The Easiest way to Load a Kayak on Top of a Car or Truck by Yourself

[@sockmonkeyphotography8509]

Been yaking for many years and I have never seen this technique with the side strap before...AWESOME!!!

[@lordoffishtown4455]

SOCK MONKEY PHOTOGRAPHY same. I’ll be using it from now on tho. Beats draping a towel over the side of the car.

[@NYCWendy1]

Amen

[@countrymagic61]

This is by far the most helpful video I have seen. This will help this old fart (disabled veteran) with loading and unloading the kayak. I am just now getting in to kayaking/fishing. This technique is very simple and genius where once you learn it, you get that "Light Bulb" feeling. Thank you for sharing. You just helped me make my life easier, and will be able to be less stressful with how I was going to load and unload the kayak.

[@williamdillon4282]

This worked great the first time I tried it. I'm 76 and new to kayaking and was really struggling to get the 80 pound kayak on my SUV. You made my kayak loading so much easier. Thank you

[@Flukemaster]

Great to hear!

[@scottnilsson8184]

I looked at various methods on You Tube until I was blue in the face. Yours is the best, least expensive and works great. I am 75 and this works just great. Thank You.

[@ladyhawkna6476]

I thank you for this video. I am an older woman. I just got a tamrack 100 angler. 52 pounds. I have a jeep liberty. I installed the crossracks this morning and then I put together kayak j racks and put them on. I couldnt get the jeep up there on those j racks. So I took the J racks off. Adjusted my crossrack bars to extend on the one side. Tried your method and it worked. i have been at this since 8:30 this morning and its 4:46 now. I am too pooped to go anywhere tonight but I am ready! Thanks so much. Now I just hope not to make a fool of myself when I get to the lake in the morning.

[@andyd4137]

This is nothing short of brilliant. I just picked up a new second hand kayak (which weighs a ton) and after getting it onto the roof of my pick up with the help of the seller, I was nervous about getting it down myself without damaging the vehicle. This method was perfect, kayak is off and vehicle is unscathed. 👍🏻

[@acgkplh]

Same. I just bought a 2+1 that is also a solo paddle. But I can't load and unload solo. I'll be trying this method tomorrow but I'll probably put a towel between strap and my paintwork just in case 🤢 👍

[@bryantivy9118]

This is boss. I have a 80 pound seaghost 130 and I could probably load it 1 handed with this method. Super easy thank you so much. Listen to this man people.

[@OldFellaDave]

I was 30 seconds away from pulling the trigger on either a K Rack Loader or one of those bar extensions for the roof racks and jumped on KZbin to show the missus how each worked (to 'get permission' to buy one) ... and saw your video here ... you just saved me $150 ;) The least I can do is Like, Share and Sub to your channel now ;) Cheers!

[@garyflick9172]

Any scratches yet

[@robertb1719]

Did something similar 40 years ago (I'm 73) with a 12 ft Jon boat. Back then you could buy roof racks cheap that fit onto the gutters of the old buick station wagon. Instead of straps I permanently bolted on (2) 5 1/2 ft 2x3's between the racks centered exactly 4 ft apart. the beam on the Jon boat was 4 ft. Lift, swivel, and it dropped down between the boards with no side movement. Couple of 3 inch boat cleats bolted to the front and rear "steel" bumpers for tie downs and was on my way to the lake in no time. Love your channel and thanks for the memories.

[@Newgail]

Great video! I am a 73 year old female that just bought my first fishing kayak and I needed to know how to load it on top of my Luna Rover rack. This may be the key. Thank you!!

[@Mentaloow]

wtf

[@KatelynnBayless]

I can not believe I hadn't thought of this! Thanks so much man, I'm 4'10 and really struggle with loading my kayak alone. You've saved my car from getting even more scratches and not I wont need a truck as soon as I thought! :)

[@Benihana716]

6 Years later and I'm just now benefiting from this video, as I prepare for my SS127 to arrive! THANK you!

[@leanncollier9948]

Freaking brilliant. I bought crossbars for my Jeep Cherokee last year and never bought a kayak. Loading it by myself is what was holding me back. Images of torn rotator cuffs, slipped disks, scratched paint and broken sunroof kept me from taking the plunge! Thanks so much for this helpful, SIMPLE, video on proper technique anyone can follow. Hugs from Tennessee!!

[@Flukemaster]

Thank you Leann

[@murrayhayes5933]

You cannot imagine how long it has taken me to find a simple no cost (we all have spare straps) video like this - a huge thank you.

[@frankkearney1429]

Every now and the I find a video that is life changing - this is one of those. After all the searching, and pricing, and watching, and thinking I did about how to easily load my kayak on my car, I stumble onto this golden nugget. This is the answer! Period! Thank you so much for such great advice and a simple effective solution to a common problem. And I already had the straps LOL!! Cheers!

[@MarkoAbo]

DUDE! Where were you 40 years ago when I started yakking??? This is by far the most genius and yet simple hack for getting my 85 pound Hobie Outback on top of my Jeep Cherokee. I do use kayak saddles on my rack though so I'll have to lift it a bit higher but still, I'm heading out to the garage now to extend my bars! Thanks boss, I think I'll put your name in my will.....or maybe not. Thanks again! Mark on the mighty Columbia River, killing salmon in Oregon.

[@willfarkouh]

Flukemaster! You just saved me almost $2000 but teaching me how to load my Coosa FD on top of my car. Now I don’t need a trailer. Awesome method. Thanks!!

[@delbertsmith5229]

The best solutions are the simple ones....this takes the award. Love it.

[@guillermoyjulia]

Success! One modification we had to make was putting a non-skid pad on the stern of our double kayak to keep it in place as I lifted it to the strap. This video is easy enough for even me to understand! Thank you

[@jonovak2294]

Just got a D10T from a friend. Since I'm a few decades past middle age, this will be a back saver!! Thanks!!

[@miked8253]

never thought "loading a kayak" was a thing until I really needed to do it. Thanks for the tips, very helpful !!!

[@fredmueller2685]

That's pretty good. I am an old guy, but when I was your age, I had to load my eighty pound canoe on top of my mini van - alone. You know how I did it? I occasionally would do shoulder presses through the winter and spring so I could lift it overhead. That is dumb guy way to do it - however, I may be dumb but I have strong arms and shoulders to this day. :-)

[@timwarren5980]

A friend told me about this video, awesome! My wife and I aren’t getting any younger and loading our Vibe Sea Ghosts on my truck rack is getting so hard it’s taking some of the fun out of our kayak trips, I can’t wait to try this!!!

[@alf3553]

Nice way to load a kayak. I’ve had my kayak kick out a few times while it was leaning against my truck. Mostly due to the slope or gravel at the loading area. I made up a short rope that I clip to the truck. So basically where you placed the back of the kayak when you brought it over to the truck, this is about how long you need the rope setup, 1/2 to 3/4 ish the length of the kayak. Use a good and easy to remove carabiner on the rope and clip it to the back of the kayak. When you stand up the kayak it can’t kick out. When you go to lift the back end of the yak remove the carabiner and load it up.

[@karenhantsche9270]

This is a great help to me! I'm 72, and I've done a lot of clumsy loads and unloads! Thanks!

[@reahpuhipi]

As a single mum trynna rack a 2.5 seater kayak so I can take my children out kayaking in the Summer .... this has officially solved my problem of trynna load without breaking my back & reload at the beach looking like a crazy lady. Thank you!!!

[@fishinwithjimgronaw6224]

Excellent, Gene Jensen! At 66-years old, and getting into the kayak scene, I will definitely use this good tip on future voyages! Thanks, man!

[@Loompius]

FISHIN' WITH JIM GRONAW hahah jesus man. Good work

[@Zellamo1]

Gene, I just bought my first kayak and was wondering how the hell to load it by myself. Easy after watching this. Thanks man.

[@GregBlanchardFishing]

Genius with the strap for the cradle! Great video, Gene. I'm totally using this.

[@AverageFolk]

Greg Blanchard Word!

[@michaellangone8365]

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[@jahabean]

This wont work for anyone who has roof rack that does not extend over the side.. wont work for my vehicle or a buddy's truck for that exact reason. hits the vehicle before touching the strap

[@garyj6743]

I use this method without the strap, I don't have a roof rack that extends. I throw a blanket on top of my SUV, it works pretty well.

[@MikefromLouisiana]

Greg Blanchard yes !!

[@StephenSmithAgape]

I use a Rino Rack loader, but this way simpler and doesn't require the purchase of an expensive rack. Great video

[@freddyaguerorubio]

Very nice demostration ! Very easy! Greeting from Chile 🇨🇱 in South America!

[@zerandervax1046]

First kayak, first outing. Your advice tops of a great day out, thanks mate 👍

[@pamelaklemp5615]

BEST video out there about loading and unloading a yak! I've watched a ton of them too. THANKS 😊

[@Flukemaster]

Wow, thanks!

[@danielmahoney4663]

That was the best and easiest load I've ever seen. You have just saved me a lot of money, you are assume.

[@christysenertownsend9138]

Genius! I’m a short pregnant woman who finally just bought a kayak and I was trying to figure how how the heck I was gonna get it on my car. Got it in one try with this!! Gonna be a great summer! Thank you!!!

[@Retrocyclist1]

I just put a cheap fluffy bath rug (with rubberized back) over the back window and roof, set the front up, then push it up from the back.

[@trentonmccall1045]

M M I was gonna ask if it would be OK to just throw an old quilt or comforter up there for the kayak to slide on.

[@randolphtolbert3825]

M M That’s an easier way to do it.

[@DiscoPh3v3r]

Exactly how I do it. Very fast and effective. Think I might try this way tho since I'm scared of scratching paint

[@beeknight2196]

That's what I do too. My car has a roof antenna so I put the rug on its side for (un)loading.

[@Grimenoughtomaketherobotcry]

Be careful! NEVER let the rubber backing touch your driveway or any dirt. It's a grit magnet that will destroy your paint. I use a microfibre blanket that I drape over and under the factory roof rail. It's easier to wash than a rubber-backed bath mat, too. I hang on to it and keep it even while my wife heaves the kayak up onto the roof! ;)

[@lunevermeil1400]

I am a smol disabled woman and you just saved me money and energy on getting a kayak loader!

[@robinrussell9477]

Mate that was the best and easiest way i have ever seen a kayak loaded on the roof, well done and thank you very much.

[@Flukemaster]

Glad it helped

[@jeffburke579]

All I can say is thanks for sharing this. I'm not a young guy but I am working at a remote location and picked up a kayak to help pass the time and hopefully keep me healthy. I was busting my back trying to get the kayak up on a set of ladder racks when I saw this and tried it out. So much easier and safer for me. Thanks again.

[@Flukemaster]

I'm glad you like it Jeff. Be safe out there.

[@scottsmith4145]

They are called *lashing straps* you can get a 2 pack 12 ft each at harbor freight for 4.00 . I dont have bars that extend out like that so i just put a thick towel down on and raise it up onto the rack same way. Works perfect and doesnt ever leave a scratch.

[@keithcecil8165]

This was a game-changer for me. Been using this method for a couple of years now.

[@rcmallory]

Before you started I was thinking this is too clever by 1/2, but now I'm thinking by 10. That is excellent

[@proteusxavier9477]

The beauty is in the rotation. For light kayaks a suction mounted roller works just fine; but for heavier gear, this method can't be beat. Simple and effective.

[@willfarkouh]

Proteus Xavier I tried the Seattle Sports suction cup roller with my Jackson COOSA FD and the cups came loose on unloading. Almost a catastrophe! I sent them back to Amazon in 5 minutes!

[@K2llswitch]

Thanks for this! After struggling with blankets to protect the roof, this makes 1000x more sense.

[@SanJoseMTB]

AWESOME! I just bought the family a couple of kayaks and have been dreading putting them on top of our 4x4 expedition.

[@bobhinderholtz3206]

I do a lot of loading canoes and kayaks by my self, I have never seen this great idea before. Thank you

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Thanks for the great tip. Just picked myself up a Oldtown sportsman 106pdl.

[@thomaselow]

I successfully use your method, works great! Wish I didn't buy an expensive loader, which now sits in the garage! Thanks.

[@NYCWendy1]

Thank you so much for this video! I’m a single city girl and in the beginning of my kayaking career!! I have never done this before and used to rent and now I’m officially an owner! This is a great video !

[@Flukemaster]

Glad it was helpful!

[@addfilmsatx]

I just got an Emotion Stealth Pro 11'8" kayak and I was worried about how I was going to load it on and off the top of my vehicle. This video curbed all concern. Thank you!

[@jeffreyreicher5241]

In a word....amazing!!!!! Thanks for the best tip I’ve seen in kayaking videos.

[@TheRoastontoast]

Excellent! One of the best low-cost methods I have seen. You obviously need a decent cap on the end of your bars to stop the strap sliding off, but this is a really simple method. Thanks for sharing.

[@FlaGatorGrl87]

I never thought of using the straps on the roof rack to prevent it from dinging up your vehicle. That’s a great tip. I will have to try that next time. I always try to use a blanket across the roof to prevent scratches. Since I solo kayak, this will help me tremendously. Thank you!!

[@pwrkatz1]

GENIUS! You just saved me $1200 on a new trailer. I have a 04 4runner with good thule racks, but I was concerned about getting my new Jackson Big Rig HD FD. I know it's heavy, but this will allow me to get by for now without a trailer. Thanks!

[@hellnaw2443]

I was just about to drop a few hundred bucks om some fancy yak loader. Until I saw this. Game changer dude! So simple yet effective. Thanks!

[@Flukemaster]

I’m glad you like it. Thanks for watching

[@chateaucheri]

I used your technique Gene! Got it up there all by myself without a ladder! I feel like the most powerful woman in the world! Ty!

[@wimvandenbosch6657]

Just bought a 30kg Legend Nessy kayak. Great fun until you try to load it onto the roof rack. Man , what a. Brilliant instruction video. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 . Simple ,less is more. Love it. Going to modify my racks and do this. Thank You. 😎😎😎😎🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@midget2000x]

This is a GREAT trick. The extended height canopy on my ram 2500 puts the thule rack bars 8' high. this method REALLY helps

[@wedlinsainval8499]

Love your video man! Even seeing this years later, love it!

[@robinhedges3286]

Thanks this sure helped me figure out how I can load by myself im a short 5'1" 60 yrs old only lady new to kayaking, i bought a inflatable yak but really want a hard shell sit on but I thought they be to heavy to loan alone,,, again thanks im going to get that hard shell yak now

[@jennymoore2083]

Awesome! I'm a Nanna who can't lift her kayak. The loaders are too expensove for me. Now i can venture away from home. Great video, mate

[@sflagg0817]

Looks great, I struggle a bit being 5'4 loading 2 Jackson Kilroys on top of a 16 f 150. I was always using gravity, I would put tailgate down, put front of kayak on tailgate, grab back of kayak then push. The problem sometimes was we load face down and kayak would have a tendency to flip on occasion. I would use old blanket by back of truck roof area to try to eliminate scratches. Our Jackson Kilroys are about 70 lbs, very solid and great fishing kayak.

[@jeffreyharwell4050]

Excellent video! I answered more questions than you want to hear. Thanks again.

[@danielcooke427]

Awesome idea mate. Using stuff already in the ute - no buying, carrying extra stuff. Clever.

[@cmargheimable]

I use a towel. This video reallllllly helped me a lot. I can’t believe how much easier this is!

[@papisanlove5537]

SORRY 4 CAPS, I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM YOU, THANK YOU SIR

[@rustyhelm]

Great thanks for hint. My one will be 14' kayak, weight 56lb on top of station wagon. Was scratching head at the beginning ,now will go ahead to get it. Cheers

[@mindseye4914]

Best video on the subject. Good, succint and well explained.

[@imrandoeverything]

Just got into kayaking definitely will try it been getting help from stranger to load it.

[@Jwoo160]

Dont have a truck and about to buy my first kayak glad i found this video im going to be putting it ontop of a subaru sti so not trying to scratch it all up!

[@coffeeismygod]

Nice! I’m looking at kayak fishing as my new hobby. This was the most useful video I’ve seen! Thanks.

[@Flukemaster]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mrblueskynm3968]

Brilliant idea! Now I can get a moderately priced rack and travel with my 12.5' kayak and pull my travel trailer at the same time! Thanks man!

[@Flukemaster]

That sounds fun.

[@theslays9114]

Thank you very much for your video. I have a 17.5 ft touring kayak that is a little heavy and I have to load it the top of an F150. I have successfully used this technique and it allows me to easily go solo on my adventures.

[@sonnyjim7579]

Wow! Wish I had watched this yesterday before I almost broke my back lifting my 3.5m kayak onto the top of my Ute 🤕

[@aaronlafferty5336]

Thank you, you've saved my van from yet another scratch and my back from another beating

[@HarlyGuy13]

I’m excited to give this a try. I’ve struggled as I have a 3500 Ram and just haven’t been able to load one much less two 12’ fishing yaks. I’m confident this will work with one just not sure about the second one. Thanks for the tip!

[@fmarccharles]

Wow! After loading light regular single kayaks in pairs so many times (small struggle) you just made me feel really good about my new tandem 75lbs kayak that I was questioning how I'd ever load it without another's strong bodied help. Great technique, thanks for the video!

[@wesjones4904]

It's all about technique... and I needed some. Lol Thanks for the tutelage. 👍

[@jayduncan9315]

Sweet! I just bought a kayak and was nervous about getting it on my roof rack! This was awesome.

[@Flukemaster]

Thanks Jay

[@Bobelmo1]

Great! Thank you Leverage and ingenuity is a wonderful thing!

[@ctonra76]

Thank you!! Watched so many videos of convoluted ways to do this and this worked like a charm first time with my 80lb tandem fishing kayak. So easy! Your the man!

[@rothwegk]

This guy's ancestors invented the wheel or something like that..nice video, straight forward. Exactly what I was looking for.

[@Aprilflower28]

Thank you for this! My 2 kids and I are taking a kayaking trip this coming fall and I plan on practicing getting all 3 boats on our station wagon. Wish me luck!

[@somedudesfatmama1719]

Amazing. Love this idea. Great work flukemasters

[@tomcaldwell5750]

Nice, I like your technique for loadings a kayak. Thank you.

[@natephil8935]

I don’t know if I’m just really dump or your really smart! Thanks for this video

[@coppershark1973]

Thanks sooooo much! A system that is simple and works. Bravo.

[@Ryan.Willis]

Thank you! This is the first feasible method for a tall truck. In my case I’m 6’4” and strong enough to lift it overhead but getting them into the Jhooks I needed more height. This method should allow me to control the kayak better from the ground and then get into the bed of the truck to do the rest.

[@XxsteamerxX]

Well done sir! very simple solution. Those are the best kind.

[@bfaseler12]

Man your tips and tricks are exactly what I have been looking for! Im about to get a rack system for my truck and will be putting the kayak on the top rack! thanks man

[@ianfry5322]

Thanks. Great technique. Will be using this going forward.

[@jessicamaddock4044]

I look forward to trying this tomorrow after my kayak trip with some coworkers. Hopefully it works just as well with J-hooks!

[@1973Saved]

This is the way I've always done mine & it works well. Instead of using the strap like that I put a rubberized mat on the roof of my vehicle which still resulted in multiple dens in my car. It's too late for my car to be undented but I will try to use straps like your did for any & all future vehicles. Tank you for the advice.

[@proplay51]

so simple, yet so fantastic... thank you!!!!

[@Loompius]

Don't have a kayak or truck but awesome idea Gene. Works perfect.

[@ibcontent]

Finally an easy way to rack it. Buying 2 kayaks today! Thanks

[@jonlong3402]

Fishing kayaks, relative to most other kayaks including full length sea kayaks, very heavy. This strap technique is a good way to get a boat up without dinging your finish and sliding the boat up from the side of the vehicle but you have to have bars that extend past the towers enough to keep the boat off the top of the car/topper/cap etc. I like how easy this technique is and that it doesn't require anything you don't already have. That said this will not enable someone who is not relatively tall/strong to get a heavy boat like the 127 on top.

[@minhlynguyen4369]

Brilliant!! I tried this out today. It works. Thank you so much!!!

[@rickrangel6938]

WOW!!! Great video. Thanks for sharing your secrets with us kayakers.

[@michaelschaller7572]

Damn genius check out the big brain on this guy !!!!! First new trick ive seen in thirty years lol