How to Load a Kayak Without Scratching It

Kayaks are built to be tough. They are also built to be beautiful. Most damage and scratches to a kayak occur during loading, not on the water. A few basic practices can keep your kayak looking sharp for years to come.

Things You'll Need

  • Quality kayak rack for your car or garage
  • Help, if available
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Instructions

  1. Loading the Kayak

    • 1

      Purchase or build a quality padded kayak rack for your car or garage. Throwing the kayak on the roof of a car or a couple of 2 by 4s in the garage is guaranteed to eventually leave some scratches.

    • 2

      Recruit someone to help, if possible. While most kayaks can be handled by one person, they are long and awkward, and it is much easier to load a kayak with a person on each end.

    • 3

      Use a rack with extension bars when loading a kayak on your own. These allow you to load one side of the kayak at a time without stressing either yourself or the kayak.

    • 4

      Place a soft blanket against the car if you have to load a kayak yourself and will be sliding it against the side of the vehicle. This will protect both the kayak and the car.

    • 5

      Pad all straps when traveling, and make sure all straps are secure. According to "Kayak Touring and Camping" by Cecil Kuhne, good padding and secure straps will reduce the vibration of vehicle movement and airflow, which can cause straps to rub, vibrate, and scratch a kayak.

    • 6

      Pad all boards, shelves, hooks, or straps if loading a kayak in a garage rack.