What is the Best Way to Transport a Kayak?

Transporting a kayak can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. However, with the right techniques and equipment, you can easily and safely move your kayak from your home to your favorite fishing or paddling spot. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best ways to transport a kayak, ensuring your journey is smooth and stress-free.

What is the best vehicle to transport a Kayak?

The first step in transporting a kayak is selecting the appropriate vehicle. Or if you plan on using your current vehicle you need to understand your options. Most kayaks can be transported using a car, SUV, or truck. The key is to ensure your vehicle can accommodate the length and weight of your kayak. Here are a few vehicle options:

Sedans: Suitable for shorter kayaks. Use roof racks or foam blocks to secure the kayak. Some models can also tow a trailer.
- Pro – Low roof making it easier to lift your kayak onto a roof rack.
- Con – Roofs are usually short and making transporting longer kayaks (>12ft) a bit more challenging.
SUVs and Minivans: Ideal for medium to long kayaks. Roof racks or hitch-mounted racks are great options. Most models can also tow a trailer
- Pro – Long footprint and ample space for a roof rack. Many come with factory racks. Easily roof top any size kayak.
- Con – Roofs are higher making roof topping a bit harder. If you are under 6′ you may want to consider using a step stool or lift stick.
Trucks: Perfect for all kayak sizes. You can use bed extenders, roof racks, or trailers.
- Pro – Low to the ground. The easiest to load of the three vehicles by far.
- Con – Long Kayaks will stick out in traffic and will require a red flag to hopefully prevent cars crashing into your kayak. For long kayaks a bed extender is a good idea.

What are the best straps to transport your kayak?

Essential Equipment for Kayak Transportation

Roof Racks: A sturdy roof rack is the most common method for transporting kayaks. Ensure the rack is properly installed and compatible with your vehicle. Brands like Thule and Yakima offer high-quality roof racks designed for kayaks. If you need to learn more about roof racks and the different components check out this article: What kind of Roof Racks are there for Kayaks?
Kayak Saddles or Cradles: These provide additional support and prevent the kayak from shifting during transport. They attach to the roof rack and cradle the kayak securely.
Foam Blocks: An affordable alternative to roof racks. Foam blocks can be placed directly on the roof of your vehicle, and the kayak is then secured with straps.
Cam Straps: These are essential for securing your kayak to the roof rack or foam blocks. They are easy to use and provide a tight hold.
- NOTE: DO NOT USE RATCHET STRAPS! It is the easiest way to ruin your kayak. They are difficult for most to get a good feel on how much pressure they are putting on the kayak making overtightening real easy.
Bow and Stern Lines: These additional tie-downs are used to secure the front and rear of the kayak to your vehicle, adding extra stability.
Trailers: Ideal for transporting multiple kayaks or heavy kayaks that are difficult to lift onto a roof rack. Kayak trailers can be hitched to most vehicles and make loading and unloading much easier.

Step-by-Step Guide to Transporting Your Kayak

Prepare Your Vehicle: Ensure your roof rack, foam blocks, or trailer are securely installed. Check that all straps and tie-downs are in good condition.
- Always USE heavy duty cam straps. This is not a budget item! People’s lives are depending on the quality of your cam straps. I have owned straps from Thule and Yakima. Both are high quality and have lasted for years being used year round in the Florida sun.
Lift the Kayak: If your kayak is heavy, enlist the help of a friend. Lift the kayak onto the roof rack, foam blocks, or trailer, ensuring it is centered and balanced. If you are loading solo you can use the teeter-totter method by standing the kayak up on one end close to your vehicle. Then carefully letting it lean up against the vehicle and then left the bottom end up over your head. Push the kayak across the roof as you teeter and spin into place. The key is to keep the kayak balanced so you are not really lifting any weight and just using the physics of the lever.
Secure the Kayak:

Place the kayak saddles or cradles on the roof rack if using them.
Use cam straps to secure the kayak to the roof rack, foam blocks, or trailer. Loop the straps over the kayak and tighten them securely.
Attach bow and stern lines to the front and rear of the kayak, securing them to the bumper or tow hooks of your vehicle.

Check for Stability: Before driving, ensure the kayak is stable and all straps are tight. Give the kayak a gentle shake to check for any movement.
Drive Carefully: When transporting a kayak, drive at moderate speeds and avoid sudden stops or sharp turns. Regularly check the kayak and straps during your journey.

What is the best way to car top a kayak?

Additional Tips for Kayak Transportation

Use a Kayak Cart: For short distances, a kayak cart can help you move your kayak from your vehicle to the water. We will write about the different kind out there but until then I want to warn you NOT to use the scupper hole types of carts. These are the ones that have pegs that insert through the bottom of the scupper hole and have been known to split kayaks when they get wedged in there and get torqued as you pull that kayak over the terrain.
Invest in a Quality Roof Rack or Trailer: A high-quality roof rack or trailer is a worthwhile investment if you frequently transport your kayak. It is even more important to invest in high quality heavy duty CAM straps.
Protect Your Vehicle and Kayak: Use padding to protect your vehicle’s roof and your kayak from scratches and dents. Personally I have a 20yr old SUV that I use just for Fishing so I never use a blanket or padding. Yes, I do have some scratches but not as much as you would think. So don’t get overly worried. If you do scratch your vehicle there is a good chance it will be just in the clear coat and easily repaired.
Follow Local Regulations: Ensure you comply with local laws and regulations regarding the transport of oversized loads. You are responsible for anything attached to your vehicle. It doesn’t matter if your roof rack or strap fails. Its all on you. The last thing you want is for it to go through the windshield of someone behind you.

MAKE SURE YOU INSTALL YOUR ROOF RACK CORRECTLY

I had a fishing buddy get a new roof rack for his birthday. He was very excited to get it installed because we had a day on the water planned and he wanted to give it a try. The ramp was about 50 mins away and the easiest way to get there was the interstate.

He had a sedan with no factory rack so his aftermarket rack was designed to grab the rain gutters that run down the side of the car's roof. He can turn a wrench so installing the rack was quick. He strapped down his kayak and took off to meet me at the launch.

About 5 mins before our launch time I get a text "Kayak grew wings. Might be late."

I sat in my truck doing everything I can not to blow up his phone and just as I couldn't take it anymore he pulls into the parking lot. I was happy to see the Kayak looked in one piece and his fishing day didn't get ruined. However the 1000 ft stare and white face of my fishing buddy told me a good story was coming.

He was doing 70mph (our speed limit) in the right lane. The highway was busy and he had vehicles all around him. Then without warning he heard a large crash on his roof and immediately looked out the rear window to see his kayak sailing upward to 10ft as it air cleared the car right behind him. It then took a dive hard right to the shoulder and missing another car by inches and an 18-wheeler behind them. He got supper lucking and was inches away of having a very bad day.

When he put the rack on, the clamps that grab the rain gutter came loose. During the initial installation he just used a small adjustable wrench and was not able to get things that tight. He has since used a proper ratchet and mounted the rack properly.

Don't take your roof rack install lightly. I highly recommend taking a test drive to make sure things stay tightened while being used in a real life situation. In addition, you should always use a safety strap that has a physical connection with the roof rack, kayak and vehicle.

Conclusion

Transporting a kayak doesn’t have to be a hassle. By choosing the right vehicle, equipment and following proper securing techniques, you can ensure your kayak reaches its destination safely. Whether you’re heading out for a fishing trip or a leisurely paddle, these tips will help you get there with ease. Remember, the key to successful kayak transportation is preparation and careful driving. Have fun!

For more tips and information on kayaking and fishing, visit What Kind of Roof Racks Are There for Kayaks?