People who have adopted kayaking as one of their favorite hobbies or who practice it as a sport discipline and have purchased their own equipment should know how to transport a kayak. From we explain the correct way to do it so that the boat travels safely.
Tips to keep a kayak in good condition
If you want to keep your boats in good condition for longer, you should follow these recommendations:
Clean the kayak before storing it. Use fresh water and soap. Make sure it is dry and has no traces of elements that can decompose.
Avoid leaving it outdoors or in an area where a lot of sunlight hits it. It is best if it is indoors in a dry and dark place. You can also put a cover on it.
You should not hang the kayak by the end handles. It is best that you place it on a stand.
Do not put the kayak on the ground. This applies both to save it and before using it. You can suffer scratches or bumps by stones.
Do an inspection of the hull and all the elements of the kayak before and after using it. This way you can detect any damage.
One of the best ways to move and store your kayak is upside down.
How to transport a kayak
Transporting a kayak from one place to another is a task that requires a series of techniques to keep the boat in good condition. If done incorrectly, it can suffer accidents that cause bumps, cracks and dents.Best Fishing Kayak Under $1,000
Next, we will give you some tips and effective methods so that you can transport your kayak.
Make sure you abide by the rules
Before starting the transport of your boat on a vehicle to the Cabo de Gata kayak routes, it is important that you comply with the regulations established in Spanish legislation. Specifically in the kayak transport section.
This indicates that no more than 15% of the boat should protrude in relation to the length of the car. If it protrudes, it must always be done from the rear of the vehicle.
Transport the kayak to the vehicle
The first step is to transport the boat to the vehicle that will take it to the lake, river or sea where it will be used.
To carry your kayak to the vehicle, the participation of two people is recommended. Each of them should hold a handle. These are fixed to the ends of the boat, that is, to the bow and stern.
Both people must face and walk in the direction where they must carry the kayak. Even two people are able to transport two boats at the same time without problems. They should only hold one grab handle in each hand.
In case you find yourself alone, you can put the kayak on your shoulder. To carry it correctly, position yourself on the left side of the boat, look towards it and crouch down. Take the leading edge and pull it up to the height of your thighs using both hands.
Then hold the boat on the inside of the cockpit with your right arm while still holding the edge with your left arm. Raise the kayak progressively and put it on your right shoulder.
It is important that you find a position that prevents the kayak from going forward or backward. Look for balance.
If you consider that loading the kayak alone is complicated, you can also help yourself with a wheelbarrow.
Putting a kayak in a car
Before placing your kayak on the vehicle where you are going to transport them, make sure you have the following elements:
Crossbars: These are the ones that run vertically across the roof of your vehicle.
Bars or padded luggage rack: The special bars to transport kayaks are placed on the crossbars and are the ones that allow the boat to be supported. They must be covered with foam or a material that prevents the boat from being damaged.
Ropes: We recommend using non-stretch ropes that are waterproof to hold the bow and stern well. Always take a spare pair on a kayak ride
Cam straps: They allow to fix the kayak in the central part.
Steps to follow
The first thing you should do is install each of the elements that we named above on the roof of the car.
Then, with the help of another person, hold the handles at the end of the house and place the kayak right next to the vehicle. It is important that this parallel to this.
Hold the kayak by the hull at the ends and lift it up until you can place it on the rack on the car roof.Best Inflatable Fishing Kayaks
Lastly, adjust the strings and straps until you achieve a firm hold.
In case you have to place it on the roof of the car alone, you can opt for an automated lifting system or a support that has wheels.
Although if you are looking for a much more practical and economical alternative, you can place a blanket or thick cloth on the back of the vehicle's roof. Then place the bow of the kayak on it and push it from the rear forward to place it on the support. This can be placed face up or face down.
Once you verify that it is centered on the roof rails of the car and that it is parallel to it, you can proceed to tie it.
Kayak Tie Down Tips
We recommend using a ladder to make it much easier and more comfortable to reach the straps, tie down and adjust the kayak on the roof of the vehicle.
Don't make knots that are too complicated. This can make it difficult to release them when you need to lower the kayak.
Once you finish the moorings, check that everything is well adjusted. And after about 15 or 20 minutes of moving stop and check again to make sure the ropes and straps are still adjusted correctly. Sometimes these can loosen.
Now that you know how to transport a kayak safely, you can prevent the boat from suffering accidents during the process. If you are looking for new routes to navigate, contact us. Our team will guide you through the best in Cabo de Gata.