How to Portage a Kayak

Because a kayak lacks particular design features to help with portaging, carrying one a long distance can be difficult. Typically, the kayaker lifts up the kayak and rests the cockpit's coaming, or raised lip that prevents water from splashing in, onto his shoulder. His arm slides into the cockpit and all the weight of the kayak sits lopsided on one shoulder. Although fine for short portages, this solo carry stresses just one side of the body and can cause back injury. Using a portage yoke allows a kayaker to distribute the weight of the kayak across both shoulders; this technique makes longer portages easier and reduces the strain on the body.

Things You'll Need

  • Kayak
  • Lightweight, compact backpack
  • Kayak portage yoke
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Instructions

    • 1

      Unload your kayak and put all the gear into a lightweight, compact backpack. Look for a backpack that collapses into the size of a liter water bottle, which will fit inside the hatches of your kayak.

    • 2

      Clamp a removable kayak portage yoke to the kayak's cockpit. Try to secure it so the kayak balances slightly stern-heavy. On a stern-heavy kayak, the bow lifts up out of the way, giving you a view of the portage trail.

    • 3

      Grab the yoke and lift the kayak onto your thighs. To help avoid back injuries, bend from your knees and not from your hips.

    • 4

      Using your knees and momentum from the thigh lift, roll the kayak onto your shoulders. One of the yoke's two pads should land on each shoulder.

    • 5

      Grip the forward end of the kayak's cockpit with your hands. Your hands control the tilt of the kayak, and they stabilize the boat on your shoulder.

    • 6

      Portage the kayak. Come back for your backpack full of gear.