How to Transport a Kayak

Getting out on the water for a good paddle is one of the best ways to unwind. However, you have to get to the water before you can unwind! And that can be one of the more significant challenges around kayaking. There’s a learning curve involved with the routine of strapping down and transporting a kayak, but it’s easily manageable with some practice.

There are a couple of different ways to secure a kayak for travel. It usually differs based on what type of vehicle and equipment you have to work with. Tandem kayaks will naturally take more effort to secure than a whitewater rafting craft, but if you understand the basics and give yourself enough prep time, you’ll get the hang of it quickly.

Transport Kayaks Safely

The last thing you want to happen when on the road to the water is for your kayak to come loose or to become damaged due to it being improperly tied down. Especially if you travel with it regularly, you’ll need to be conscious of how you’re securing it to not strain or warp the shape of the boat.

Transport with a Pickup Truck

If you have a flatbed truck, this will be the easiest way to transport your kayak safely from Point A to Point B. You can simply leave the tailgate down and use tie-down loops on the lower walls to anchor your boat. Run a cam strap through the stern handle of the kayak to avoid it sliding around and possibly denting the exterior hull of the boat. This setup is ideal for unloading as well, especially if you’re by yourself. If you do leave the tailgate down and the kayak sticks out the back, be sure to tie a red flag to the end for visibility. 

You can also invest in a rack for your truck or create a cradle with pool noodles or towels if you want to leave the tailgate up. Another option is a T-bar accessory that attaches to your hitch and provides support to the overhang of the kayak. It is more economical than a rack system.

Transporting your kayak in a pickup like this is best for short distances. 

Transport with a Roof Rack

An SUV or smaller car is capable of transporting a kayak, but you’ll need some extra gear to make it work. The most effective way to transport kayaks on four-door cars is to mount them to the roof. Be sure you place the kayak right side up and run straps through both the bow and stern to secure under the front and rear bumpers, respectively. You’ll need to invest in either a soft- or hard-mounted rack system so you don’t damage the top of your car.

• J-style

This type of roof rack is very popular. They are side-loading and hold the kayak at an angle (sitting in the J shape of the rack) which makes it easier to load and tie down. It can also make it possible to load more gear on the rack since the kayak sits in a more vertical position. This allows more roof space for multiple kayaks, small boats, gearboxes, etc.

• Saddles

If you already have crossbars on your vehicle, then saddles are a nice, stable, economical option. Saddles are adjustable padded platforms that sit perpendicular to your crossbars and hold the kayak in a horizontal position. 

• Stackers

Stackers, like J-style racks, are used to transport multiple boats on their sides. They work best for whitewater or shorter kayaks. Loading stackers can be a challenge as they require you to get kayaks to the top of the vehicle and secure multiple boats. 

• Temporary Pads

For short journeys at slower speeds, temporary pads can be an option for transporting your kayak. Foam blocks, also known as soft racks, allow you to create a roof rack on your car using straps and buckles that run through the door of the vehicle to create a stable platform on top of the roof. They are great for quick trips and can be added or removed fairly quickly. 

Transport with a Trailer

If you are a large family or travel with lots of gear, a trailer is the best option for you. 

Trailers are lower to the ground, which makes them easier to load and unload. This can be highly beneficial if you have multiple yaks, are loading solo, or need to transport many different sizes. Trailers can be found that can handle kayaks of any size and weight. They may be a more fuel-efficient option as well since they are pulled behind your vehicle and don’t disturb your aerodynamics. 

However, trailers are usually more expensive and require a vehicle equipped to tow one.

• Aluminum & galvanized steel trailers - These trailers are commonly chosen for durability, affordability, and (with proper care) weather resistance. 

• Hybrid trailers - Hybrid trailers allow you to carry multiple types of equipment on one trailer. They are chosen for their versatility as they can handle kayakers, luggage boxes, bicycles, etc, all on one trailer. 

• Commercial trailers - Consider a commercial trailer if you haul a lot of weight and multiple kayaks. These are often the most heavy-duty options that can hold the most weight. Kayak ferry businesses usually invest in commercial trailers. 

Kayak Transport Tips and Tricks

Kayaks are pretty hydrodynamic, but if the wind catches them the wrong way, they can be aerodynamic as well. It’s not unheard of for a kayak to catch some air and possibly break due to the pressure of strap placement in combination with wind speeds while driving. Here are some equipment recommendations and kayak transport tips to make your life easier and decrease risk of damage to your boat:

• Invest in a cockpit cover. This cover prevents debris from getting into the cockpit during travel or transport and decreases drag on the boat while driving. They usually come with carabiners that secure it to the boat to ensure its effectiveness.
• Don’t anchor straps to plastic bumpers. If you don’t have tow hooks on both ends of your car, it’s worth looking into installing loop straps under your car. It’s not secure enough to attach tie-down straps to plastic parts of your car.
• Release pressure on tie-down straps when not actively driving. Even if it’s loosening them while you take a pit stop or get gas, this brief pause does a lot to preserve your boat’s natural shape. When ratcheted down, you’re straining the hull unnaturally, and that causes strain over time that could lead to damage.
• Check your straps throughout your trip. Before you loosen anything up, give your straps a tug to see if they give or if the boat moves. This will indicate if anything needs to be adjusted before you take off again.
• Come prepared--bring extra straps with you. Don’t let yourself get caught off guard if a strap breaks at some point during transport. Make sure you have some extra tie-down lines packed in case of emergency.
• Be aware of where you’re going. Different states and counties sometimes have specific rules about safely transporting kayaks. Make sure to double-check how many points of contact are needed where you’re going and if they require you to mark your kayak with a caution flag if it sticks out past the bumper of your car.

All of these kayak transport recommendations are meant to ensure you and your kayak make it to the water safely. From there, it’s just about being safe on the water and having fun. Enjoy your trip!