Once into the water, you can start your expedition carefree and excited, simple isn’t it? But the process of transporting your Kayak can become quite a challenge. Road accidents and other gory mishaps happen every now and then because of ignoring basic road safety measures. Adhering to simple rules and adapting basic techniques can get you a long way and also making sure of the safety of the fellow drivers on the road.
Kayaks are simple to maintain and require minimal attention but can be a hazard with one wrong step. If you are at the end of your wits’ and wanting to make your kayaking experience success here are the cardinal ways to make your life simpler
Table of Contents
#1, Vehicles For Transporting a Kayak:
First and foremost, schedule your trip! Key is to loading your Kayak overnight can ease your next day routine to a great extent. A Kayak is not one-dimensional as it seems. It is best advised to load overnight, whatever the vehicle you are getting it into. Ideally, a truck can make a more convenient choice for the safety and extra support that it provides. Simply leave your Kayak and you are good to go. Check for the extend-a-truck which can simply slide according to the requirement.
Also, the next option would be a car, of course, it has its own limitations but when equipped with proper racks you don’t need to worry much. You can get rooftop bars for pretty much any kind of vehicle. A sports rack is the best way to carry a kayak on your car. All you need to do is attach it to each bar firmly which keeps it secure.
#2, Security Measures:
Ticking off security is the most crucial step in venturing out. Many such types of equipment are available in the market for you to reach home safe and sound.
a) For starters, apart from the sturdy rooftop and sports rack, you should definitely consider using a cockpit cover. This will keep your Kayak from taking off and land on the road all wretched.
b) Using Stern lines: Your Kayak is designed away, which keeps it afloat and efficiently move through the water. So, there are high chances to get it all bumpy while you are driving. Bow and sterns can resolve the issue.
c) Straps- Tying the Kayak to the car can be done perfectly done by none other than the versatile straps. They are the uncomplicated and most used items to secure the Kayak in place. Ratchet straps are one such invention that provides the right amount of tension minimizing the number of scratches or any other damages.
#3, Regular Inspection of the Kayak:
As mentioned earlier, Kayak required minimal care and that much of attention can let you use it in the long run. Regular inspection such as the quality, condition of screws, and other knick-knacks and other such things is essential. Before entering one must always check for its operational condition as well. A little visual inspection can help you to notice rusts or any other despairs, noticeable cracks and holes, and rigidity of all the components. Attend all such deformations well before starting your adventure. If you are a beginner, professional guidance and supervision are indispensable.
#4, Getting Your Kayak On Board:
You are all excited, a step or two and you can get your ship moving, but here is the problem, you are in a situation to get your Kayak with least or no damage and also making sure of all the essential Kayaking kit. There are many rolling systems available in the market to land your Kayak safely. You can opt for other such moving systems that can help it glide through like butter. Considerably small ones can be dealt more easily but are not advised to carry/lift your Kayak from the waist.
Also, avoid bending your back and straining them unnecessarily that can have a strong impact on your muscles leaving them sore and ineligible to have fun. Here is what you need to do:
Stand your Kayak, turn it and squat down and pull the Kayak up onto your forward leg. Once you regain your balance making it stand and comfortable enough to carry it all by yourself you can surely continue with your trip!
#5, Additional Choices:
Saddles: There is a number of additional ways to load/lift and carry your Kayak apart from the above-mentioned ways. Common ones are the carriers that allow the kayak to be placed right. While loading Kayak, these saddles can help efficiently. They will not only keep the Kayak from drifting but will also play a huge advantage on windy days. When the vehicle is uneven or the road is all rough and bumpy, the saddle can keep the Kayak stay in its position.
Rollers: They help to achieve easy movements and also help you in loading the Kayak all by yourself. Additionally, they also give you a comfortable angle.
Foam Blocks: You can opt for foam blocks if you want to travel a short distance or a long journey at a much slower speed. It is suggested to make sure the blocks are wide enough to get that extra support and sufficient strength. Also, the Kayak must be securely attached to the vehicle it is carried on.
The guidelines mentioned above are some of the proven techniques and suggestions for travelers to implement. It is too easy to forget safety, both on-road and in water, though implementing the best possible measures is always commendable. Over the years, Kayakers have found their own ways and methods to
Kayaking, maintaining, and storing it but out of all transporting the kayak is one unsolved mystery. Again implementing these safety measures can unravel the mystery behind carrying the Kayak and also keeping accidents under control. Remember spending a few bucks more can save a lot, be it transport safety, the safety of fellow passengers and other drivers, and most importantly
your own sweet life. We are certain the article has made its point but would also like to hear your take on this. If you have something to add please drop your suggestions!
Happy Kayaking!
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