How to Load a Kayak onto a Roof Rack

Music: "Orbit" by Bio Unit is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0
All content filmed on an iPhone XR. Content edited using Adobe Premiere Pro.
This was a design project I was assigned in a Spring '21 eLearning Authoring course which was intended to familiarize the class with how to use Adobe Premiere Pro. Since the assignment was to create a "How To" video, I opted to create something to share what I've learned about loading my kayak.
Note: My crossbars have a rubberized strip so my kayak scooting in transit has never been an issue; however, not everyone has the same set-up. With that in mind, a super helpful tip from logmeindangit:
Make sure the kayak is farther away from the edge of the rack, so the straps go straight down to pass under the roof rack bar (not angled inward). If the kayak is so close to the edge that the strap has to go under the kayak at all to go under the cross-bar, eventually the kayak will move over and the strap will be looser.

[@laurabehenna7950]

This method is especially good for women who may not have great upper body strength. I just had to have my roommate help me get my kayak on the roof, but now that I've seen your video I think I can do it myself.

[@jacktaylor7696]

The weight of some of these kayaks is intimidating. I try to lift one end in the shop and I'm like there's no way you can throw this on a roof rack 😂 great vid!

[@timcannock8870]

Thanks for a helpful video. You are one of the few people who load the kayak in the 'upside down' position, which will be more aerodynamic when driving. But you dog could do more to assist!

[@dennisgreenfield5234]

Excellent instructional video. I have just fitted roof racks on my new Tucson and I am looking at how to put my kayak on board. I have just watched several videos on all types of attachments, clamps and other fittings to go onto the roof racks which were sort of costly. THEN I was fortunate enough to find and be amazed by your super fantastic video showing how easy it is to just put the kayak straight onto the roof racks. Whilst my Kayak is only small and easily able to be lifted onto the roof, the strap method between the bars is brilliant. The strap under the hood is another a great idea and is also reassuring for security. I am delighted to say that I am now confident to take my Kayak for a long awaited sail..... Cheers.

[@Zorak2319]

Brilliant and affordable way to load the kayak on, thanks for posting this video!

[@darrenquirk2269]

One of the best videos I've seen on this. Everything is clearly shown and well explained. I'm sure this will be a great help to a lot of people, me included. Thank you .

[@ObserveInSilent]

Wooow you have a beautiful smile🙂

[@nsxt25]

This is great! Thank you! I have a Civic sedan and that exact LT! I just got a roof rack to use instead of my normal soft rack so this is very helpful! Appreciate the video!

[@catebannan7343]

Thanks for the most helpful and well organized instruction!

[@lexwaldez]

The only thing I'd maybe add... loop the tie down straps on the roof rack before you put the kayak up. Then when you push her up you've got the straps on the far side ready to pull over... I've seen folks put the straps on the front bar and lay the straps on the hood. Straps on the back bar and lay over the tail. Push boat up, slide boat over, easily grab straps and flip over and then finish your tie down.

[@uib301]

Really good. Well paced, informative and thorough. Thank you

[@tinaanderson9501]

Thank you - excellent video. Simple, straightforward.

[@TarpeianRock]

Genius ! ( the dog in the kayak was very cute)

[@shelleyzoe8254]

You are talking to me girl thank you so much I'm usually had a car big enough to stick my kayak in the back but now it's a rack and I've been afraid to try and deal with this but you make it look easy!! thanks!!

[@joshportelli]

Great idea with the strap hammock. I am totally bringing an old rug or carpet scraps

[@hollywoodswngr]

Nice job. One of the best I've seen. Thank you!

[@rogercole4061]

Thanks for showing us your method!

[@ohblackwater]

Nice job Leighanna. Well done and your detailed coverage was great.

[@leggicoma]

Thank you so much!

[@myfourbits6901]

Very Impressive..!!! I'm an ol' guy with a heavy fishing Kayak. I will try this. Very Simple. And, I think I can remember the steps!!! 'cept my best friend is up front on my lap. Shadow wants to be bigger but, I don't. Thank you!

[@kephillips99]

Excellent video! The best method I’ve run into so far as it is very relevant for my situation. We are going to order hood straps. As well, I like the way you tie your strap and use it to balance the kayak as you move it onto the roof.

[@leggicoma]

Thanks! The extra balance has helped a ton and doesn't require me to pack anything extra.

[@tonydawson2670]

Great video, Leighanna! Thanks...

[@logmeindangit]

Very smart, simple method! Thank you for the video. One tip, if I may: Make sure the kayak is farther away from the edge of the rack, so the straps go straight down to pass under the roof rack bar (not angled inward). If the kayak is so close to the edge that the strap has to go under the kayak at all to go under the cross-bar, eventually the kayak will move over and the strap will be looser.

[@leggicoma]

Excellent tip! I'll admit, the crossbars I've got have a rubberized strip on the top so I've been fortunate not to have any scooting (4 hour drives at 80 mph). I've added your tip to the video description--it's a really great point, thank you!

[@ashleyreiss4971]

Very helpful. Thanks for the insight.

[@aleczhang7232]

This is a super smart solution! Thank you so much!

[@carla-tanyakochmann3846]

Nicely done. Thank you.

[@jchambers1191]

Very well done! Thanks!

[@leggicoma]

Thanks for the kind comment!

[@Baron-hd8ex]

Great video so helpful ☺️🙏🏾❤️

[@williamiwaniuk5561]

Good advice! Thank you!

[@miacrisostomo9673]

Awesome video! Thank you :) Your dog is so cute, and I love your jumpsuit!

[@leggicoma]

Thank you! You're very kind to say that!

[@herby375]

Hi, from Australia, Thanks! for your method, that will help me heaps. Never heard of a under bonnet loop strap.👍

[@leggicoma]

Sure--thanks for watching and commenting! Here's a link to one similar to what I've got (it's been incredibly convenient): www.rhinorack.com/en-au/products/sport-leisure/water-sports/accessories/rhino-rack-anchor-strap_ras

[@herby375]

@@leggicoma Thanks!

[@anio1349]

Mine goes under the front of the hood, in the middle

[@frankvaldez2769]

Great video

[@pikeidea]

Thank you, the video helped me a lot 👍

[@parzable]

Great video. 👍 Very impressive. ☝️🍋💯

[@nonegiven9579]

Great video and love your best friend : )

[@daiweihan1209]

Wonderful 👍

[@asdjesdsd]

so pretty thank you xd

[@darkpassenger65]

Thank you.

[@MTEXX]

One of the more comprehensive videos. You actually stow yours upside down which is recommended. I need to start doing that =P

[@icarlsw34]

That was a smart idea to use a kayak strap that way. One could probably also mount some kind of bar permanently between the rack bars also. Very good, but I couldn't help thinking the easiest way for her would be to get a man to do it for her. Lol.

[@leggicoma]

Hahaha-- you're right about it being way simpler for most guys to place it on the car (but it's nice to be able to manage on my own when I need to). Rhino Rack has a bar you can add permanently. When I started, I wasn't sure how permanent this hobby would be, but it certainly seems worth the investment.

[@wills2397]

Great video! I also have a Honda civic but I have been using the inflatable Handirack to transport my kayak. I’m looking to buy roof racks like the ones you have. Can I ask what brand roof rack those are? I especially like that they have a rubber coating to prevent any sliding of the kayak while driving. Most of my drives are 1.5 hrs at highway speeds

[@leggicoma]

Hey! I've got the Rhino Rack Vortex Aero. I got them from Rack Outfitters and it included the locks. I've been very pleased with how well they've worked out. My needs are pretty basic, but there're loads of accessories I could add (if I wanted).

[@charlottejohnson2193]

Hey this is really useful, thanks so much for sharing. Any chance you can also post a video for how you get it down by yourself please? I’m guessing the same in revere but I’m worried when I try to pivot it on the roof it’ll fall off and break a wing mirror!

[@leggicoma]

Hi! Apologies for the lack of reply! I plan on doing a video before next spring to cover exactly that; however, you're right, I do the same thing in reverse. To avoid the mirror concern, I do the same thing with a tie-down strap (between the racks) to lean the boat against. I don't want to jinx myself but.... it's worked out well so far :D

[@gailsmith3699]

You’re so right when you said some people don’t use their kayak because of handling issues, I’ve had my kayak for several years and rarely use it because of this very thing. 🛶

[@claudepairault6050]

Génial, tout simplement. Merci pour le partage.

[@leggicoma]

Exactly! There have been loads of times where folks are friendly and willing to help load/unload.... but sometimes there's no one around (or you'd just rather be able to take care of it on your own). Knowing that I can (and typically do) handle it on my own has given me a lot more confidence to go out.

[@zerozero0183]

Likewise me. Even though this video is good, this still looks challenging for me. I think I'm going to get rid of my hard shell kayak and invest in an inflatable one.

[@joywalkertalks]

Would love to see this on a bigger car like my SUV. Those extra inches make a difference

[@embergrace4385]

Great video! I love your straps, where did you get them?

[@asianangler]

this works better for those kayak with no rudder ?

[@ShenpaiWasTaken]

I have been kayaking for a few years not, I don't know how I haven't seen the hood loop strap before.

[@cindy5504]

This was a helpful video! What brand roof rack are you using ?

[@leggicoma]

Hey! I'm using the Rhino Rack Vortex Aero bars--I still love them as much as I did the day I installed it!

[@georgegretser2178]

I also have a Rhino Rack and they are fantastic

[@SuperSuperdude88]

is that a canadian tuxedo!!!?

[@katiekillian7042]

I think I'll actually be able to do this by myself now! It's difficult as a short woman for sure! Can you tell me which cart you use for your kayak? There are so many out there and I can't decide which is best for me. Thank you for this video!

[@leggicoma]

Hi! So sorry--I'm terrible at checking comments :( I'm using this cart: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TM3TCQ4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@lifeofpiguru670]

thank you! may i ask how heavy your kayak is and where can i buy a dolly like your?

[@leggicoma]

Hi! Sorry for not replying sooner--the cart is this one: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TM3TCQ4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 The kayak here weighs 49 lbs. I've actually switched to a larger model (60 lbs, 11") and use the same method to load. The extra weight hasn't seemed to make a noticeable difference.

[@kaylamoefoe]

Where under the hood is that strap anchored to???

[@ashleyamber5472]

Do you do any care or maintenance to your kayak? If so please share!:)

[@alexbolbot2874]

Твоя ідея мені дуже допомогла, дуже дякую

[@zook4886]

Hi Leighanna, I’m Robert Sims, from Western Australia. Very good system and very well explained. I don’t know the Sims name reached America. Why are all Sims women very beautiful.? 😁😎

[@xxmrkn-ninjaxx7777]

What kind of racks are those?

[@romeart13]

How long is the kayak

[@antsy_does]

Can you talk about the kind of rope you use and what knot you tie it off with?

[@josephnardino1678]

last year, I bought tie down ropes that have a ratchet built into them and hooks on both ends. very convenient

[@leggicoma]

Hi, so sorry for not replying :( I'm using these in the video. I know tons of folks use ratchet straps, but since this is my first "baby", I'm a bit overly cautious and wanted to avoid the risk of getting it too tight too easily: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KGL9WL6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@Corkfish1]

I bought an extra thick folding exercise mat and put that on the roof to load it.

[@leggicoma]

I've thought of doing that, but I was worried the car could get to hot and melt the pad during the summer--do you put anything under the pad, or is that an imaginary concern (I'm pretty good at inventing concerns)?

[@Corkfish1]

@@leggicoma I don't leave the pad on the roof ( although you could probably even use it instead of a rack) I suppose you could put a sheet in-between, but I don't think even on a hot day it would be enough to melt it.

[@manuelfelix2075]

Hello Leighanna How long are your traps. I'm helping a female friend load and strapping a kayak. I'm going to show her your video. It will give her so much confidence. Thank you

[@leggicoma]

The straps? I got 3.5 and 5.5….I feel a little more secure with the extra long ones :) I hope it helps! I have an 11” kayak now that I load the same way. I’ve thought of using other methods but don’t really want to invest in any additional loading equipment.

[@danielahrens1901]

What is the model of kayak?

[@derekgebhard7378]

It’s a Crescent Ultralight. Awesome kayaks made in GA.

[@sanjoe1246]

how long is your kayak

[@leggicoma]

This one is 10” but I load an 11” one the same way.

[@koomafloo9946]

The only thing I would change is move the kayak to the middle (Going under the kayak with the strap means it will be loose if the kayak shifts) and add a second hood loop on the other side to Y strap the kayak bow to the car. With a single side, wind from the passenger side can shift the kayak and lift it.

[@leggicoma]

So far no issues with sliding or lifting--even after 6 hours one-way on the interstate driving 55-7mph. Though I'm not actually going under the kayak, I'm looping under the rack. Definitely something to keep in mind for those without a grippy rack.

[@skinz1234]

Unloading it and getting the wheeled cart under it is the question i have?

[@leggicoma]

Hi! Sorry for the late reply. I plan on doing a 2nd video before the spring to talk about that--thanks for the suggestion!

[@NEXTFISHINGTV]

hy ware you buy rack??

[@leggicoma]

Hi, this is a Rhino Rack! Rack Attack is where I purchased mine: www.rackattack.com/wizard/

[@topadam5631]

. M'en rêve c'est d'avoir un kayak et pourriez-vous m'aider à avoir un kayak s'il vous plaît

[@leggicoma]

It was a dream of mine too for a few years. I hope you are able to get a kayak more quickly than I was! Good luck!

[@vicpetrishak1077]

Use endless 1 “ webb racket straps 1000 lbs. working load limit. Open the door and place excessive strap and close . The bow of your boat needs secured to the center of the hood .Nice Video .

[@waynethebarber1095]

Everyone is doing videos like this, so it must kinda work....

[@justinh514]

you're so pretty

[@user-ko7mg2cz6n]

I can be your best friend 😅 God American girls are so pretty ❤

[@FranklinHicks-qs4gs]

could you be any cuter !?!? Ive seen others using a pad of some sort to protect the room of the car as they slide it on. I like your method MUCH better. thanks for sharing !

[@edwardlacika3022]

Thank you.