How to Properly Lift, Carry, and Load Your Kayak

1. Understanding Your Kayak

2. Preparation Before Lifting

• Empty Your Kayak: Make sure your kayak is empty and clear of any extra gear before lifting it. An increase in weight might make lifting more difficult and risky.
• Consider Your Environment: Take time to consider your surroundings. To provide a safe lifting environment, remove any barriers or tripping dangers.

3. The Fundamentals of Lifting a Kayak

• Rotate the kayak onto its side, with the cockpit facing away from you.
• Bend your knees slightly to lower your body.
• Grab the rim of the cockpit with both hands.
• Slide the kayak up your thigh (right or left, depending on which side you will carry your kayak) and straighten up to a standing position.
• If you are carrying your kayak on your left, reposition your left hand to the outer rim (if carrying on the right, reposition your right hand to the outer rim).
• Rotate the kayak over, rolling it over your thigh until the outer rim is up at your shoulder.
• As you lower yourself into a squatting position, bend your knees.
• Keep your back straight and raise the kayak with the help of your leg muscles.
• Once raised, move to the shoulder carry or, for greater convenience, employ carry straps.
• Go slowly and avoid jerking motions, which can strain your back. In just a few tries, you will find the best place to grip and should have no problem lifting your kayak to move it around or carry it on a portage.

4. Carrying Your Kayak: Techniques and Tips

• The Shoulder Carry: The kayak is balanced on your shoulder using the shoulder carry technique. It transports your kayak in comfort and distributes the weight equally.
• Balancing and Adjusting: Pay close attention to balancing the kayak as you are carrying it. To keep your balance and lessen the pressure on your body, adjust as necessary.
• Kayak Carry Steps: Consider purchasing kayak carry straps to increase support and convenience of carrying. These straps are made to evenly distribute the weight and lessen fatigue.

5. Loading Your Kayak onto a Vehicle: Techniques

• Prepare Your Vehicle: To make loading easier, make sure your car has the proper add-ons, such as roof racks, J-racks, and rollers.
• Loading Techniques: Depending on your equipment, use J-racks for side loading or rollers for simple sliding. To guarantee safe transportation, attach your kayak tightly to the car.

• Lift your kayak onto your shoulder as described above.
• Stand with the kayak between you and your vehicle or trailer.
• Rotate the kayak onto the rack (for example, a flat or J-hook roof rack or on top of a trailer).
• Once the kayak is off your shoulder, it is easier to rotate it, if need be, to sit securely on your rack.

6. Safety First: Best Practices and Precautions

• Avoid Dragging: Steer clear of dragging your kayak on rough terrain as this could harm it. If you can, lift and carry it.
• Regular Equipment Checks: Make sure your kayak straps, racks, and other equipment are secure and in good working order by routinely inspecting them.
• Keep practicing: Encourage beginners to practice lifting, carrying, and loading skills to become competent kayakers by following the adage “Practice Makes Perfect.”

Final Word