How To Transport A Kayak With A Roof Rack?

Once you have your kayak ready and a paddling spot in mind, the only thing left is to get there. Transporting a kayak from point A to point B can seem complicated, but with a roof rack, it’s quite simple. So here’s how to do it.

The best way to transport a kayak on a roof rack is to secure it on the crossbars. First, you should put pool noodles or foam blocks on the crossbars for protection. Then, you can load the kayak and strap it to the roof rack. You can also tie down the bow and stern of the boat to the car for extra safety.

There are other types of roof racks, but the concept is generally the same. Regardless of the system you use, you will need something to support the kayak and a way to secure it on the roof. So here’s more information about the whole process.

How To Transport A Kayak With A Crossbars Roof Rack?

The most common and simplest form of roof rack on the market is crossbars. As their name implies, it’s two bars that pass across the roof perpendicularly to the side rails of the car. It’s generally the best option to transport your kayak.

What Will You Need?

Step 1: Set Up The Crossbars!

First of all, you must verify that you can put crossbars on your car. Not all models come with side rails and crossbars, so you might not be able to use that method. But don’t worry. You can transport a kayak without a roof rack or use this one that doesn’t require side rails.

Once you know your vehicle can have crossbars, it’s time to get them. If you don’t already have any, you must find some that will fit your car model. Then, you also need to consider the kayak’s weight and model to ensure the crossbars can support it.

Here are a few options to consider!

Those are universal products that will work on most cars with side rails. But anything that fits on the roof and can support your kayak should do the job. Finding crossbars designed specifically for the car model you have would be perfect. Once you have an appropriate roof rack, you can install it on the car

Step 2: Add Pool Noodles or Foam Blocks!

You can put something around the crossbars to protect your kayak. Pool noodles or foam blocks would be ideal, but anything relatively soft that you can wrap around the bars and secure there should work. For example, you could roll towels or blankets on the rack and put tape around them.

Putting something between the crossbars and the kayak will prevent them from scratching or damaging each other, but it’s not necessary. So for extra protection, you ideally need two pool noodles or foam blocks. Just make sure they are long enough to cover your kayak’s width.

They should also have a hole in the middle and an opening line to fit easily on the crossbars. If they don’t, you can always make them yourself. But here are pool noodles and foam blocks that would be ideal for adding on to your roof rack.

Step 3: Load The Kayak!

The next step is to put your kayak on the crossbars. If you can find someone to give you a hand loading the kayak, it will be much easier and safer. But it’s also possible to do it alone. It will just be more complicated.

If you’re two, someone can take the bow of the kayak and the other the stern. Then, you can lift it at the same time and put it on the roof rack. It’s generally easier to do it from the side of the car, but depending on the vehicle and kayak, it might be better to load it from the back.

If you’re on your own, you have two options. You can lift the kayak over your head and put it on the crossbars or slide it on the car with a thick carpet or blanket underneath it. Both methods can work, but one might be more appropriate for your situation.

For a strong person with a relatively light kayak, lifting it on a low car is probably not a problem. Just make sure to use the proper technique not to hurt yourself. But putting something on the roof to slide your kayak on is generally easier and safer, especially if it’s heavy.

Once the kayak is on the car, you can place it properly. Obviously, it has to be perpendicular to the crossbars well centered in the middle of the roof rack. Then, the bow should ideally be in front, but it doesn’t really matter.

The cockpit should be facing down to avoid rain or anything else from getting into it during transportation. But depending on the car and kayak design, it might fit better on the other side. So it might be OK to put it that way during a sunny day.

Step 4: Secure The Kayak To The Roof Rack!

When the kayak is where it has to be on the crossbars, it’s time to secure it in place. For that, you will need something to attach it to the roof rack. The Yak Boss Cam Straps would be perfect, but this ratchet tie-down set could also work.

In fact, any rope can work. It will just not be as safe, convenient, and easy to use as cam straps. You will need at least two for transporting a kayak on a roof rack. Here’s how to use them.

Take one strap and pass it under one crossbar.
Throw both ends of the strap over the kayak on the other side of the car.
Go on the other side.
Place the buckle on the side of the kayak.
Take the loose end of the strap and pass it under the same crossbar.
You can twist it to keep it from humming while driving.
Insert it in the buckle.
Pull the strap down to tighten it enough so the kayak can’t move.
Wrap the excess around the crossbar and attach it.
Repeat with the other strap on the second crossbar or do them simultaneously.

Here’s a video explaining and showing how to secure your kayak on a roof rack!

Step 5: Tie Down The Bow And Stern Of The Kayak!

The last step is to secure the front and back parts of the kayak to the car. Because right now, the straps only go around it and are attached to the crossbars. So it could slide out of it if it’s not tight enough, and you suddenly brake or accelerate.

But don’t worry. The kayak should stay in place only with the straps as long as they are properly installed. Tying down the bow and stern is an extra precaution. So although it’s not necessary, I highly recommend doing it. Here’s how.

First, you will need something to attach the kayak to the car. Nylon cords would be perfect, but you can also use extra straps or any rope you can find. Once you have them, you can attach one on the bow and another on the stern of the kayak, ideally on the grab handles.

Then, you also need to know where the recovery points are on your car. If you don’t find them, you can always check the vehicle’s manual. Hood loops could also be an excellent alternative to tie down the bow of the kayak.

After that, you simply have to attach the cords to the recovery points or anywhere else solid enough on your car. You can even tie them down to the roof racks. Then, you should also cut or secure the excess in a way that it won’t bother you while driving.

Double-check everything, and you should be ready to go!

Here’s another quick video from REI to help you tie down the bow and stern of your kayak. It also gives some tips for carrying it on the water after transportation!

J Bar Roof Rack

Another type of kayak roof rack is the J bar. As its name implies, it’s a rack made of bars in the shape of a J. It’s a very convenient way to transport kayaks on a car, so you might consider getting one. Here’s what you should know about them.

J bar roof racks have to be mounted on crossbars. But don’t worry. The installation is generally very simple and easy to do. Then, you can load your kayak on the J rack, secure it with straps, and tie down the bow and stern for extra safety.

So the concept is very similar to using the crossbars directly. The main difference is the angle of the kayak. In J bars, it will be on the side with a slight angle instead of flat on the cockpit or hull. That gives you more space on the crossbars to put another roof rack.

So you could easily transport two kayaks with two sets of J bars. The only downsides of this type of roof rack are the extra money and the tricky loading part. It’s not that expensive, but it’s an additional cost on top of the crossbars.

Besides that, it might be harder to lift the kayak on the J bars because of their design. They are also slightly higher than the crossbars. Thus, loading the kayak can be more difficult and complicated, especially if it’s heavy and you’re alone.

Apart from that, J bar roof racks can be very convenient. Depending on your situation, they might be worth considering. Here’s a video to show you how to transport your kayak with a J bar roof rack!

If you want J bars, check out the TMS Kayak Roof Rack!

For two kayaks or more, you can also use stackers. Learn more about them in my article on how to transport multiple kayaks. Another good idea would be to lock your kayak to secure it from theft!

Last Thoughts About Transporting Kayaks On Roof Racks!

Finally, the simplest way to transport a kayak on a roof rack is to secure it directly to the crossbars. You can put some pool noodles or foam blocks for extra protection, but you don’t have to. Another safety precaution you should take is to attach the bow and stern of the kayak to the car.

If you want to transport 2 kayaks on a roof rack or don’t like the first option, you should consider investing in J bars. Whatever method you choose, you will probably need cam straps and nylon cord to secure everything in place. So you can load the kayak, tie it down properly, and you’re ready to go.

Let’s Use That Roof Rack Properly!