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How to Pick Up a Kayak?

Published in Kayak Handling 5 mins read

Picking up a kayak effectively and safely is crucial for preventing injury and making your paddling adventures enjoyable. The most common and recommended method for a solo lift involves using your knee and shoulder for leverage.

Essential Safety Tips Before Lifting

Before you even attempt to lift your kayak, prioritize safety to prevent strain or injury.

Assess Your Kayak

  • Weight: Kayaks vary significantly in weight, from lightweight recreational models (35-50 lbs) to heavier fishing or tandem kayaks (70+ lbs). Understand your kayak's weight to determine if a solo lift is feasible or if you'll need assistance.
  • Length: Longer kayaks can be more cumbersome to maneuver and balance during a lift.

Clear the Area

Ensure the path to your car or the water is free of obstacles, uneven terrain, or anything that could cause you to trip or lose balance while carrying the kayak.

Proper Body Mechanics

Always lift with your legs, not your back.

  • Bend your knees: Get close to the kayak and bend at your knees, keeping your back as straight as possible.
  • Engage your core: Tighten your abdominal muscles to support your spine.
  • Lift with your legs: Use the powerful muscles in your legs to initiate the lift, rather than straining your back.
  • Find more detailed information on proper body mechanics for lifting heavy objects.

The Solo Kayak Lift: Step-by-Step

This technique allows a single person to comfortably lift and carry a kayak by themselves.

Preparing for the Lift

Position yourself alongside the kayak, standing roughly at its mid-point. Face the bow or stern, so the length of the kayak is parallel to your body.

Executing the Lift

  1. Approach from the side: Stand next to the kayak, positioning yourself near its center of balance.
  2. Squat and position your knee: Bend your knees and squat down. Place one knee underneath the side of the kayak, close to the cockpit or the most stable point.
  3. Push and slide your hand: Apply upward pressure with your knee. Simultaneously, slide one hand underneath the hull of the kayak, finding a secure grip.
  4. Transfer to your shoulder: Continue pushing up with your knee and using your hand to guide the kayak. Allow it to pivot and come up onto your shoulder, balancing the weight across your shoulder and upper back. Adjust its position until it feels stable and comfortable.

Lowering the Kayak Safely

Putting the kayak down is just as important as picking it up to avoid sudden drops or injury.

  1. Reverse the motion: To lower the kayak, you'll essentially reverse the lifting process.
  2. Turn sideways: Turn your body so you are standing sideways to the kayak's length.
  3. Lower onto your knee: Gently ease the kayak off your shoulder, guiding it down until it rests on your knee first, using your leg to absorb the initial impact.
  4. Control the descent: From your knee, carefully lower the kayak the rest of the way to the ground, maintaining control until it is fully stable.

Two-Person Kayak Lifting Technique

For longer, heavier, or tandem kayaks, a two-person lift is safer and more efficient.

Coordinated Effort

  • Positions: One person stands at the bow (front) and the other at the stern (back) of the kayak.
  • Grip: Each person grips the kayak's handle or a sturdy part of the hull.
  • Synchronized Lift: On a count of "one, two, three, lift," both individuals bend their knees, lift simultaneously with their legs, and carry the kayak together. Maintain clear communication throughout the process.

Side Carry

Alternatively, two people can carry a wider kayak side-by-side, each taking one side of the hull. This method is similar to carrying a stretcher and offers good control.

Alternative Solutions for Transport

If lifting is consistently challenging, consider these helpful tools:

Kayak Carts and Trolleys

A kayak cart is an invaluable accessory, allowing you to wheel your kayak to and from the water without needing to lift it for long distances.

Roof Racks and Loading Aids

For transporting kayaks on vehicles, a kayak roof rack with loading assists (such as roller systems or slide-out bars) can significantly reduce the amount of direct lifting required to get the kayak onto your car.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Lifting with your back: This is the most common cause of injury.
  • Rushing the lift: Take your time, ensure your grip is secure, and your balance is stable.
  • Not assessing the weight: Don't attempt to lift a kayak solo if it's clearly too heavy.
  • Uneven lifting: Ensure the weight is distributed as evenly as possible to prevent imbalance.

Solo Kayak Lift Summary

Step Description Key Action
Preparation Position yourself at the kayak's mid-point. Get close to the kayak
Knee Placement Squat down and place one knee under the kayak's side. Use knee for leverage
Hand Grip While pushing with your knee, slide a hand under the hull for a secure grip. Secure the kayak
Shoulder Transfer Push up with your knee and guide the kayak onto your shoulder. Balance on shoulder
Lowering Reverse the process: lower to knee, then to ground with control. Control the descent, use knee as buffer