When moving and transporting a kayak, always exercise caution. Drive carefully, at a slow and steady speed. Don't move a kayak when winds are too strong, as the size and positioning of the kayak on the roof can affect the maneuverability of the car. If driving long distances, consider stopping midway to check that the kayak is still safely tied up and hasn't slid to the side or back.
Lift Safely
Before you think of protecting the kayak, worry about your back. Kayaks can be heavy and if you lift the wrong way or put too much strain on your back, you can end up with an injury. If you're going to be lifting the kayak early in the morning, when your muscles are cold, warm up and stretch for a couple of minutes before handling the kayak. When it's time to pick up the kayak, bend your knees so your legs are taking the larger part of the load. Use both hands and keep the kayak close to your body, so it's not only your shoulders and arms sustaining the weight.
Enlist Help
If possible, ask somebody to help you move the kayak. This way you can each stand at one end of the kayak and lift and move together. Grab the kayak at the strongest points, which are usually the cockpit and hatch coamings or at the ends. This works better if everybody is the same height, as it will prevent the boat from slipping or somebody from taking the largest part of the weight. Kayaking-trips.com recommends not using the deck lines or webbing handles that come with the kayak, and instead adding your own independent webbing slings, which can be slid over your shoulder and held for support. Agree on a command so everybody can lift at the same time.
Protect the Kayak
When you're moving your kayak long distances, you will most likely need to mount it on the roof of a car or to a trailer. Specialty roof racks made for transporting kayaks can be found at sport shops and are a good option for high-quality, expensive kayaks, since they will hold it steady and prevent chips and scratches. If you don't have a rack, Frontenac Outfitters recommends using foam squares placed directly on top of the car. Place the kayak on top and then secure the kayak by wrapping ropes over the kayak and through the open windows.
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