You might physically be able to move a kayak by yourself, but it’s much easier and safer if you have another person to help you, especially hoisting it up over your head and onto a tall vehicle like an SUV. A Little Help Goes A Long WayĪ final general consideration is to have help whenever possible. It takes very little effort to add a warning flag. In fact, some states even require one by law.īe sure to check state road rules before you transport a kayak so you can avoid fines. It’s good practice to attach a red flag to the rear end of your kayak during transport. So you’ll want to make sure other drivers are aware of the overhang. Unless you’re moving your kayak on a stretch limousine (pro tip: don’t transport your kayak on a stretch limousine), then part of your kayak will likely be hanging over the back of your vehicle or out the bed of your pickup. If you hear any unusual sounds coming from your kayak as you drive, it’s best to just pull over as soon as you can to make sure that everything’s secure. You’re already getting out of your car, so you might as well make good use of the stop. When you stop for a bathroom or food, check the straps again. Take a few minutes to ensure the lines are still secure since they can loosen as you drive. It may seem like an inconvenience to stop just minutes after starting a trip, but having your kayak slip off during transport will be way more painful. A good rule of thumb is to stop after about the first fifteen minutes of driving and ensure that all the straps are tight enough. If kayak transport were to have a golden rule, it would likely be to check (and recheck) all straps and lines before you leave and throughout your trip. But a cockpit cover on more expensive, sea or touring kayaks is definitely a good idea. To be fair, I transport my recreational sit-inside kayaks with no cockpit cover all the time and never have had problems. This can not only cause major damage to your kayak, it can pose a huge risk to yourself and other drivers if it breaks loose altogether. If the cockpit is not covered, wind that builds as a vehicle speeds up may pull the kayak out of the straps meant to keep it steady. You don’t want road debris to fly into the kayak or otherwise do damage.Īnother big reason to use a cockpit cover is your kayak will be more secure…and your trip will be safer. For one, you want to protect the inside of your kayak as you transport it. When you’re transporting a kayak, you should try to use a properly fitted cockpit cover. These steps will make the job easier … and safer. Regardless of the transport method you choose, there are a few steps you should always take when you’re securing your kayak during transport. Your preferred method of kayak transport for a short trip down a smooth road might be very different from a long trip that involves bumpy, uneven roads. You also need to think about the features on your vehicle and the nature of your trip. Kayak material (kevlar, plastic, and so on).Things you’ll need to consider in planning to transport your kayak: But even if you haven’t had time to think about it in advance, there are still plenty of options for your particular needs. Ideally, you should figure out how you’re going to transport your kayak before you buy one (and I’m saying this as someone who’s pretty impulsive). Take time to consider the different methods, so you can better understand your kayak transport options. So it’s crucial that you think about what method is best for you in advance. Transporting an improperly secured kayak can cause serious damage to your vehicle, your kayak, or to other people on the road. If you don’t have a roof rack or don’t want to install one, there are alternative methods to transporting a kayak, including: in the bed of a truck, on a trailer, or even behind a bike. So what is the best way to transport kayaks? The best and safest way to transport a kayak is by securing it to a roof rack on top of your vehicle. Even if you have a kayak delivered to your house, you’ll still need a reliable and safe way to transport your kayak each time you want to go paddling. Transporting your kayak is one of the first challenges you’ll face when you begin kayaking.
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