One of the most frustrating issues for women sea kayakers is getting the boat on and off of a vehicle. Sea kayaks can be heavy and awkward, not to mention they require careful handling. Trying to load the kayak without damaging the boat or the car can be tricky. It seems practically impossible to load the kayak solo.

When working solo, load one end of the boat at a time. Working from the side of the vehicle, put the stern up first to protect the rudder. If your vehicle is tall, it is helpful to stand on a bucket or stepladder. To protect the bow while it is on the ground, place a tarp or a small square of carpet underneath it. Once you get the stern up, you can lift the bow into place.

Click here for a demonstration of loading your kayak from the side.

Another solo loading method that works well for smaller cars involves working from the rear. Place the bow onto the car's rear rack or roof edge. You may want to use a piece of carpet to protect the car. Since the stern is on the ground, be sure to place some kind of padding underneath it to protect the rudder. Once the bow is on the rear rack, pick up the stern and slide the boat forward until it is in place.

Click here for a demonstration of loading your kayak from the back.

Sea Kayaking: A Women's Guide more info

When you set the boat in place, make sure to secure the boat immediately. Strong winds may knock the boat out of place. Tighten down the straps across the boat until they are snug, and then tie bow and stern lines to the bumper. Be careful not to overtighten the straps to avoid damaging the boat. Loaded boats should always be pointed bow forward (it's a karma thing).

For more information on this subject and other related stories take a look at Shelly Johnson's book,
Sea Kayaking: A Women's Guide
published by Ragged Mountain Press.