Loading Your Kayak Solo

Kayaking across the rivers and lakes of Virginia offers a refreshing escape, but if you ever embark on a solo voyage, you face some logistical challenges when it’s time to load up your boat. While it’s always a good idea to explore the great outdoors with a partner, there are some steps you can take to make your return from the water easier if you chose to go it alone.

From the Water to the Car

Many kayaks come with handles on each end, and if you’ve ever tried to haul one on your own, you already know that it’s typically a two-person job. If you find yourself paddling solo, getting your kayak to and from the water can be tricky, as even lightweight boats can be cumbersome to haul around by yourself. That’s why it pays to invest in a kayak roller – a two-wheeled tool that props up the far end of the boat whenever you need to move it across land. Many models are collapsible to some degree, allowing you to stow them on the kayak whenever you push off from shore.

Loading Your Kayak

The roof rack of your vehicle should easily accommodate a kayak carrier, which should be selected based on the size and shape of your specific kayak. Kayak carriers brace the boat for travel while offering some padding to protect the hull from wear and tear. You’ll need to lift the kayak up to let the front-end rest on the carrier, then carefully slide the boat into place so that the boat is centered on the roof. You’ll then need to secure the kayak to the vehicle with tie-down straps around the middle. If you have any excess length on the end of your straps, secure them so that they don’t flap in the wind and scuff your vehicle or boat. These step-by-step instructions show you how to utilize different kinds of straps and carriers.

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Maserati of Tysons

If you’re thinking about some thrills on the open road after your adventure on the water, come see what we can do for you here at Maserati of Tysons.