Do you want to kayak but don’t have a kayak?
Or maybe you do have a kayak, but it’s not portable? Strap it on the roof of your car and take it anywhere you go.
This is an easy and cheap way to get out on the water and enjoy Kayaking.
All you need is a roof rack and a kayak. This is a great way to explore different parts of your city or countryside without paying for transportation.
How To Strap A Kayak To A Roof Rack
Assuming you have a roof rack installed on your vehicle, there are just a few simple steps to follow to strap your kayak securely to the roof.
First, place the kayak upside down on the roof rack, so the hull faces up. This will make it easier to secure the straps around the kayak.
Next, take two ratchet straps and loop them through the J-hooks or D-rings on either side of the roof rack.
Then, thread the other end of each strap through the buckle, and pull tight so that the kayak is secured.
Finally, use a bungee cord or rope to tie the front and rear of the kayak to the rack, ensuring that it is snug and will not move around while driving.
And that’s it! You’re now ready to hit the road with your kayak safely strapped to your roof rack.
What Kind Of Roof Rack Do You Need For A Kayak?
Many different types of roof racks can be used to transport a kayak, but not all of them are created equal.
The type of roof rack you’ll need will depend on the type of vehicle you have as well as the size and weight of your kayak.
You’ll likely need a J-style or U-style roof rack if you have a small car, SUV, or minivan.
These racks attach to the roof of your vehicle and provide a place to secure your kayak so that it doesn’t slide around while you’re driving.
J-style racks are great for solo kayakers as they provide easy access to the kayak from the side of the vehicle.
U-style racks are better for two or more people as they allow multiple kayaks to be loaded onto the rack at once.
If you have a larger vehicle like a pickup truck or van, you may be able to get away with using a stacker system.
This type of system attaches to the roof of your vehicle and has multiple levels on which you can stack your kayaks.
This is an excellent option if you’re transporting numerous kayaks or have a particularly long or wide kayak that won’t fit on a traditional roof rack.
No matter what type of roof rack you choose, make sure it is rated to hold the weight of your kayak (or multiple kayaks if you’re carrying more than one).
Also, follow all instructions carefully when attaching the rack to your vehicle so that it is adequately secured before hitting the road.
How Do You Secure The Kayak To The Roof Rack?
If you’re planning on strapping a kayak to your roof rack, there are a few things you’ll need to do to ensure it’s secure.
First, you’ll need to choose the proper straps. There are a variety of different straps on the market, but not all of them are created equal.
You’ll want to make sure you choose straps specifically designed for kayaks, as they will be the strongest and most durable.
Once you have the proper straps, you’ll need to attach them to the roof rack.
Most roof racks will have attachment points specifically for kayaks, so it should be pretty straightforward.
If your roof rack doesn’t have specific attachment points, you can still use it, but you’ll need to be extra careful to ensure the straps are secure.
Finally, you’ll need to secure the kayak to the roof rack once the straps are attached.
This is usually done by running the strap through the kayak’s cockpit and then tying it off.
Make sure the knots are tight and double-check that everything is secure before hitting the road.
What Are Some Tips For Strapping A Kayak To A Roof Rack?
If you’re planning on strapping a kayak to your roof rack, there are a few things you’ll need to do to ensure that it’s done correctly and safely.
First, you’ll need to ensure that your roof rack can support the kayak’s weight. If it’s not, then you could end up damaging your car or causing an accident.
Next, you’ll need to choose the right straps for the job.
There are a variety of different straps on the market, but not all of them are created equal.
Make sure to choose straps specifically designed for kayaks, as they will be much more sturdy and secure.
Finally, when you’re actually attaching the kayak to the roof rack, take your time and double-check everything to make sure that it’s secure.
Once you’ve got it all strapped down, give it a good tug to ensure that nothing will come loose while you’re driving.
What Are Some Things To Avoid When Strapping A Kayak To A Roof Rack?
You’ll want to avoid a few things when strapping a kayak to your roof rack.
First and foremost, ensure that the straps you’re using are secure and won’t come loose while driving.
You don’t want your kayak slipping off the roof and causing an accident!
Another thing to avoid is overloading your roof rack, which could damage your car or cause the rack to collapse under the weight.
Make sure you know how much weight your roof rack can safely hold before loading it up.
Finally, you’ll want to be careful of sharp edges when loading your kayak onto the roof.
The last thing you want is to scratch or dent your car!
Use padding or a soft cover over the kayak’s edges to protect your vehicle if possible.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to strap your kayak to the roof rack without any problems.
Just be careful and take your time, and you’ll enjoy a day on the water in no time!
Conclusion
Strap a kayak to a roof rack is not as difficult as it may seem, and the proper knowledge and equipment can be quick and easy.
There are a few key things to remember when strapping a kayak to a roof rack: make sure the kayak is positioned correctly on the rack, use the right size and type of straps, and avoid over-tightening the straps.
With these tips in mind, strapping a kayak to a roof rack can be simple and straightforward.