How to Load a Kayak on a Vehicle Solo

Kayaking is a sport that is enjoyed by a wide range of people. It is often necessary to transport a kayak using a roof rack mounted on your vehicle. Loading a kayak onto a vehicle's roof rack alone, or solo, can be challenging for some people who are short or smaller in size. Learning to properly hold, support and lift a kayak can help with the loading process.

Things You'll Need

  • Vehicle with roof rack
  • Kayak
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Instructions

    • 1

      Park the vehicle on a flat and level surface so that slopes and uneven ground are not a concern during the loading process.

    • 2

      Place the kayak on its side, beside the vehicle. Position the kayak so that the cockpit faces toward the car and away from you.

    • 3

      Reach down and grasp the front of the cockpit with one hand and the back of the cockpit with the other. Bend from your hips and knees when reaching down to the cockpit of the kayak.

    • 4

      Stand up slightly, with your knees still bent, and pull the kayak up onto your thighs.

    • 5

      Straighten your stance and raise one leg at the same time to support the kayak and prevent it from slipping back down to the ground. Prop your knee on the side of the vehicle, if necessary, for additional support.

    • 6

      Lift up with your arm and the supporting knee at the same time to raise the kayak up above your shoulders and onto the end of the bars of the roof rack.