment for the sport, knowing you don’t have to encounter any difficulties and can pack up and go when you feel!