How To Cartop A Kayak?

The experts from REI discuss the basics of loading a kayak on a car rack foam-block system. They demonstrate how to use a kayak cartop carrier and secure your kayak for safe and stress-free transportation. This guide is perfect for solo kayakers who want to transport their kayaks on top of a car or SUV. The best and safest way to transport a kayak is by securing it to a roof rack on top of your vehicle. If you don’t have a roof rack or don’t want to install one, alternative methods to transporting a kayak include using cam straps, tie-down, or cam buckle or ratchet straps. Cam straps hold your kayak down quickly and securely, while tie-down straps tie the canoe to the vehicle using four 12-foot straps with cam buckels. The straps cross through the longer J Hooks (facing the back of the kayak) over the kayak to ensure a secure and comfortable transport. The video emphasizes the importance of technique over strength when loading a kayak on a car or SUV.