The Knot Every Paddler Should Know | How To Kayak

Paddlers don't need to know a lot of knots, but you need to know how to tie the right knots. The Trucker's Hitch has been one of my go to knots for over 30 years. It's a great knot for tying kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards and rafts to a vehicle, and it's a general knot for the outdoors and camping. In this video, we break down how to tie a trucker's Hitch.
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[@BiLatKnee]

"If you can't tie good knots, tie lots of 'em". --Peter Colgate, 1977. Seriously, I never saw that figure 8 variant/twist and have been using truckers knots for 50 years. Thanks again, Ken!! (Slipping the lock is a must for wet rope).

[@zurielvalladares5947]

This reminded me of my dad. He used to tie eveything like that. He was so good at it. I miss him

[@dennyvanmourik9704]

Greets from Amersfoort ( NL )

[@deangousse2113]

I've been using the trucker's hitch for years, but never thought of the double twist. Thank you!

[@djstone5518]

I actually prefer the Marlinspike hitch. Just as you do a modified trucker's hitch I do a modified version as well. I do a double or triple twist on the loop to alleviate the pressure and just like when you're doing a taut line hitch, the first part of that, ie the rolling hitch I overlap so it's self-securing effectively maintaining attention and then when I finish it off I also use a bight instead of the full tag to easily undo the hitch. Great video.

[@truckinedchannel9982]

I have used this knot since I was a kid. We always called it a hay knot since we used it to tie square bales on the trailer

[@peytonglore]

Great tutorial!

[@PierreVignau]

Learned about it about 35 years ago and use it everywhere!! Didn't know how it was called! Thanks!

[@hk152]

Good video, easy to understand. My favorite go-to knot for tightening line is the Taut Line Hitch. Been a staple of the Boy Scouts since 1910.

[@brianvail2446]

Mine too. Just make sure you tighten second loop inside first for security (Midshipman's)

[@davidcolpo6019]

I learned that recently, along with adding a third loop inside the first, because many of these knots were created with rope that was much rougher and therefore had much more friction, whereas modern line is much smoother. That extra loop really does help with adding friction.

[@learntechwithruth2147]

Rainy day tomorrow. I will give it a try.

[@hankb1604]

Been using the truckers hitch (ending with the slip knot & overhand knot) for the 26 years I have been kayaking. Great knot to know and will adding the twist prior to making the loop. Ken did a great job explaining this knot along with several variants.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks!

[@patrickfillion7193]

Great, something to practice on a rainy day while I am waiting to get my kayaks... why knot!

[@maryhenry3257]

I’ve never thought to use a trucker’s hitch to tie down my kayak, but I definitely will from now on - thanks. I’ve used a trucker’s hitch for years on one end of a ridge line (camping) and with an adjustable knot on the other end of the ridge line, it’s a great system.

[@sprintershepherd4359]

you already knew the truckers hitch but never used it to tie down a kayak ? . did you just forget it every time you died it down . that's weird

[@jairusstoudenmire3917]

"Why knot?" Lol.. thank you for that 😄

[@maze400]

I like the multi twist approach for the bite, what you may want to do for the pull through is take the rope through the hole twice, this will cause an overlap and lock the rope down as you tighten it. Called an automatic truckers hitch. Great for tension without slippage.

[@connormcrae5686]

Wow, just tried the automatic and holy crap that makes it easier. Thanks for the tip

[@PaddleTV]

Going to have to try that one!

[@maxcrit3481]

Yep

[@radiantrosie]

I've been working in theatre & live production for 20 years and learned early on to tie the bowline and the clove hitch for everything. I never officially learned this one but somehow intuitively created it from time to time when needed. Now I'm going to use it all the time and on my 'yak too! Thank you for another super informative abd useful video! 👍

[@PaddleTV]

Great to hear it was helpful. I'm sure it will even come in useful in the theatre. :)

[@doubled5037]

Awesome I will be practicing this all day today! Thanks for sharing

[@qaannat]

oh that's a great idea to twist the slipknot.

[@sprintershepherd4359]

I us to do the first one you showed . somehow I taught myself that knot . anyway now I am going to use the second way from now on , Thanks !

[@aivarasjurevicius482]

Can't wait to give this a go! Big thanks!

[@connormcrae5686]

Thanks so much for the twisting tip! I’ve always had problems with guy line making the bite slip and getting bunched up like that. Your way works great!

[@revlo007]

I love the knot too. I have switched to using a sheepshank to make the loop to reduce the Jambing up. Thanks

[@bremexperience]

Most useful knot: Bowline knot :)

[@grahamjordan8278]

I prefer the Figure Eight Follow-through. Less tension.

[@user-zc5ft9nw9b]

I was in the Royal Navy for 6 years, spent those 6 years trying to learn this knot(Bowline)....unsuccessfully. I for some reason could never get it, dont know why. Maybe it was pressure due to the almost mystical levels of respect this knot for some unknown reason has 😐

[@ordinaryguy6869]

Great video demonstrating a very useful knot. Thanks!

[@gerrytighe2151]

never knew about the extra twists in the loop. thank you

[@PaddleTV]

You bet!

[@ellon118]

good video, nice and simple. Bowline is my favourite knot, but I also use a highwaymans hitch quite a lot too. Cheers

[@ronnance4866]

Thank you!

[@penilamb5784]

Thank you so much

[@vernonsimmons4578]

Really great improvement, thanks😀

[@seanscorsonellibean2153]

I do the first part the original truckers knot but i make it SUPER simple after. I dont knot it off and sorry i dont know what the tie name is i do but after i put the rope through the loop i pull for my desired tention pinch off the rope so it dont move loop it through like a shoe tie where all you do is pull the string and it is now free. Hope that makes sense. But i use it for camping to tie tarp to trees like he mentions and when time to go i pull the string and its done. I use this same thing for my kayak only on the front and back of kayak so it dont fly forward or backward but use crank down straps to my roof rack with kayak laid upside-down on cross bars and just rathed it down from side bars looping around cross bars. Basicall the kayak is so tied down to the vehicle i probably dont need the front and back ropes but im super cautious. But the kayak becomes one with the car the way i do it. You cant move the kayak an inch the entire car moves with any tug on my kayak.

[@Thatguy-dk8zm]

Awesome love it

[@TruuGemini]

yoooo thank you for this video!!!! im definitely going to practice this!!!! so happy to be subbed!!!

[@PaddleTV]

Welcome!!

[@richardduydang8248]

This is a very useful knot! Thanks for sharing!

[@PaddleTV]

You are welcome!

[@brianletts8720]

Great instructions

[@zimmejoc]

I’m a big fan of the taut line hitch. If I don’t need much mechanical advantage I use it instead of the trucker’s hitch.

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Thanks, Ken. 👍🙂🚣‍♂️

[@PaddleTV]

You bet!

[@mat-ventures]

Great knot... And pun! ;)

[@TomTholan]

03:58 The knot you use for the upper loop is called "Clinch knot".

[@HarryLewinASR]

really useful.

[@PaddleTV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Livscorner1]

I’ve been trying to fully figure this out.

[@shirleymatkowski5484]

BOWLIN NOTT IS ALSO A GREAT NOTT..USED IN SAILING

[@tomcaldwell5750]

Trucker hitch, #1

[@RiggadonDan]

Great tip, i'll try using a rope instead of ratchet straps!!

[@toddheil42]

I had been using ratchets for decades for lots of purposes. When it came to paddling, that was what I went to out of habit. But... oh the vibrating craziness of chasing those flat straps, twisting, trying to get them right. This past 6 months or so, a friend and very experienced paddler showed me that by simply using a reliable rope/chord and the trucker's hitch, it more than was perfectly suited for the job. A great knot = easy to tie, easy to untie, and doesn't come untied before desired. I am nuts about knots, and just can not fathom how I did not have this into my repertoire from years & years of scouting. Embarrassed I hadn't adopted it earlier, but now that I do, I use it all the time.

[@PaddleTV]

That's what keeps it fun... the opportunity to keep learning. I've been learning lots while testing all the different kayaks this year, which has been really cool!

[@TheCorgiWoman]

@@PaddleTV will this knot come undone when the rope is really soaking wet? Our kayaks and canoe are on a rack fastened to pickup with 2 J-racks on side with 85 lb canoe in middle. I prefer the safety and peace of mind using ratchet straps. I will try your knot with other stuff. Been enjoying your videos about reviewing kayak equipment though. Thanks

[@tothebreach]

As a canoe and kayak coach it was my most used knot, attaching canoes and kayaks to trailers. But as a raftguide my favourite knot is the alpine butterfly, but as I train white water safety with new raft guides/paddlers it always has to be the best knot for the job.

[@PatchaChel]

About to make our first trip with a kayak on top of truck. Hopefully this works

[@harrymuir835]

I think the bowline and the clove hitch along with the truckers hitch. You can do most anything with those 3 knots.

[@PaddleTV]

Very true.

[@sergeykopylov652]

tell as about deep V-bottom kayak advantages or not, please.

[@vickyliu5833]

good

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks

[@chrisrios3914]

What is the best rope to use for kayak on a tahoe roof rack? Also, is it better to use one long rope or two?

[@daslynnter9841]

I just tie a slipknot with a loop and use it like a truckers hitch.

[@MrLeo135334]

I use a taut line hitch for mine. Doesn't cinch on the rope as tight. But I've never seen this knot. May add it in. Thanks!

[@dave.in.oregon]

Scoutmaster approved. 👍

[@BoomVang]

That can turn into a treacherous slipknot if an inexperienced person makes the second loop from the other side of the knot. Inexperienced as in almost never cartopping due to inflatable or Point65 modular designs. What I do is bowline for a loop and 3 half hitches for lockdown, the only knots I need so they come easy.

[@iviewthetube]

My favorite knot is the nautical knot which is equal to 1.852 km/hr. Also, 60 knots equals about one Earth degree of latitude (Earth is not a perfect sphere).

[@BiLatKnee]

What kind of knots/hitches/fasteners do you like for deck lines and bungees?

[@Mark--Todd]

Great knot which can slip at the final half hitch stage unless you have strong finger grip. There are variants that incorporate a 'self locking' part of which I like this one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXm6knR6bt9nba8

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks for sharing!

[@brpmanmann1255]

What is the knot that is tied to the end of deck rigging?

[@PaddleTV]

Any knot that creates a loop at the end of the rope, like a poacher's knot or figure eight knot. It can be a permanent knot in the end of the rope. You simply pass the non-knotted end of the line through the anchor point, and then through the loop in the other end of the knot. The rope is now attached to the anchor point.

[@markmoreno7295]

The bowline?

[@user-zc5ft9nw9b]

What on earth is "the hook in the bed" ??

[@martins.7175]

This was knot a good video 🤦‍♂️

[@pewpewkachew4735]

Almost 2 minutes until you even start to explain the knot.

[@wisenber]

The Tesla (or EV) hitch will replace it by 2030.

[@JamesXiaolu]

You not good. Ops, I mean you knot good. :-)

[@jimbobfernfarter6260]

worst versions of the truckers hitch ever. go ask an 80 yo truckie to teach you how to really do it!

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! I have no doubt there are better ways, but this has worked well for 30 years.

[@ronanrogers4127]

What’s knot to like? Two thumbs down...

[@kevinjamiesonbelou]

Tooooo much talking. This vid sucks