How to Transport a Kayak: Solo Loading and Unloading [NO LOAD ASSIST]

How do you load a kayak onto a car roof on your own? Loading a kayak on the roof of an SUV or any other vehicle on your own can be difficult due to the size and weight of kayaks especially fishing kayaks. I’ll show you two different ways anyone can roof a heavy kayak and a bonus kayak cart solution! I hope you find this helpful!
******* 📘 Join our community of urban outdoor enthusiasts HERE ➡️ bit.ly/Return2Wild_Sub
This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission that goes directly to helping make more content.
📒 Show Notes 📒
1️⃣ What do you need to roof a kayak on a car, suv or truck.
Yakima Roof Rack System:
Universal Towers amzn.to/3ufU7Rm
Crossbars amzn.to/3oJk6zz
BaseClips amzn.to/3ue3T6r
SKS Locks amzn.to/3yC55nR
NRS Tie Downs amzn.to/3fF5XPH
if your vehicle has roof have rails: amzn.to/3oKTuxZ
2️⃣ 📘 Learn 2 easy ways that anyone, no matter size or strength can roof a kayak.
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
1:06 Items needed to roof a kayak
2:40 First step to loading a kayak
3:30 How safely strap and tie down a kayak
6:09 Second technique to load a kayak using just straps
7:21 BONUS Kayak Cart HACK!
Get more details about the fishing kayak I own HERE ➡️ bit.ly/r2w_yak
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
My mission is to help people interested in outdoor hobbies not feel intimidated to try new things by sharing my journey getting back into outdoor recreation.
Family and career obligations along with living in the city with limited space. How YOU can overcome any obstacles to enjoy outdoor fun. Tips, tricks and product reviews to help you along your journey.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL BY: Liking, Commenting and Sharing this Video.
WATCH more or subscribe: bit.ly/r2wKZbin
LETS CONNECT AND CHAT ON SOCIAL
△ SUBSCRIBE: bit.ly/Return2Wild_Sub
△ Instagram → bit.ly/RidderIG
△ TikTok → bit.ly/RidderTTok
△ Facebook → bit.ly/RidderFB
△ Twitter → bit.ly/RidderTW
QUESTION - HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT KAYAKS, KAYAK FISHING, OR FILMING OUTDOOR VIDEO? Post in comments section of this video!
Check out my TopVideos! → bit.ly/Return2Wild_wRidder
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ My Favorite Brands ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
www.repyourwater.com
www.saltlife.com
www.thereelshot.com
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Shop the Camera Stuff I Use! ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Main Camera → amzn.to/3yvVWwV
GoPro Hero 7 → amzn.to/3hOnVlq
Camera Chest Mount → amzn.to/3wxoh4a
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Shop the Fishing/Kayak Stuff I Use! ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Travel Rod → amzn.to/34dlf9b
Travel Reel → amzn.to/3yvUfj3
Paddle → amzn.to/3oIOBpn
Life Jacket → amzn.to/3yEiqvG
#fishingkayaks #kayakfishingtips #return2wild
About Shaun Ridder:
After spending most of my life chasing outdoor hobbies, my career took me to the big city. Presented with a new layer of challenges to hunt and fish on top of becoming a first-time dad. I put all my outdoor passions on hold.
Now that my son is older, I am reintroducing some outdoor passions back into my life along with trying new things.
I want to help inspire others to take up outdoor hobbies. No matter your situation, outdoor passions are not intimidating or daunting. That is what this channel is all about. Encouragement though community and conservation.
Subscribe to catch weekly episodes every Thursday!
How I Started & Kayak Fishing in Costa Rica | Return2Wild with Shaun Ridder
• Costa Rica Kayak Fishi...
Return2Wild with Shaun Ridder → bit.ly/r2wKZbin

[@donnagadde5152]

Thank you Shaun! This method might actually allow me to transport my yak to the water without my husband when he's busy or at work. I'm 67 and my strength isn't what it used to be.

[@thereelridder]

Awesome! Glad to help! Keep getting out enjoying what you love in nature!

[@jimlydle4170]

I've just bought my first kyak and I'm 69, my wife thinks my mad. We picked it up about 3pm and at 3.45 almost lost it off the roof rack at 50 mph ! I should have watched this video first, thankfully we were near a kyak retailer and they were really great, and gave us some advice, but the shower mat trick is magic.

[@thereelridder]

Whoa! So glad you didn’t lose it! Scary! Also glad you found this trick to help you load.

[@showerhead9608]

The shower mat trick is ingenious! It stays in place, eliminates scratches, and is easily stored! Thank you for taking the time to help us out!

[@thereelridder]

Absolutely. Glad to help! 👊🏼

[@richardradcliffe6047]

Excellent loading tricks. Bow and stern lines are not so much for the boat sliding backwards or frontwards. They’re more for holding the boat down at high highway speeds. Air pressure gets underneath that large surface area and rips the racks right off your vehicle. The racks are designed for downward forces, not upward forces. It does happen.

[@thereelridder]

I hear you Richard, however the Yakima system I have is very much almost permanently mounted to my roof. If it pulls off, I will have a convertible. I do agree with suction style mounts or ones that simply strap on. Yes bow and stern. I have a very high end system and have very high confidence in it. I’ve traveled thousands of miles at 70-80mph with zero issue.

[@richardradcliffe6047]

👍

[@andreasspyrou7688]

How heavy is this kayak ?

[@jimcushing2744]

THANK YOU Shaun! Buying a kayak this week and now I have learned that I need no stinking cradles! Saved me a lot of money!!!

[@thereelridder]

You’re welcome. Glad to help! Hope you enjoy your new boat and lots of time on the water.

[@markfizzer]

The front and back strap… so simple, yet so effective!! Thank you sir! 🙏🏻

[@thereelridder]

Absolutely. Glad to help👍🏼 Thanks for watching.

[@dougrichardson1980]

The reason that they recommend the rope on the front end of the kayak go straight down to the hood or front of the car is not so much to secure the kayak but to protect from the wind. Over time, the constant lifting of the front of the kayak by wind resistance can do damage to the roof racks as well as the roof of the car. It actually happened to a friend of mine.

[@thereelridder]

I hear you Doug. Personally I few confident in my NRS straps and Yakima rack with the way I attach mine using the handles and the roof bars it’s safe. Yes, extreme long distance and very high winds I can see it. I’ve traveled over 200 miles in 20-30min wind gusts at 70-75mph and had zero movement or slip. A stick on style rack or less heavy duty straps; absolutely I would never transport exactly how I do. Point of the video mainly was to show the technique to get the boat on the roof. But I do hear what your saying and understand I’m already planning a video to show different tie down techniques.

[@charlesmiller3625]

The floormats from your vehicle work well if you don't have a bathmat handy.

[@thereelridder]

Also true but you have to be careful with the ones with studded bottoms.

[@awakenbalancetransform]

This is the best video I've seen of the bunches I've been watching. The only thing holding me back from going on my own was being able to lift it and strap it. No more though. Thank you!🌞

[@thereelridder]

Thanks for the kind words. It can be tricky with some of the bigger heavier boats. Slow is smooth and it can be done. The strapping is the easiest part. You got it👊🏼

[@Orangeshebert]

You are amazing! I’m older and have back, hop, knee deficits. I just bought a sit on top and have been struggling. Going to try this tomorrow! I appreciate your work and willingness to share!

[@thereelridder]

Thanks for the kind words. That’s why I’m Here. To help!

[@chrisandrew852]

Simple, effective and well explained - Thanks Shaun.

[@thereelridder]

I appreciate it. That’s what I’m trying to do with my channel is effectively help others by showing tricks I use, and explaining mistakes I’ve made.

[@bobinlr5055]

great wagon use! and thanks for the front to back cradle idea. i am firm believer in backup rigging. so i always use a fixed bow and stern line and carabiners to run a triangle line from bow to two points under front of the car back to the bow, simple and quick, and at least one point at rear (a tow bar is ideal for this). this acts as both a backup if one of your straps fails, would also minimize a complete blowout if your roof rack fails, and minimizes wind motion at high speeds. by using only the roof rack, you are totally depending on it. i too like to put bottom up, bow forward, i think aerodynamically better. everyone drives 80+ where i live, so this way i can bomb along with traffic. great vid, i will subscribe!

[@thefatass500]

Don't forget the most important rule, especially for dads: After you secure everything to your roof and before you start driving, you gotta slap the roof cargo twice and chant: "That baby's goin' nowhere!" 🤣

[@thereelridder]

How’d you get a copy of the stuff that hit the edit room floor!?! 🤣 It’s as Dad Law and clapping tongs before grilling anything.

[@jamesbiedenbach9787]

Thank you for the information. I just bought a VanHunks tandem Orca for my son and I. Its huge and your tips will help a lot!

[@thereelridder]

Awesome! Glad to help. Even more thrilled you and your son will get to enjoy time together outdoors! Love it!👊🏼

[@forest42821]

Very efficient loading method and no special rack needed. Thank you!

[@thereelridder]

You’re welcome. Glad I could share some insight. 👍🏼

[@travisanderson8458]

Hello from Australia, I liked the tip on securing the front and back to the roof racks. solid tip.

[@thereelridder]

Thanks man. 👊🏼

[@marksickmiller]

Nice video, I'm picking up a 13.5' kayak this afternoon and this gave me confidence to load it! Thanks Shaun

[@thereelridder]

You got it man! Good luck. Enjoy that boat! 👍🏼

[@Harii_B_TV]

So Love your Technique !!! Been always thinking this loading/unloading before getting me a Kayak .... Thank You So Much !!

[@thereelridder]

You’re welcome. I’m glad I could help show you something that can help you. 👍🏼

[@StevenWaskewicz]

Two great ways for loading my Kayak, thanks for the video.

[@thereelridder]

Thanks for watching. Glad to help you.

[@drvrdh]

Thank you for an awesome video. I don't like to kayak alone but I've missed out on some outings not being able to load at home on my own. I'm definitely going to practice this and hopefully get to be more adventurous.

[@thereelridder]

Great Debbie! I hope it works great for you. Don’t miss out on enjoying the water! Glad to help!

[@chasoulidis]

Super cool trick thank you so much Shaun! I'll try it out this week with a touring sit-inside sea kayak :D They might be a bit longer and narrower but I think it will still work just fine. The bath mat was the real MVP in your solution! Cheers and thank you so much once again!

[@thereelridder]

Absolutely. Glad to help!👍🏼

[@clouseauphotographer9310]

Just found your KZbin site. I have just bought a Kayak and these are great tips, thanks so much. Brett from NZ

[@thereelridder]

Thanks bud. Enjoy. Kayaking/kayak fishing is so much fun and a great way to enjoy the outdoors while keeping fit! 👊🏼

[@geralddoll7491]

👍The idea of securing the front and back grab handles to the cross bars is brilliant in its simplicity. For years I’ve tied the back off to the rear hitch and used those obnoxious hood anchors for the front. Simply brilliant!!

[@thereelridder]

I do love it. However I will point out as I did in the video, attaching to the bars isn’t the true safest option. If theres a failure of the rack everything could sail off. Its a risk I take because I trust my Yakima rack. Just wanted to point that. Cheers Gerald and thanks for watching 👍🏼

[@cowskigirl1]

This was excellent. I will load my brandy-new Hurricane Prima this way. Soooo excited!

[@thereelridder]

Glad to help out! Enjoy the new boat!👍🏼

[@fishingforfun3317]

That’s really smart! Thanks for sharing!

[@thereelridder]

You’re welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@zheros81]

Man this is so smart! I'm not the tallest dude and was worried about getting a kayak on my Forester solo, but this looks like the perfect solution. Hope you enjoy summer this year!

[@thereelridder]

Back at ya! Glad to help

[@mdmerch6166]

Dude, where was this video when I first started out kayaking, been doing it the hard way for years! Thank You for the great tips.

[@thereelridder]

That’s great! I’m glad I could help you! 👍🏼

[@seeshel63]

As an older female doing kayaking later in life these tips are great. As I have kayak holders on my racks I was loading on towels up over the bonnet. Gonna try your method now.

[@thereelridder]

Great! Glad to help! I hope you find this easier! 👍🏼

[@scottsoucy6186]

Great tips. When I used to fish out of a jon boat, I always used a 1-man boat loader, but I'm not sure they still make them. I'll have to remember these tips for when I finally get a kayak next year.

[@thereelridder]

For sure! Excited for you to get your kayak and get out there! 👍🏼

[@ralphfraumeni6190]

Best loading video I've seen. Thank you!

[@thereelridder]

Thanks for watching. Happy it helped! 👍🏼

[@Matty217]

Thanks mate. Very helpful.

[@thereelridder]

No problem!

[@williamiwaniuk5561]

Pretty ingenious! Thank you!

[@thereelridder]

You are very welcome. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching. 👍🏼

[@lawrence9217]

Excellent video! Thanks for sharing.

[@thereelridder]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@tonyfonager]

Exacly What i Needed ❤🎉

[@thereelridder]

Great!!! Glad to help

[@rondamasceno3558]

You are awesome man... Thank you so much!

[@thereelridder]

You’re welcome! 👍🏼

[@goodmantruth8185]

The best tutorial video on KZbin!!!! Thank you, Sir.

[@thereelridder]

You’re welcome. Glad you liked it and it help you out! 👍🏼

[@goodmantruth8185]

@@thereelridder I just bought my first rigid sit on top kayak. You have valid teaching points and the tutorial is easy to understood. I will watch this video a few times before I take over the rivers around the town.🤣😂🤣😂

[@thereelridder]

Any specific questions you have about any basics from launching to landing etc feel free to reach out. 👍🏼

[@goodmantruth8185]

@@thereelridder Thank you very much. I give it a go and I see how it goes. I might get back to you. (I'm sure). Could you make a video about how to read rivers? Thanks again.

[@sofiazappi8586]

Thank you so very much! Super helpful tips!!! Do you ever use/try a wheel barrow for getting the kayak from the backyard to the car?

[@thereelridder]

I mean it could work!👍🏼 I only used the wagon for a little over a week waiting for my C-Tug cart to be delivered.

[@johnbasham1096]

Great presentation! Old man like me can really appreciate your technique. I'll use my wife's bath mat.

[@thereelridder]

Thanks man! Good luck. It’s such an easy and smart trick. 👍🏼

[@saintsfan1661]

Thanks! Helped alot

[@thereelridder]

Sure thing! Glad to help.

[@missscarrlet]

I've waited 28 year to buy my first kayak after I first used one at 13 around Catalina Island with my class...They arrive next week! This video will help soo much as I've bought 2 double kayaks so the kids can come out with me and the thought of getting them on the car was daunting. Thanks!

[@thereelridder]

That’s great!!! Congratulations on your new boats!!!

[@howardwmoore]

I have double also they aren’t light lol

[@roverguy100]

GREAT ideas! I've got a 16 foot Sportspal Canoe that is about 70 pounds and awkward to get loaded onto my Tahoe. Can't wait to give your ideas a try.

[@thereelridder]

Good luck. Hope it works out great for you!

[@Ambular479]

Tytytyty 5'6'' girly with back problems and wanting to get her kayaks out to play!!! I'll be sharing this for sure

[@thereelridder]

Love it. Get out there!

[@sneakykiller800]

This was a lifesaver. Thanks so much.

[@thereelridder]

Hey, glad I could help you out!👍🏼

[@sneakykiller800]

@@thereelridder yeah got my kayak last night and used this method with just rope. Waiting on the straps to come from Amazon. Was a blast

[@thereelridder]

Good work man! Enjoy getting your boat on the water!

[@robbierolla]

Nice, thanks Shaun.

[@thereelridder]

Glad to help. Thanks for watching 👍🏼

[@jasonward4675]

This is LITERALLY how I load my 2021 outback on the same model vehicle. 💯 Works great. Awesome video. I only use 2 straps and a nose rope. I find it's quieter farther forward

[@thereelridder]

Heck yeah man. Super easy and mine doesn’t seem to make too much noise. What kind of kayak you loading?

[@jasonward4675]

@@thereelridder I have a 2021 outback and depending and how far forward or back I center it it's not noisy at all

[@marij6374]

The wagon. Sweet!

[@thereelridder]

It’s so simple. Also funny. And it works! 🤣

[@dontall71]

Awesome video, thanks!

[@thereelridder]

No problem. Your welcome

[@vernonsimmons4578]

Good stuff, thanks!

[@thereelridder]

Glad you enjoyed it!👍🏼

[@plisdont1]

Cool, i newly bought one but when I received my kayak i realised that my kayak is so heavy and big. Spend a lot of time to find expensive equipment make that job easy, but thanks to you. I saved my money and time 😀

[@thereelridder]

That’s awesome to hear. The reason I made this video was to share this with people like you! We all gotta save cash where we can. 👊🏼

[@tonyhe001]

Thanks! Very good video!

[@thereelridder]

Glad you liked it!

[@cocktailsanddreams]

Shaun - just sold my 10ft kayaks and have a 12ft ordered; was dreading the cost/titling of a trailer. I think this will be a huge save. Thanks!

[@thereelridder]

Glad to help. Good luck and congrats on your new boat!

[@gwylblaser6914]

Great ideas. Thanks

[@thereelridder]

You’re welcome. Happy to help

[@laurabehenna7950]

Great tips, thanks!

[@thereelridder]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching! 👍🏼

[@abigailrodriguez6868]

Ha! Thanks for the tricks dad!

[@thereelridder]

Hahaha. I got you! 👊🏼😂

[@katiemccluskey4603]

Thanks. 😊

[@thereelridder]

Np !

[@me3ta143ad]

bath mats thats what i was missing. easy subscribe for that

[@thereelridder]

It’s a sweet easy trick. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@MrSkeptical]

Bravo 👏 excellent hacks👍

[@thereelridder]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!🤙🏼

[@cherylcarr9544]

Excellent! Thanks!

[@thereelridder]

You’re welcome! 👍🏼

[@philipscott724]

Great tips! Thanks mate

[@thereelridder]

Absolutely. Thanks for watching!👊🏼

[@user-by3kd4vo9r]

​@@thereelridder1:14

[@JamesDenginWPG]

Great ideas!

[@thereelridder]

Thanks James. Appreciate it.

[@hjnj8916]

I have the same escape color and all and was worried about transporting my kayak. Thank you for tour video!!!!!

[@thereelridder]

Glad to help. That escape is a great vehicle. 👍🏼

[@hjnj8916]

@Return2Wild with Shaun Ridder does your escape have the antenna on back? If so does that come off easily do you know? THANK YOU!!!

[@thereelridder]

Yes you just easily unscrew it. It super easy. I used to keep mine in the door pocket and then just screwed it back on after I took my boat off.

[@hjnj8916]

@@thereelridder awesome thank you so much!!!

[@thereelridder]

No problem 👍🏼

[@JohnSmith-bb7rt]

Just saw your video…your second method is very similar to the way I finally figured out how to load my Moken10 fishing kayaks. I have a Ford F-350 dually and had Adarack Pro installed. Finally figured out that if I ordered 7 foot rubber coated cable (8’ bed) and ran it between the front and back racks (like you did with the strap) I could load and unload the 64 pound kayaks solo, even with the truck being very high. I do use a moving type mat to cover the side of my truck just in case I make a mistake. Really enjoyed your video! Thanks

[@thereelridder]

Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed and happy you have your load/unload system figured out. 👍🏼 Sometimes I feel the TO and FROM the lake is the most important part of kayak fishing. Love you can attest to the fact that you CAN solo load on even a tall vehicle.

[@JohnSmith-bb7rt]

@@thereelridder Hate to admit it but I am getting ready to turn 72, and while in pretty good shape, it took some analysis to figure out how to get 2 kayaks several feet in the air (my truck is big). Watched a bunch of KZbin videos but none had a truck as big as mine. I pull an Airstream so leaving the tailgate open and putting them in the bed wasn’t an option. Thanks for the reply. John

[@thereelridder]

I give 100000% respect. 👊🏼 Also jealous of the airstream. Love them sooo much. So happy you hear your out still living it up traveling and being on the water.

[@JohnSmith-bb7rt]

@@thereelridder thanks. Bought the Airstream last year after a hip injury grounded me from Randonneuring (long distance bike riding). I figure my good years are running out and I need to take advantage of the good years I have left. My wife has been great and puts up with me. There’s an old saying:”Life is like a roll of toilet paper…the closer you get to the end the faster it goes.” Sometimes I think I can see the cardboard on the inside of the roll!

[@HanzgohFilms]

Bathmat is Brilliant!! I have been using a small piece of cloth or carpet

[@thereelridder]

Thanks. And a great way to use that old bath mat.

[@davidperry4972]

beauty nice job brother

[@thereelridder]

Thanks

[@jockstar1000]

Great Vid

[@thereelridder]

Thanks Bobb. I appreciate it. 👍🏼

[@DTPxWildcat]

Bro i never even thought of a kids wagon 500iq idea lol holy crap❤❤

[@thereelridder]

There you go👊🏼

[@jimiero6433]

great video !!!you saved me !!

[@thereelridder]

Great! Glad I could help you! I appreciate you watching. 👊🏼

[@tomfink5009]

A good video. Bow and Stern Lines are Essential. Most often your rack will be ok to tie bow and stern ropes to (trucker's hitch). Once I had a Thule Car Rack fail when a single lowly screw allowed part of the rack to come apart slightly (this could not happen on modern car racks). The Only time in my life when I did not tie a bow and stern rope was then. Front of canoe went up some feet and came down on the hull and put a dent in the hood. Luckily the canoe did not come off. I was on a very large bridge with much very fast traffic. I always tie my bow and stern lines now! I think one should also use a second blanket/quilt/or huge bath mat on the door area to protect it in case the boat slips and slides down your car door. At some point it is likely to happen, maybe a gust of wind or a clutsy moment we all have rarely. One reason it is easier for you to load your boat like you do from the side, rather than from the rear, is that your very nice Yakima rack on your naked roof (no factory side rails) must attach at the doors, so the hind part of your rack is like a mile away from the rear of your car.

[@thereelridder]

Exactly. All the reason for what I do is because of the Yakima rack. As far as the bow/stern on my kayak vs a canoe, there is a huge amount of difference in updraft force. Again do what your comfortable. I traveled thousands of miles with zero issue with my Yakima rack.

[@Guylin1977]

Hi Shaun I like the strap method, very simple. For my rowing skiff (30 kg) I use a longitudinal PVC pipe fixed on each roof bar with scratch straps (such as the ones you can find for electricity works): it's fast and easy to remove and in fact, I never remove the pipe. But I think I'll adopt your strap method, even simpler and lighter... My next work would be to make the same system to discharge from the rear of the car (in the case you park between other cars). Probably with longitudinal bars and... a transverse strap 😉.

[@thereelridder]

Yeah the strap idea works great. Glad you enjoyed the video and picked up a tip!

[@WillN2Go1]

I've been hauling 18 & 19 ' sea kayaks for 17 years. (Always up the back, for ten years on a roller. But this won't work for my Model Y. Your method should work! Thank you for that.) Now my two cents. 1. Those buckles. Put a tennis ball on that end or buy the rubberized ones (if NRS has them back in stock) otherwise you are going to shatter a window. 2. Your straps? Sorry. The only attachments that really count with a kayak as long or longer than yours is bow and stern. ( That longitudinal strap around the bow? That's not doing much. ) It doesn't even matter that you've done this for years with never a problem - that black day is guaranteed. (I carried ladders and lumber for over 25 years and one day on the old bumpy 710 freeway - it worked a ladder right off my rack.) All the leverage working against your kayak staying on the roof. It is good you run them through the interior. Just tied to the racks - you'll lose the whole package.) I've heard at least 20 "lost the kayak on the road" stories. In many of them the rack came right off the vehicle with the kayak. The movement of the car rocks a long kayak back and forth - if you had to 'tear' it off the car that's how you'd do it. Get those T- loops that you close your hood or trunk on, or use the tow loops under the bumper if your car has them. On my Prius I raised the hood, removed a bolt/screw on each side of the fender and then put a webbing loop (and old piece of a strap. I made a hole in it with a soldering iron), put the bolt back in. Now you have tie points on both sides of the hood. If you want when you're not using them, you can fold the loops inside and close the hood and they're invisible. I have heard 'lost the kayak' stories where there was only a bow or stern tie, but never a story that had both fore and aft tie points. You don't even really need a roof rack if you tie fore and aft, anything to pad your roof will do. You also don't even need those center straps (but I still use them). Also good to see none of that crappy temporary (they all get gummy sticky and the rollers don't roll) insanely overpriced Yakima/Thule 'cradles'. Total waste of money. They conform to your maybe once, the rollers work for six months. Just get the foam pieces that fit over your rack - all you need and they can come off when not in use and your rack looks neater. Good video. Sorry to be such a nudge. And you feel better when the bow and stern are secure - nothing moves.

[@thereelridder]

Hey, appreciate the thoughts. I realize in this video the strap goes way farther than I normally toss. More time hits side of the boat. But these straps are already thick rubber coated. It’s like the rubber from a tennis ball. As far and front and rear, I understand. If I were hauling anything larger or not as heavy for sure I would look into it. Perhaps I’ll hit you with my rack came off the vehicle story someday.

[@handsupasap8133]

Genius!!

[@thereelridder]

Thanks!

[@perfectgame23]

Wow. Thx

[@thereelridder]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching

[@johnr5545]

Thanks God bless

[@thereelridder]

You’re welcome. 👍🏼

[@ashleym4084]

Thank you! Thank you! I have a fishing kayak that weighs 65 pounds and have tried hulking it over my head but just haven’t felt comfortable loading myself, so I have been reliant on my husband anytime I want to go out, I’m going to try this!

[@thereelridder]

Absolutely. This should work great for you! 👍🏼

[@pennymackenzie7637]

If you find you can't lift the front of your boat this high- front up to the roof, invest in the Thule Hullavator. That allows me to load my own as I am 80 and can't lift as high as the roof.

[@thereelridder]

Great tip and great product for those that can afford it.

[@michaels9926]

Great idea. Could probably use a floor mat on the ground to prevent scratching the kayak if on pavement.

[@thereelridder]

Yes, I try and unload near grass. But also I keep a big blanket in the back of my vehicle. In Wisconsin most people have blankets in thier vehicle incase of a breakdown durring winter. I keep it year round for this very reason. Thanks for dropping a comment.

[@MikeySocks]

Not sure if the question was posted already but how do the bass clips attached to the car itself? Are they getting bolted down or do the attached some other way?

[@tnmnmnk]

Love the video. I use the strap method on my ladder rack. New owner of a Lightning Strike and my cart does not fit the tri-hull well. Do you recommend a nice fitting cart? - besides the Wagon. Haha!

[@thereelridder]

Yeah the wagon was a bit of a joke. :-D I use and LOVE the Railblaza C-Tug. I highly recommend it. Worth EVERY penny! Here's the link to make it easy > amzn.to/3zSd5l8

[@unitedivide2789]

Would advice pool noodle cut in 3” piece to go over buckle for tossing strap it will shatter a window easy. Great video

[@thereelridder]

I hear you. Most straps, I would advise the same as you stated. Great idea. However the NRS straps I use have buckles that are soft rubber coated. Yes I may have tossed a bit more hap-hazard in the video than normal. But I filmed to show the technique I was not focused on the exact trajectory of a strap buckle. Thanks for the tip for everyone else reading. 👍🏼

[@keystonegundogs9565]

I'm almost 67 years old and have been putting my Kayak on my car by myself for several years now (and still do). I'm going to incorporate the bath mat into what I've been doing. I'm sure it'll make it easier for me. But I do use a step stool to reach the top of my car. You look tall and I can guarantee that even with doing your method I'll still need to use my step stool. But great video though!

[@thereelridder]

We all are created different heights. No shame in the step stool! The bath mat is so simple and easy. Love to hear that you’re still rockin it solo at 67! Keep getting out there and thanks for watching👍🏼

[@user-kg2sn9pb3y]

Thanks for your practical kayak car loading and unloading tips. When I go on extended kayak fishing trips I usually stay at motels and leave my kayak on my car roof racks overnight but I'm always apprehensive that I'll come out of my motel room one morning and find my kayak has been stolen. Are there any locking devices on the market to secure your kayak to your car roof racks to deter theieves?

[@thereelridder]

Yes I’ll share in a future video. Great question.

[@freepilot7732]

I've been kayaking for decades. Never thought of this first idea of loading the kayak. The only point is line to address is not putting the extra strapping closed into the door if you think it may rain. Water will just wick right into and through your door seal. Don't ask me how I know this.

[@thereelridder]

Meh, little water in is not a huge deal. It’s not like water is going to be rushing in like an open window.

[@freepilot7732]

@thereelridder no, your right, but within an hour of driving in regular rain, your seat will be drenched.

[@thereelridder]

I don’t think that much. I’ve been through rain overnight and had barely anything inside.

[@annemorris9935]

Hi @Return2Wild. I found this very helpful thank you 🙏. Does it matter whether my sit on fishing kayak is laid on the roof facing up or facing down? 🤔 🤷‍♀️

[@thereelridder]

No the general technique will work either way. My kayak was recommended to be stored and transported upside down.

[@annemorris9935]

@@thereelridder I’m finding that running the kayak along the roof bars upside down the various buttons/rod holders etc are tearing through the sponge tubes I’ve zip tied to the bars….. so I figured that carrying the kayak face up will prevent this. I like to use sponge tubes to protect the bars and the kayak….but also to provide some sticky friction to assist the straps in ‘holding’ the kayak. 👍😎

[@thereelridder]

Yes my entire kayak was bare are you see. No Rod holders etc attached when loading.

[@kthompson9877]

That strap trick......#mindblown

[@thereelridder]

It works pretty slick. 👊🏼 Just don’t tighten too much.

[@CH-tt9nc]

Hey Shaun, great video! I’m about to buy my first kayak and go on a few trips. How did you decide on transporting yours right side up or upside down? I plan on buying a sit on top kayak. Thanks for the info! 😎

[@thereelridder]

Lightning Kayak recommended transporting and storage upside down. Especially while the kayak was under warrantee I made sure to follow all recommendations. To be honest I now load in the bed of my truck right side up. Having done both. I do feel when roof-toping they travel better upside down.

[@shawnagh]

Thank you for sharing this. I have a perception outlaw SOT kayak which I LOVE, but I am not able to put it on the roof by myself, it's just too heavy. I have crossbars, but right now I have j hooks? Can you do the same with the j hooks or would I be better off to take the j hooks off and just use the cross bars?

[@thereelridder]

I would just use the cross bars. To me the hooks just mean you have to lift more Aka work harder.

[@ewanmacgregor3056]

Hi Shaun, great video, ive learned a lot thanks. How long are your cam straps please?? Cheers Ewan. Scotland. 👋👍

[@thereelridder]

I use the 15’. It’s more strap than needed but for $1USD difference in price I’d rather have the extra 3’ over the 12. Link in description to see the exact ones I have.

[@ewanmacgregor3056]

Thanks Shaun. Im sorry i missed your link. Cheers.

[@thereelridder]

Cheers mate!

[@ReeceLifeDadLife]

Great tip. Thanks for sharing the sideload style. Out of curiosity why do you load it upside down?

[@thereelridder]

My kayak recommends being stored upside down. Plus my boat is tri-hull design so laying upside down is the only way to get it to lay perfectly flat and not tipped off one side. Hope that makes sense.

[@ReeceLifeDadLife]

@@thereelridder thanks 👍

[@thereelridder]

No problem. I got you! 👍🏼

[@jomccahon6966]

Thank you for thos, I'm going to try the bath mat, I have just gotten a kayak and would like to be able to be able to put her on ad off the roof rails myself, she's got more curvy stuff going on than yours , and I have a dodgy hand , I have a high suv, wish me luck , and thanks again, live in Ireland, btw 🤞

[@thereelridder]

Thanks for watching. If your kayak isn’t as heavy as mine you should be ok. Mine weighs around 85lbs. Just take it careful. It works masterfully.

[@jomccahon6966]

@@thereelridder thanks for replying ,,mine is about 55lbs,,, but awkward,,, 🤞🤞🤞

[@thereelridder]

Good luck I believe in you. 👍🏼

[@z0ob0y]

Nice. 👍🏼

[@thereelridder]

Thanks.

[@pendragofan]

hey i need to know a few things plz!!!! why do you not use jay hooks? wouldnt the kayak sitting on rails damage the yak over time? im about to buy my first kayak thanks btw great video as i was thinking step ladder originally XD

[@thereelridder]

My kayak manufacturer recommends upside down transport and storage. Also my kayak is over 80lb and too large for J hooks.

[@lynnhoffmann3273]

Super video Shaun! Thank you very much! Q. In your experience (because I want to load 2 kayaks) Do you think I could do this with any success with J bar mounts in place? Obviously once at a friends house the second boat could go on with four hands but to do my 40ish lb. Kayak was wondering what you thought. Tysm 🙏🏼

[@thereelridder]

It might work out. If done carefully enough you could put one end in one j and pick up the other end into the other.

[@jd2plus2]

Genius

[@thereelridder]

I appreciate it👊🏼

[@kaitlynpimentel5573]

I have a kayak just for recreational kayaking.. just got it! (Just getting into kayaking) I have a small suv.. have the roof racks along the sides but not the cross bars! Instead of spending more money right now to get cross bars, I do have the foam blocks that came with the kayak. How would you go about strapping that all down good?

[@thereelridder]

Somewhat the same. Run the strap over the kayak but also around the bars. And be sure with that set up to run the ropes/straps to front bumpers/hood.

[@dawnrecker5318]

My Ford Edge has luggage racks that run front to back instead of across the top of the roof like on your Ford Escape. What are your recommendations for that type of set up?

[@thereelridder]

You should look into getting crossbars. There are plenty that attach onto those front or back rails. I even have a link in the description for good crossbars if you have a setup like you. The losing is the same.

[@annemorris9935]

I’m using an offcut square of rubber backed carpet for loading which works a treat (rubber side down sticks to the car body)…..except when it’s windy…..the wind blows the carpet away, I guess it will blow your bath towel too? I’m trying to figure a way to pin it in place 🤔

[@thereelridder]

How strong is the wind? I never had an issue. My bath mat is one of the slightly heavier ones.

[@annemorris9935]

I’m on the coast in Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 and it seems to always be very windy whenever I go kayaking! 🤪

[@maryjanedawson5038]

Thank you for your tips! Some suggestions. Can't see what you did on the other side to begin. Should begin shooting video on that side. We assume you looped it around the rack on far side. Then threw over both ends. You mention I did the same on the other side after you looped the 2nd side. You need to shoot video higher up in some spots. cant see the rack in some sections. I'm an art teacher so I break down every step with lots of visuals. AGAIN THANKYOU!

[@thereelridder]

Yes that’s correct.

[@stevenm6301]

I've read once or twice on the web about NOT tying the front and back lines to the rack in the event there is some sort of failure of the roof rack. Then the whole thing is hitting the car behind you. I tie my bow line to the front tow hook and the stern line to the loop on my trailer hitch. I feel like having those secured would take some of the stress off the roof rack? Though I must say, I would prefer to do it the way you demonstrated haha. Also for good measure and on long trips, I run a cable lock through one center scupper and around one of the roof bars.

[@thereelridder]

Agree on all points Steve. I have a high level of trust in my Yakima rack and quite frankly I’ve not had to travel more than 3 hours from my home base for a tournament or to fish.

[@thesafeway]

Your method is correct Steven and don't let others convince you otherwise. Long loads can significantly increase upward/sideways forces on the rack as they act like wings. These forces can be higher than the racks are designed for which may rip them from the roof. The rack may then be pushed beyond its capacity and break or detach from the roof. Tying bow and stern straps to the roof rack serves virtually zero purpose, but securing them to the vehicle reduces the potential upward force on the roof rack preventing it from coming off. Sure some will say they've never had an issue without the bow and stern straps to the vehicle but that doesn't mean it's not dangerous and can't happen. And if they choose not to secure properly and the whole load comes off then consider the potential risk for the person travelling behind you.

[@brianlewis1372]

Do you ever do the ratchet straps for the front and back of the yak? Like tying it down to the trunk and hood of the car as well? I like your method but I would get kinda worried just relying on those NRS straps. How far do you go with the yak on your vehicle? Any close calls?

[@thereelridder]

I wouldn’t recommend using ratchet straps. They are too easy to over tighten and ruin your kayak. The NRS straps hood incredibly strong and DO NOT slip at all. I also don’t do the hood trunk and I know I’ve gotten people disagreeing with me on that. But I’ve also known many people that only strap across the rails and travel hundreds of miles with a boat. Truthfully if my rack system was not a Yakima I would be more concerned.

[@brianlewis1372]

Thank you sir. I guess I should buy another set of NRS straps. Thanks for the helpful video and response!

[@thereelridder]

Anytime. I’m here to help you with anything. It’s a community. I appreciate you watching and reaching out! 👊🏼

[@doris8595]

Quick question- I have a rudder system on the back so it’s hard to do, I don’t want to break the ruder and it’s quite tipsy where it wants to roll on me… curious if you have any suggestions? Thank you!

[@thereelridder]

Load the rear first. Or don’t flip to save the rudder issue.

[@goofyshan]

I don't have a roof rack (or abillity for one) on my car and have to use padding / foam blocks to haul my kayak. I still strap it down at 4 points. Any suggestions on how to get the 55 lb kayak up on my own?

[@thereelridder]

That’s a tough one I will think on and try and do a video soon. But I am thinking I would try the same angled approach idea. Lift and slide just use a big blanket to cover the entire roof. Carefully slide into place and then one by one place foam blocks and fold the blanket away? That’s a tough one for me without having a car or a lighter kayak. Hope that helps somewhat. 👍🏼

[@cherylbennett7109]

I am new at this ...need to know how the strap hook on too before you throw it over like step by step

[@thereelridder]

Working on a video with this soon. Stay tuned. Thanks for the feedback.