For the love of Kayaking

[Sachita]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

I already have crossbars on the top of my car where is the best place to get something to help hold the yak?

I have two large ocean 11 foot kayaks. I was able to get both of them in my cargo van myself, however when i traded it and bought my Escape (suv) I attempted to get one on top to tie it down. I just don't feel comfortable doing this and even though they make a padded system to hold them up there its the weight of trying to get them up there alone. Often I go out by myself.

I just had a hitch put on and out a 5 X 8 trailer on lay-away. It has a ramp and I'm going to have something welded for the kayaks and a storage box. This way i can put camping gear and my bike underneath. This was a problem in the van because once the boats were in I couldnt fit anything else but maybe a few small coolers.

I am an experienced outdoors woman. Still I take no chances and often I am outdoors a lone. I always call someone, like my sister and let her know where i am at and many times email maps to her. I pack extra things in case of emergency. You never know what could happen. Cold water can be deadly. It's not a bad idea to talk to people who have already kayaked in the area you want to go.