Paddle Away: What To Consider When Transporting A Kayak On Your Roof

If you kayak a lot, you know that it can be a pain to get your kayak to your favourite spot. Don't worry though, if you have the right tools and know what you're doing, you can easily and safely carry your kayak on the roof of your car.

In this blog, we'll talk about everything you need to know to make sure your kayak stays safe and secure during transport. We'll talk about things that are important, like safety, weight, length, and loading. By the end of this article, you'll be able to make an informed decision and choose the best way to transport your kayak on your vehicle. So let's get started and make sure you are ready for your next adventure on the water!

How Long is Your Kayak?

When you want to carry your kayak on your roof rack, the length of your kayak is an important thing to think about. Based on this, you'll know if you need more bow and stern tie-downs or bonnet straps. In fact, straps are required by law for any craft that is bigger than the roof.

To avoid problems, you should make sure your kayak is securely tied down and that you're using the right straps for the job. A good rule of thumb is, if the kayak goes past the wiper arms in the front or back of your car, you will need to use a bonnet strap. This will make sure that your kayak stays in place during transport giving you peace of mind while you travel. It will also keep you out of trouble with the law!

How Much Does Your Kayak Weigh?

Along with length, weight is also an important thing to think about. If your kayak is heavy and goes past the crossbars by a lot, the overhang can cause the boat to "fold" because it has too much unsupported weight. This can be very dangerous for you and for other drivers on the road as well. 

Some kayaks, like those made by Hobie, can weigh as much as 60kg! Most people won't be able to lift that much onto the roof of their car so it's good to ensure you have help, either another person or a Load Assist Carrier. Also, it's important to remember that not all roofs can carry 60 kg or more. So, it's important to check your car's specs and the weight of the kayaks before putting it on the roof. This way, you can make sure that your trip is safe and that nothing bad happens along the way.

Photo by Erik Mclean

Can I Use a Load Assist Carrier?

Load-assist carriers might be a good choice if you want to make it easier to put your kayak on your roof rack. But it's important to know that these carriers only work with certain varieties of bars. Also, most load assist carriers can't carry more than 30–40 kg, so keep that in mind if you have a bigger kayak. Furthermore, if you have a platform these carriers usually don't work, so make sure your roof rack is the right kind before you buy a load assist carrier. 

By using a carrier, you can make sure that your kayak is safe and won't move around while you're moving it. It's also very easy to use — just roll your kayak onto the carrier and use the straps to hold it in place.

There are, of course, other ways to load your kayak into your vehicle. The best choice for you will depend on how your kayak is shaped and what you like.

How Do I Know How to Transport My Kayak?

You'll need a carrier that fits on your car's crossbars. Carriers allow the kayak to sit securely on your roof rack. Do keep in mind, though, that not all carriers work with all types of crossbars, so it's important to choose one that works with your setup. 

You should also think about how the hull of your kayak is shaped. Depending on how it's made, you may need to use a J-Cradle carrier or put it in upside-down. Putting your kayak on the right carrier and in the right way will help keep it safe and prevent damage while it's being moved.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your needs so that we are able to assist you in finding the right setup.

How Do I Load My Kayak?

If you want to put your kayak on your car, you might be wondering how to do it the best way so you don't damage it. Once the carrier and any padding are in place and the straps and lines are ready, you can put your kayak on top of your car. Putting a kayak on a car is easiest when there are two people. 

Here are some tips on how you can load a kayak on a car with help: 

1. With one person at each end, carry the kayak by its grab handles and put it next to and parallel to your car, with the bow facing the front of the car.
    
2. Grab each end of the kayak by the hull, not the handles, and lift it over your head. Make sure to use your legs to lift, not your back.
    
3. Place the boat so that it is directly above the rack and then gently set it down on the rack. The type of rack you have will tell you where the boat should go.

Some people are strong enough and tall enough to lift a kayak onto their car by themselves. 

If you are not one of those people, here are some tips for loading a kayak by yourself:

1. Use a lift system. Load Assist kayak carriers can include built-in lift systems that make it easy to load the boat. Most of the time, they slide down from the top of your car to the side, making it easier to load and secure your kayak. Once the boat is properly loaded and strapped down, you lift the carrier system up on top of your car where part of the weight is born by the carrier lift mech. This type of carrier can be more expensive, but often pay for themselves in convenience.
    
2. Get wheels: Another way to solve the problem is to use a rack that has wheels, called a roller. You can just put the bow of the boat into the cradle on the back of the rack, pick up the back end, and roll the kayak forward into the front cradle. These cost less than racks that have lift systems built in but are still a great option.
    
3. Use a towel or blanket: For a low-tech, low-cost solution, try putting a towel or blanket on top of the back of your vehicle and then setting the bow of the boat on the towel or blanket. Pick up the back of the boat and move it forwards and up onto the rack.
    
4. Use a Univeral Side Loader: These are more generic but incredibly useful for loading long gear onto your roof rack. Most universal side loaders, including the one from Rhino Rack, are designed for one-person ease of use, making hitting the road easy.

No matter which way you choose, make sure to take your time and ensure that everything is safe before you hit the road. With a little planning and the right gear, you'll be able to bring your kayak on all your trips without worrying about it getting damaged or moving around. Happy paddling!