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An unloaded solo kayak can be transported by the paddler.
Crouch down with the buttocks resting against your heels. Position the cockpit of your kayak against your shoulder. Grasp it and stand up carefully, keeping your back straight. Your thighs must bear the effort, not your back. For more comfort, make a shoulder pad out of a piece of foam or rolled-up sweater.
Transportation and Storage of your kayak
Trolleys / Carts
If you suffer from backaches or find your kayak too heavy, use a kayak cart at one end of the kayak. Grasp the toggle and pull it along behind you. Kayak carts are often collapsible for easy storage in your kayak before departure.
Vehicle with a Roof Rack
Upside down, right side up, on its side; there is no wrong way to transport a kayak. The only conditions are that the kayak be well secured, that nothing obstructs your field of vision and that the hull is not being deformed.
If your car is equipped with a roof rack:
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Position the foam protectors on the rack bars.
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Install the kayak.
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Use two straps and two cords to secure it in place.
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Slide the straps under the rack bars and over the kayak.
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Repeat, attach the buckle and pull tight.
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Attach the bow and stern ends using cords. Do not tighten excessively.
Several kayak support systems are offered on the market: cradle-shaped, J-shaped and others. Choose a system contoured to your kayak shape and that spreads weight evenly. The support bars of your rack should be positioned near the bulkheads or one third of the way from each end of the kayak.
Vehicle with a Roof Rack
Think ahead!
If you are transporting your kayak upright or on its side, a cockpit cover could prevent rain and dirt from entering the craft. You may even save money on gas because of decreased air turbulence in the cockpit.
The use of self-tightening straps is not recommended because it is hard to determine the amount of pressure applied to the kayak.
Check with local authorities for information on the maximum length of craft that may be transported on a vehicle roof.
Suspended Storage
The best places to hang your kayak are from the ceiling of a garage or under a veranda. However, you must suspend your kayak properly and never hang it from the toggles.
For a solo kayak you will need:
2 X 2.75 m (9 ft) nylon straps 5 cm (2 in) wide
4 X 0. 325 m (1 ft) cords 3 mm (1/8 in) in diameter
4 triglide buckles
2 or 4 hooks
For a tandem kayak you will need:
3 X 2.75 m (9 ft) nylon straps 5 cm (2 in) wide
6 X 0.325 m (1 ft) cords 3 mm (1/8 in) in diameter
6 triglide buckles
3 or 6 hooks
Hang your kayak using straps positioned underneath the bulkheads which are the firmest parts of your kayak. For tandem kayaks, position a third strap at the centre of the craft.
Storage on Sawhorses
If you choose to store you kayak on sawhorses, use sawhorses with a soft covering or place foam blocks over any hard surface on which the kayak would rest.
It is advisable to secure your kayak to the sawhorses using straps. These straps should not be overly tight and ideally positioned close to where the bulkheads join the deck and hull.
There are different kinds of sawhorse shapes: H, X, Y or L. Use your imagination and make your own! Ensure that they are of sufficient height to be used for cleaning or working on your kayak.
Remember to position your sawhorses under the bulkheads to better distribute the weight of the kayak.
Storage on Foam Blocks
If you store your kayak on foam blocks, lean it sideways along a wall or straight surface. For plastic kayaks, the blocks must be positioned under the bulkheads to avoid any deformation.
Winter Storage
Winter storage is relatively uncomplicated. Your kayak can be stored outdoors in a protected location or in an unheated building. It can be hung from the ceiling or rested on foam blocks or sawhorses. The main thing is to store the kayak in a location where it is protected from the accumulation of snow, exposure to ultraviolet rays and possible blows.
The impact resistance of a plastic kayak decreases with exposure to cold. Therefore, avoid storing the kayak too close to the ground. This will also keep small animals from choosing to rest there in winter. In many cases, a cockpit cover provides even greater protection.
You can package your kayak or place it in a bag to protect it from dust and scratches. In such case, ensure that the bag is dry. Don't forget to release the compartment straps to avoid unnecessary pressure on the gaskets.
If you decide to hang the kayak from the ceiling, do not use the toggles.Use straps positioned one-third of the length from each end of the kayak, or directly beneath the bulkheads if intailed.
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