THE BEST WAY To Tie Down A Kayak to Your Roof Rack

Dan walks through his tried and true process for tying down a kayak to the roof rack on his vehicle.
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[@Agile47509chicken]

Most important step, saying “That’s not going anywhere.” You nailed it.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Haha!

[@scottburkhardt6859]

Just came from an Eddyline Fb group warning me of the risk of using these same foam blocks. Rack and kayak, incidentally, are the same, too. Are there inherent or added risks with using foam blocks that don’t exist with J bars or something like Malone SeaWings?

[@rjl2001]

Great video for people who car top their kayak, especially beginners. After years of roof topping kayaks, I figured most of this out by experience. The process can be more difficult with taller vehicles, shorter people, and especially the bigger and heavier more awkward SOT fishing kayaks. I’ve learned also that a vehicle on any kind of slope or when windy it is more challenging. One tip is when nosing the kayak up onto the rear cross bars, as you work your way to the rear of the kayak, walk your hands down the kayak so you can continually keep forward pressure to avoid the kayak slipping backwards. I totally agree about longer kayaks being easier to load, especially on tall vehicles. You’re one of the only people though I’ve heard mention it. I just stumbled on this channel a few days ago, but like everything I watched so far. It didn’t take long to realize you guys are very knowledgeable about paddling and kayaking, which isn’t always the case on YT.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for sticking around. Appreciate the kind words.

[@pyme495]

Excellent video, with some very good reminders (always have the straps doubled, don't allow straps to cross, attach to the rack not the cradle, make *sure* the straps can't come off of the end of the rack, etc). Nicely done.

[@dalecottrell4428]

As a 5'4" guy who just got a Pungo that's over 1/3 of my body weight and my upper body strength isn't great thank you so much for this video (and so many of your other videos that helped when I was researching).

[@PappaMike-vc1qv]

Nice video, especially the strapping hints. Those of us that are near 6 foot or taller can do these methods but I have come to realize the majority of people that I kayak with struggle with the methods you demonstrate without help OR a step stool. For SUV’s I use and recommend a roller at the back. Shorter people or those of us with accumulated life experience can seriously hurt themselves trying to press a boat sideways onto J bars and I have seen many boats dropped that way. Please use a step ladder and load boats with help if needed. Paddling is no fun with a bad rotator cuff injury from lifting a boat wrong.

[@carplay5454]

step stool def makes it easier for roof loading

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’m pretty sure I mentioned the step ladder. I just didn’t have one with me. Same steps apply.

[@stevebarzee7340]

Nice demo. Clear articulation and helpful. I recently got BKC 13’ fishing kayak. 100 lbs. 64 years old and no he man left in me. Strapping technique is very helpful.

[@juliamc7144]

I really appreciate the time and effort you put in to making these videos to share your knowledge and experience with us. Also with out being pretentious.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I appreciate that!

[@BeatsAndBeauty]

Best video I've found yet for tying down kayaks! Clear easy to follow instructions. Thank you for making excellent content!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’m glad you found it helpful.

[@bobbyhogan9207]

Yet another great teaching video Dan. I would like to have seen those rope knots 😏 Thanks for sharing 👊😎

[@navid8276]

A lifetime of experience in this vid. Thanks so much

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’ve strapped a few in this line of work. 😂 thanks for watching

[@heathen_7]

As always, the best tried and tested advice out there!

[@jakebrakebill]

For what it's worth and if this makes sense, with the bottom setting in the cradle, I put one strap around and under the front lip of the coaming and then to the back pad mount/metal. Then the second strap around and under the rear lip of the coaming to the front pad mount/metal. Creating an "X" if you will, looking at it from the side. That serves two purposes, holds it down, plus stops any forward or backward sliding. Then just one perimeter size, small line as a last resort/backup/lanyard.

[@LJ-jq8og]

EXCELLENT video Sir ! Because of you I am buying an Eddyline sitka 💪

[@skiclark8541]

Love your informative videos. Lots of good info. Gear bag placed in right position, two cradles, 15’ kayak, 2 straps plus bow line I was reminded why I fretted so much on my choice of purchase. Pelican 8ft, light, slide it right into truck and shut the gate.

[@charlieboutin3341]

Great information and instructions. 👍👍 I don’t have a rack, just put them in truck bed. But if I get one I know how to do it now.🙂 Thanks Dan! Beautiful backdrop scenery! 🏔❤️

[@allonsy9808]

I'm 5'2", and until recently, I had a GMC 2500 4x4. I also had a 5th wheel hitch in the bed. So, I put a bath rug on the opened tailgate, a moving blanket on the 5th wheel hitch, and another bath rug on the cab of the truck. Put the bow of the kayak on the tailgate and then just slid it along the rug onto the angled 5th wheel hitch and right up to and on the cab and into the racks on the cab. Tying it down was a pain, but at least loading was pretty slick. lol Because I was often towing the 5th wheel while hauling the kayak, the bed rails you have weren't an option for me. I now have a Subaru Outback. I anticipate having an easier time loading. Thanks for not bashing the foam cradles. I've tried other options, but I also prefer these. They are simple, and they work. Great video! (Oh, love the daisy chain idea. Again, simple and functional!)

[@Concernedeye]

Excellent video, with superb, and easy to follow directions/tips. Thank you for making it. It helps a ton. To all of us starting this wonderful sport it doesn't get any easier.

[@tomcaldwell5750]

Excellent video, thank you for this valuable instructional video!

[@justindavis1546]

This is a video I've been waiting for. There is a lot of information out there but it's a matter of who to trust. I trust you.

[@krislol6782]

Hey man thanks for this video! I'm actually buying my new kayak soon with the whole rack and everything, so your videos really helped me and also inspired me. Thanks !!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Right on! Enjoy.

[@boatman222345]

As always excellent advice and clever tips!

[@KarenandBradStoriesNFlight]

Great video. Good details! Fantastic camera work. Helpful! It doesn’t necessarily take freeway speed to lift a boat, highway at 55 can do it too. Always tie the front and back end. I once had a ladder with just side straps over it, come flying off their truck and at my windshield 5 car lengths away on a 55mph road. Fortunately, I was able to move into the other lane and avoid getting hit. I’ve also seen video of a whole rack come off a car due to the pressure of wind torque up on the front of the boat. A guy at Canoecopia showed us these types of mistakes.

[@FrankLadd]

Lots of great tips here. Thanks! I put the sea kayaks upside down on long trips as well. It saves a lot of gas on long trips and is less affected by high winds. You may want to shape your pads to fit the decks better, but I think this method it worth it.

[@MajorPecker]

Omg, thank you Dan. I have been using j-bars for 2 sit-on-tops and have been doing the He-man method this whole time. I have had to learn everything as I go, and learned some cool new methods from your video, thank you. I cannot wait to try out some easier methods that won't agitate my back and some easy daisy chain for the excess straps.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I hope it helps. That sounds brutal!

[@parzable]

Awesome, thanks. Good timing kid!

[@55nimrod55]

Nice job, I learned a lot!

[@noneyabizz8337]

"save to watch later" Definitely will

[@sandyferguson3119]

A bit of bungy to hold it on the rack. Then tie it at the ends of the kayak to the vehicle if you want to do it properly and safely. Especially, the front one in an inverted V to stop wind twisting it.

[@chopperwitz]

Thank you, well explained.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mrblueskynm3968]

Awesome video! My Moken 12.5 V2 goes on my Ram 2500 4X4 with the help of a strap strapped along one side of the racks to slide it on onto the racks from the side. Instructions courtesy of Flukemaster on KZbin. My truck is too high to try loading from the back like you did. I still have to use a step/cooler to reach and I'm 6'. I have to flip it upside down to strap it onto the rack, but it's worth it to take the kayak along with my travel trailer! Day trips don't need the rack and don't need to be turned upside down. Cheers!

[@ukewig]

Thanks for the ...Tips!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

You bet!

[@shaggydudegaming]

Can you make a video on how to transport a Pungo 120 without a pickup truck?

[@margefrommars6905]

Great video with lots of great tips, I will be buying my first sea kayak next spring so just doing lots of research atm. Do the hatch lids always stay on ? I will almost always be transporting via the highway, would you put a strap around the hatches ? or am I just over thinking it ?

[@CrucesNomad1]

Good info. My straps want to sing even at low speeds. I have to tie knots in the straps over the yak.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Ohhh I forgot to mention that! Usually if you just put a twist in the strap when you’re strapping it down it breaks up the airflow enough to cut out the humming.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Have you tried giving them a twist?

[@gfp1011]

Great and helpful video. So the foam blocks is your preferred way over the J racks?

[@leonnape4157]

6:33 and daisy chains are fast to untie!!

[@djslewis]

I own a leased Equinox - any tips for loading on a vehicle with zero roof rack installed? I have the foam cradles you use here, but still weary about traveling long distances with a kayak at this point. Thanks Dan!!! Great video as always!

[@TestarossaMusicista]

I'm a proud user of the "HIYAA" overhead press method onto j-hooks. But it's way easier on my little Focus hatchback, lol.

[@brianandix]

Just remember…the back of a boat is called the “stern” not the back !! The front was properly identified as the “bow” so at least you were using half the proper terminology. Good suggestion on cambuckle versus ratchets.

[@AdarshGupta-be8gf]

Sorry about the segway Dan, but I among I imagine many others, would love a comparison between the Aquaglide Chellan 155 and the very new Kokopelli Platte Plus. Jussayin :) Best Wishes.

[@leonnape4157]

J cradles make me nervous after a bad experience. The plastic knuckle or connectors are not that stiff on windy days of 15mph+ winds. Tying to the cradle then the rack also puts strain on the plastic joints and plastic saddle. Definitely bow + stern tight tie-offs with cradles. Any words of caution or limitations on these?

[@greasemonkey4god]

So I gotta get 4 on my suburban. Can I use a vertical sup rack for the first 2 and then just tie the others down to the rack?

[@christinesherwood1577]

Awesome! How do I get this down by myself?

[@scottburkhardt6859]

Used 24” Malone foam blocks on my Sitka XT maiden load and, although the cutouts on the blocks were a little small (like they look to be in this video) on Yakima HD bars (same as in video) it worked perfectly (exactly like in video). HOWEVER, since my maiden load, every one has had issue with hull squeaking, sticking, and prying the block off the rail when sliding into place. Wondering if anyone has had the same and solved it with the foam blocks and not switching to something else. I have been strapping the blocks in place but it’s a little inconvenient bc I take them off when not transporting.

[@travelswithted]

It would be really helpful if you would put links to the lifejackets and paddles you use in your videos

[@gfp1011]

Do you ever load your kayaks upside down so that they don’t fill with water if it’s raining?

[@brettatton]

You should learn the bowline knot. It is literally named for the bow of the boat.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Bowline? Never heard of it. 🙄

[@allbrowrestlingtv6387]

So I am thinking of getting an Old Town Loon but one issue I have is that the handles on those are pull handles and don't have a hole through the handles that you could attach a bow or stern line to attach to the hood and trunk for extra stability when car-topping. Are you familiar with those boats and how would you advise tying those boats down?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’m pretty sure there’s a way to attach to the handle. Maybe a carabiner.

[@ADVENTUREKM]

Nice tutorial work smarter not harder.

[@tomcrom]

It.s easy to push the kayak off the side the the rack , bang the bow hits the deck.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

It can happen. I suggest using Yakima or Thule racks that have a cradle if your concerned about controlling the kayak on the way up. Those style racks do a great job keeping your kayak centered up.

[@nickmeingast9557]

Have you done a video on the native falcon 11?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Not yet. Native watercraft sending me out a few Boats this year and I’m hoping the falcon is one of them. It looks like a great design.

[@kaylasmith3794]

Can I do this combo of a J rack and a kayak cushion on my Volkswagen with Thule rack?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Probably

[@irwinhurst]

I need some new high quality straps. Get those listed on your site.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

These are the best traps in the game. Happy Paddlin Pro Straps. happypaddlin.square.site/product/hp-12-pro-cam-straps-pair/50?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=7

[@rorschach8585]

My car doesn't have roof rails...do you have an opinion on the Yakima EasyTop Car Rack?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I have not seen this one in person. I’d lock to check it out though.

[@RyanSultemeier]

Any chance you can do a tutorial on attaching a kayak to a coupe like a mustang or Camaro? 😅

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’d have to watch one first 😂

[@RyanSultemeier]

@@HeadwatersKayak fair enough lol

[@TestarossaMusicista]

I used the foam blocks on my old Mini Cooper. I basically just laid the blocks on the roof, then lifted the kayak over the roof, and onto the blocks. I definitely don't recommend it though because even with a bow line and tight straps, it would tend to get squirrely over 45mph. Maybe consider getting a receiver hitch. I know Curt makes them for a lot of smaller cars.

[@nealewatson5284]

It always helps to be over 6 feet tall. Not everybody is. Good info though.

[@georgewilliamssr5230]

Now find a short person. And do this video again. 😁

[@normascott3613]

Actually that's pretty much how I load 12.5' touring at 5'2" tall onto Subaru. I use rug over hatch and lift front while back sets on old rug. I stand on seats to tie it off. Really same thing.

[@patsimclaws4333]

Yes a short person and a heavy 10ft6" kayak

[@pyr0fr3ak4f1r3]

I just spent $250 on a new mirror because I tried the he-man method the first time I loaded my new kayak. Haha take it from me, it ain't worth it. 😅

[@HeadwatersKayak]

No! We’ve all done that at least once.

[@CheekyMonkey888]

almost lost a kayak once, strapped directly on roof rack, no foam pads, and the kayak plastic bent, duh, straps worked loose, and the rear end flew off the side, lucky it wasn t the front end, must use foam pads

[@amytamm3277]

Yes but your strong and tall

[@JA-gx4hb]

Well yeah, if you're 6'2". Not as easy when you're 5'6".

[@NE-Explorer]

you are not supposed to use the bottom of the hull for support during transport...always use the curved side

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Oops my bad. I just assumed since all the rack manufactures make hull down cradles that it was ok. I feel so silly that I’ve been doing it this way now for 20+ years without issue.

[@NE-Explorer]

@@HeadwatersKayak You probably dont have an expensive kayak so it doesnt really matter.

[@dubmob151]

Is it one of those origami kayaks?

[@NE-Explorer]

​@@dubmob151no p&h