Carrying a Kayak
The golden rule in carrying kayaks is to protect your back. Bend at the knees whenever you are picking one up and putting one down. In addition to what the author mentions, you can do a two-person shoulder carry that keep the weight high and away from your back. I can't tell you the number of times I have heard of kayakers wrenching their backs after a long day on the water. You don't want to have to call your wife to come pick you up because you are laying on a riverbank and can't move!
If you are going to be kayaking you're going to need to be able to move your kayak when it is out of the water. You'll need to move the kayak to and from the water, or from body of water to body of water. Here is a simple description of how to carry your kayak.
One Person - One Kayak
- Find the center of gravity in the kayak (usually where the seat is located)
- To carry the kayak by yourself, place one edge of the inside of the cockpit on your shoulder so the kayak is hanging there.
- Bend your knees while lifting and use your legs, not your back, to lift.
- Stabilize the kayak on your shoulder with your hands.
- Carry the kayak to where you need to go
- Place the kayak down making sure you bend your knees.
Two People - Two Kayaks
A nice little trick you can use when you are going out with a buddy and have two boats to carry is to tie a paddle across the handles on each end of the kayaks. Tie the two front handles to each end of a paddle, then do the same with the rear handles.
Then have one person place the rear paddle across his shoulders and the same in the front. Carry to your put-in spot, then untie the boats and you're on your way.
These are a couple methods to carrying a kayak. Simple yet efficient. One more thing...watch out for stumps and rocks!
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