Straps with cam buckles will let you tighten your kayak to your roof rack without over tightening it and potentially damaging it.
Strapping kayak to roof without rack.
Look for kayak straps online or at your local sporting goods store.
But knowing how to properly transport your kayaks without a roof rack is very important.
Transporting your kayak safely.
Best way to transport a kayak without a traditional roof rack if your car suv doesn t have a standard roof rack and you don t intend on buying one then i recommend that you go with a removable roof rack system.
Not only is this method very simple it is also quick and cheap.
Luckily by simply using a few pool noodles metal poles and ratchet straps you can easily secure your kayaks to your vehicle without ever needing a roof rack.
Read our article on how to choose a cartop boat mount.
Flip your kayak over so the cockpit is facing down and with one person on each end lift the kayak onto your vehicle s roof so that the center of the kayak is resting on the central pool noodle.
The pool noodles will stop the kayak from damaging your vehicle while also keeping it in place.
Specific kayak rack systems that attach to the crossbars and cradle the boat in j or v shaped forms are most secure.
You should always tie down the bow and stern of your kayak especially if you are going to transport your kayak without a roof rack.
Do the same to secure the kayak at the back.
You can do this with a variety of tie down straps.
You ll pass the tie down strap through the grab handle of the kayak and secure it to the towing eyes below the bonnet.
Always remember to tie down the bow and stern of the kayak since you ll be moving it without a roof rack.
Thread the straps through the front and back carry handles or toggles and secure each one to a tie down spot underneath your car either with a carabiner or a hook.
Cam straps quickly and securely hold your kayak down.
This will keep your kayak in place while you re driving.
Read more how to strap a kayak to a roof rack.
If you do have crossbars crossbar pads are another economical option.
If you don t haul your kayak frequently or if you don t have a roof rack a foam block carrier can be a great option.
Tie down kayak with straps.
But after buying the best kayak for your needs and getting a compatible roof rack you ll need to know how to strap a kayak to a roof rack.
As a new kayaker it can feel like there s a lot to learn and a lot of accessories to get your hands on.
Get kayak straps with cam buckles.
Using straps designed specifically for tying down kayaks on cars will make tying down your kayak easier and safer.