Transporting my kayak – What is the best method?
Kayaking gives you a unique experience that you will not find with other types of boats. For our family, we love moving leisurely in the water and encountering wildlife and dolphins. There is something to be said for being at the lowest level of the water experiencing the wonders that surround us. Kayaking has become a recreational sport for our family but for others it is much more serious. Whether you use your kayak for racing, photography, or fishing, there’s simply no question that every kayak enthusiast needs a way to transport their kayak.
The method of transportation will depend on the size, shape, and type of your kayak, as well as the type of vehicle you drive. Luggage racks can be strenuous. A pickup truck bed can take a long time with bungee cords and straps. It goes without saying that most kayak enthusiasts rely on trailers for the sheer convenience. Some of you may live directly on a large body of water, but most of us will have to make do with living miles away from a great paddling spot. For those of us in the latter position, let’s take a look at the different options available to move these boats into a paddler’s paradise.
If you only have 1 or 2 kayaks, there are a couple of options available: roof racks and trailers. However, more than 2 kayaks will require a kayak trailer. Since loading your kayak and transporting it can be the biggest challenge, you may want to go with a trailer if you can afford it. Most Kayak Trailers are designed to be stored in small areas in an upright position. When you’re not using them, you can place them against a wall or the back of your garage. They don’t have to be an eyesore in your front yard.
Another thing to consider that you might overlook is a kayak cart. The roof rack or trailer system is designed to keep you within walking distance of your destination on the water, the cart is used to easily bring the kayak to the water’s edge. These are reasonably priced and most are designed to fold up and fit in your kayak’s storage compartment. This also makes it nice if you plan to camp somewhere different than where you started your kayaking adventure because you can easily transport your kayak right to your campsite.
There are some really good manufacturers for kayak transport systems: Malone, Yakima, and Trailex. While the Malone and Yakima are the more popular choice for the consumer market, Trailex is more geared towards transporting up to 16 kayaks at a time. Like many fans, you will most likely be interested in the Malone or Yakima brands.
As you can see, the importance of transporting your kayak is essential. Choosing the right method will make planning your kayak trips much easier and more convenient.
