How to Carry a Sit-On-Top Kayak by Yourself
Are you are looking to transport a sit-on-top kayak by yourself, there are a few things you will need to know. The first is that sit-on-top kayaks might be quite heavy than traditional kayaks, so they can still be cumbersome to move around. When transporting a sit-on-top kayak, you can use a couple of different methods, depending on the situation.
The best option is to use a cart. This is a good choice if you have to transport your kayak over any distance. All you need is a sturdy cart with either wheels or a set of arms that can hold the kayak up. When using a cart, be sure to secure the kayak properly so it doesn’t move around too much.
Another option for transporting a sit-on-top kayak is to carry it by yourself. This can be done in several ways, depending on your strength and size. If you’re strong enough, you can carry the kayak on your shoulder. Another option is to use a strap to carry it across your back.
Whichever way you choose to transport your kayak, be sure to take your time and be careful. A sit-on-top kayak is a big, heavy piece of equipment and can cause injuries if mishandled. Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to transport your kayak safely and easily.
Kayak Lifting Steps
– Small Kayaks: It depends on the kayak. If it is a plastic kayak, you can lift it with one hand by the cockpit. If it is a fibreglass or Kevlar kayak, you will need to lift it by the hull.
To carry a kayak, you should use your strongest arm to support the weight of the kayak. For smaller kayaks, cradle them in the crook of your elbow and walk slowly. You will need to put one arm through each opening for larger kayaks and carry them like a baby. Be sure to watch where you are going, so you don’t trip!
Also, whenever you lift a kayak, be sure to lower it from your knees with a straight backbone and then lift it by putting the kayak weight on your legs. Finally, stand straight by holding the kayak in a comfortable position.
– Large Kayaks: Lower from your knees with a straight backbone. Then, you could try rolling the kayak to your leg’s side and then lift it to the lower angle of your legs by putting the kayak weight on the legs.
Finally, lift the kayak right up and keep it on your shoulder at the cockpit rim spot. Make sure the weight divides evenly on your shoulder. However, this option is not recommended if you are not very strong, as it can be quite difficult and potentially dangerous to carry a large kayak in this way.
Different Methods to Carry
– Lifting by Middle Grab Handle: It’s pretty easy to carry a Sit-On-Top kayak by the middle grab handle – you have to know how to do it correctly.
First of all, make sure that the kayak is in an upright position and sitting on a level surface. Secondly, Grip the handle with both hands and lift the kayak so that your arms are extended in front of you.
Thirdly, start walking forward, keeping your arms straight and moving your legs in a marching motion. Once you’ve gained some momentum, you can start swinging the kayak from side to side – this will help stabilize it and make it easier to carry. Finally, set the kayak down gently on the ground when you reach your destination.
– Kayak Carry Straps: There are a few different options for carrying a sit-on-top kayak by kayak carry straps. You can either use a J-shaped carry, an S-shaped carry, or a double shoulder carry.
For a J-shaped carry, place the kayak upside down and position the straps so that they form a “J” shape. Lift the kayak and place it on your shoulders so that the straps go over your head and around your waist.
Position the kayak right side up and place the straps in an “S” shape for an S-shaped carry. Place the middle of the “S” on your shoulders and grab each end of the strap. Lift the kayak and walk forward, keeping your arms straight.
For a double shoulder carry, place the kayak upside down and position the straps so that they form a “W” shape. Lift the kayak and place it on your shoulders so that the straps go over your head and around your waist.
– Kayak Pulling Cart: There are a few things to consider when looking for a kayak pulling cart. The first is to make sure that the cart is designed to hold the weight of your kayak.
The second consideration is the size of the wheels. If you have a large, heavy kayak, you’ll need larger wheels on your cart in order to avoid getting stuck in soft sand or mud.
The third consideration is how easy it is to set up and use your cart. Some carts require assembly, while others are ready to use right out of the box.
Finally, make sure that the cart has straps or some other way of securing your kayak in place while you’re pulling it. This will help prevent any accidents and keep your kayak safe and sound.
– Drag Kayak on Grass: If you have a sit-on-top kayak, you can easily carry it by dragging it on the ground. All you need to do is get a grip on the kayak and then drag it forward. As long as the ground is firm and not too steep, you should be able to move the kayak quite easily. If you need to go up or down any hills, it might be best to ask for some help from a friend.
– Carry Over Head: There are a few different ways that you can carry a sit-on-top kayak over your head. The easiest and most common way is to lift the kayak up onto your head, using your hands to support the weight.
You can also use a strap or harness to help distribute the weight more evenly. Another option is to place the kayak upside down on your head, facing the cockpit. This can be helpful if you need to see where you’re going while carrying the kayak.
Whichever method you choose, make sure that you practice first and get someone to help you if needed. Carry your kayak overhead only when necessary, and avoid dropping it!
Recommended Products
01. Tactical Single Element Kayak Sup Carry Strap
This kayak SUP carry strap is perfect for transporting your board quickly and easily. The quick-release buckles make it easy to apply, while the paddle loops let you carry your paddle with ease. Plus, the adjustability ensures a perfect fit for any board size, while the shoulder pad provides extra comfort when carrying your board for extended periods of time.
02. Rad Sportz Kayak Trolley Cart
This sturdy and reliable trolley makes it easy to move your boat from the car to the water and back again. It’s perfect for those who want to explore different waterways without having to carry their kayak or canoe long distances. The aluminium frame is strong and lightweight, while the 9.5″ pneumatic tires will never go flat, meaning you can always rely on the RAD Sportz Kayak Trolley. When you’re finished using it, the trolley easily folds down to a compact size, so it’s easy to store away.
Importance of a Lightweight Kayak
– Tend to Kayak Often: The short answer is because it’s easier to move around and transport. But the real answer is a bit more complex than that–a lot more people are willing to get into kayaking if they know they can handle the gear easily on their own.
Plus, once you have a kayak, you’re likely to use it more often because it requires less effort to take out on the water. And even if you don’t wind up using it as often as you thought, a lightweight kayak won’t be as much of a burden to relocate or store.
If your goal is to get out on the water more, then starting with a lightweight kayak makes sense.
– Less Physical Difficulties: There are a few reasons why having a lightweight kayak can cause less physical difficulties. When a kayak is lightweight, it’s easier to transport and maneuver for starters.
This is especially important if you have to carry your kayak any significant distance or if you need to get it in and out of the water quickly. Additionally, since a lightweight kayak requires less effort to move around, you’ll be less tired when you’re done paddling.
This means that you’ll have more energy for fishing, swimming, or just relaxing on the shore. Ultimately, choosing a lightweight kayak can make kayaking more enjoyable and less physically demanding.
– More Durable: Yes, lightweight kayaks are durable. They are made from the same materials as regular kayaks, but they are designed to be lighter so that they are easier to transport and carry. This makes them ideal for people who want to kayak but don’t want to have to deal with the extra weight of a traditional kayak.
However, just because they are lightweight doesn’t mean that they aren’t durable. In fact, many people choose lightweight kayaks because they know that they can trust them to hold up under pressure. So if you’re looking for a durable and lightweight kayak, then you should definitely consider a lightweight model.
– Ease of Transportation: Weight is definitely a consideration when it comes to transporting kayaks. Generally, the lighter the kayak, the easier it will be to transport. However, there are also other factors to consider, such as the size and type of vehicle you’re using.
If you have a smaller vehicle like a sedan or hatchback, you may want to consider getting a lightweight kayak. But if you have a larger vehicle like an SUV or truck, you may be able to transport a heavier kayak without any difficulty. It really depends on your particular situation.
So overall, yes, lightweight kayaks are generally easy to transport. But it’s important to weigh all the factors before making your final decision.
– Ease of Storage: Lightweight kayaks definitely have their advantages when it comes to storing them away. Because they’re not as bulky and cumbersome as traditional kayaks, you can easily find a place for them in your garage or shed. Plus, if you’re travelling with your kayak, you won’t have to worry about struggling to lift it into the car.
That being said, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re planning on purchasing a lightweight kayak. First of all, because these kayaks are often made with lighter materials, they might not be as durable as their heavier counterparts. So if you’re going to be doing a lot of rough paddling or spending time in rocky waters, make sure to choose
Possible Injuries Could Happen
– Back / Shoulder / Neck Pain: Wrong methods of kayak lifting can cause terrible pain in your back, shoulders or neck – ask anyone who’s ever done it! You need to keep in mind a few things when lifting a kayak to avoid injuring yourself.
First, always lift with your legs, not your back. Second, use both hands when lifting the kayak – one hand on each side of the hull. And finally, be careful not to twist your body while lifting – this is where most people injure themselves. If you keep these things in mind, you should be able to lift your kayak safely and without pain.
Soft Tissue Damage: Incorrect kayak lifting can damage soft tissue. The most common type of injury is a strain or sprain, which occurs when the muscles or ligaments are stretched beyond their normal range of motion. These injuries can be extremely painful and may take weeks or even months to heal properly.
In some cases, incorrect kayak lifting can also cause herniated discs, which can require surgery to fix. So it’s important to be careful when lifting your kayak and to use proper form to avoid these types of injuries. Thanks for the question!
Visual Explanations
i. Kayak lifting explanation:
ii. Kayak lifting body postures:
Related Matters
01. Can I carry a kayak by myself?
Yes, you can carry a kayak by yourself, but it will be much easier if you have someone to help you.
The first thing you need to do is find a kayak that is the right size for you. It should be comfortable to carry and not too heavy. You also need to make sure that it is properly packed and secured so that it will not fall off or get damaged while it is being transported.
If you are carrying the kayak by yourself, you should lift it with your legs rather than your back. Make sure that you keep your back straight and use your leg muscles to lift the kayak. You can also use a dolly or cart to help transport the kayak.
02. How do you lift a kayak overhead?
There are a few ways to lift a kayak overhead. You can either use a lifting strap or carry the kayak by the cockpit. If you’re using a strap, twist the strap around the kayak and hold it against your chest.
Lift the kayak up with your legs and pull up with your arms. If you’re carrying the kayak by the cockpit, place one hand on each side of the cockpit and lift. Again, use your legs to help lift the kayak and use your arms to pull it up.
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03. How do you load a kayak solo?
There are a few different ways to load a kayak solo. One way is to use a vehicle tow bar or trailer. Another way is to use a ramp or dock. And finally, you can carry the kayak over your shoulder.
Each method has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the method that will work best for you. For example, if you have a vehicle tow bar or trailer, then loading the kayak will be easy and straightforward. But if you don’t have either of those things, then carrying the kayak over your shoulder may be your only option.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to choose the best loading method for you and your situation.
04. How to make a DIY kayak strap?
There are a few ways to make DIY kayak straps. One option is to use rope or bungee cords. You can also use old bike innertubes or strips of tough fabric.
For rope, you’ll want something that’s sturdy and doesn’t stretch too much. Make sure the knot you use is secure and won’t come undone easily. For bungee cords, be sure to get ones that are designed for outdoor use. They should be able to withstand UV rays and moisture without deteriorating.
Innertubes can be cut to size and then sealed with a sealant like a seam grip. For fabric, make sure it’s tough and doesn’t fray easily. You can sew the strips together or use a hot glue gun to attach them.
05. How do you carry a 14-foot Sit-On-Top kayak alone?
It’s not impossible to carry a 14-foot Sit-On-Top kayak alone, but it can be tricky. I would recommend using a kayak carrier like the Malone Autofit Kayak Carrier. This will help distribute the weight of the kayak evenly across your vehicle.
If you don’t have a kayak carrier, you can try using ropes or straps to tie the kayak onto the roof of your car. Just be sure to use plenty of padding between the kayak and your car to avoid any damage.
