Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Kayak Manual
    Subscribe
    • Home
      • About
    • Contact
      • Write for Us
    • Privacy Policy
      • Disclaimer
    • Kayak Types
      • Inflatable Kayaks
      • Budget Kayak
      • Folding Kayaks
      • Kayak for Rapids
      • Kayaks for Kids
      • Sit-In Kayaks
      • Sit-On-Top Kayaks
      • Tandem Kayaks
      • Touring Kayaks
    • Blog
    Kayak Manual
    Home » Tips for Moving a Kayak
    Moving a Kayak
    kayak

    Tips for Moving a Kayak

    Arthur G. MooreBy Arthur G. MooreOctober 5, 2022Updated:October 5, 2022No Comments3 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Heavy and often unwieldy, kayaks can be difficult to carry. Ideally, two people should be involved when lifting and moving a kayak. A single person should carry a kayak only when necessary. Kayaks aren’t cheap, and neither are doctor bills. Lifting and moving a kayak properly prevents damage both to the vessel and to those moving it.

    Lighten the Kayak

    Empty the kayak of all loose items, including any water. To drain the kayak, simply roll it over. If necessary, use a bilge pump to remove water trapped inside the bulkhead or far toward the back or front of the hull. Emptying the kayak of excess weight makes it easier to lift. In addition to that, it prevents dirty water from sloshing around and making a mess.

    Prepare the Muscles

    Before carrying a kayak, stretch the muscles of your arms, back and thighs. Preparing your body ahead of time helps prevent pulled muscles when lifting and moving the kayak. Moreover, be sure to warm up before stretching. Muscles are more pliable when they’re warm.

    Lifting Technique

    When lifting the kayak, keep your back straight and your knees bent. As much as possible, use your leg muscles to lift. If lifting the kayak with a second person, use the toggle straps at the ends of the boat to raise and carry the kayak. Furthermore, be sure to hold the kayak close to your body to maintain control and avoid dropping it.

    Short-Distance Moving

    When lifting and moving kayak over a short distance, position one person on one side of the vessel and the second person on the opposite side. Each person, facing forward, grabs a toggle strap at the end of the kayak and proceeds in step toward the destination. The person in front calls out any obstacles or holes in the path ahead. What is more, take extra care when moving a kayak over uneven surfaces or around corners.

    Longer-Distance Moving

    For longer journeys overland, such as portaging, carry the kayak overhead. This position lessens strain on the arm and shoulder muscles. Standing on the same side of the kayak, each person grabs a toggle strap and simultaneously lifts the boat to waist level. When both parties are ready, hoist the hull portion of the kayak onto your shoulders.

    Single-Person Technique

    To carry a kayak alone, first roll the kayak on its side so that the cockpit is facing away. Grasping the upper edge of the cockpit, raise the kayak to thigh level. Use the right hand to grasp the lower end of the cockpit. Using your thighs as leverage, rotate the lower end of the kayak until you are facing the cockpit. Turn and lift the kayak onto your shoulder.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleA Canoe Trip from Creekmouth to Ilford
    Next Article How Do Kayak Locks Work?
    Arthur G. Moore
    • Website

    Arthur G. Moore is a veteran paddler. He has over 10 years of whitewater kayaking experience in his kitty. When he was young, he used to love kayaking in rapid III and rapid IV but as time went on, he decided to concentrate mainly on covering long distances on a standard touring kayak. He is currently working as a senior editor for Kayak Manual.

    Related Posts

    Best Kayak Racks for Ford Ranger

    May 25, 2023
    Read More

    Kayak Fishing Tournament Practice 101

    May 21, 2023
    Read More

    Baitcasting 101

    May 21, 2023
    Read More

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER

    KayakManual.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, We earn from qualified purchases.

    ABOUT KAYAK MANUAL

    It’s time to ditch the dry dock and get out onto the water! Kayak Manual provides an excellent resource for all aspiring kayakers and canoeists in pursuit of the best – and safest – paddling out there. Whether you’re a complete beginner looking to dip your toes into the waters of kayaking or an experienced expert looking for new places to explore, we’ve got you covered.

    About Kayak Manual

    Kayak Manual is trying to help both beginners and seasoned kayakers to have a great time on the water by providing them with the most comprehensive and up-to-date information available about kayaking.

    We hope that this manual will provide you with all of the information that you need to get started kayaking or to improve your existing skills. In addition, we have included many helpful tips and resources that we hope you will find useful.

    Affiliate Disclaimer

    KayakManual.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, We earn from qualified purchases.

    Recent Posts
    • Best Kayak Racks for Ford Ranger
    • How to Size a 12 Volt Battery
    • Kayak Fishing Tournament Practice 101
    • Baitcasting 101
    • Best 6 Places to Kayak in Green Bay
    • Tips for Buying Your First Fishing Kayak
    Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest
    © 2023 ThemeSphere. Designed by ThemeSphere.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.