Most paddlecraft average 6 to 20 feet in length and weigh 20 to 100 pounds. They can usually be handled by one person—or two for some of the larger and heavier boats—so you can be out enjoying yourself on the water with minimal time and effort.
Now that you have a paddlecraft, how do you get it to the water? Let’s look at how to transport and launch a paddlecraft.
Transporting
Paddlers can easily transport canoes, kayaks and paddleboards to the water by automobile, SUV, truck or RV. They can even be transported via bicycle with a small cart or trailer.
If you use a cartop rack to transport your paddlecraft, make sure your system is sturdy and was designed and installed to carry the load and resist wind uplift. Many factory-installed roof racks, like those on SUVs, are attached with sheet metal screws and not intended for heavy loads. Fixed roof racks need to be through-bolted to the vehicle structure.
Once, during a group paddle trip, one participant had loaded an SUV with two kayaks and an upside down-mounted canoe. While caravanning on an interstate, the wind ripped the rack from the roof, scattering the boats on the freeway and nearly causing an accident. Fortunately, there were no injuries and only minor damage to the boats and the car roof.
You can load paddlecraft onto a roof from the side using an extension rod- or ladder-type system. There are even mechanical lifting systems. To load over the rear, use roller-type loaders or just carpet to protect the vehicle while sliding the boat onto the cartop rack. Most loading systems are designed so that one person can load the boat without lifting more than half the vessel’s weight.
Once the paddlecraft is atop the vehicle, you need to sea tthe craft on the rack using a cradle, saddle, foam pads or blocks. Due to the design structure and curvature of the hull, canoes and paddle boards are usually transported upside down and kayaks right side up; however, there is no rule. There are also J-bars or other racks that allow vessels to be stacked on the edge, which works well for carrying multiple boats.
Take care to safely secure the vessel to handle the weather and highway speeds during transport. You can use straps to secure the boat to the rack and bow and stern lines attached to the vehicle. Protect paddlecraft against theft using various cable locking systems on the market. For visual safety, a red flag attached to the rear of the vessel is required by law if your load extends over 4 feet from the back of the vehicle (see 49 CFR 393.87).
Many carry paddlecraft with a truck, using a topper or bed-mounted racks, while some carry their boats directly in the truck bed. An extender, called a T-bar, can be attached to a receiver hitch to secure boats that extend well beyond the tailgate. Again, make sure to attach a red flag to warn following drivers. Some paddlers carry their paddlecraft on a boat trailer.
Most trailers are lightweight and designed like a typical roof rack, and some even fold for storage. A great choice for users who cannot or do not want to lift boats on top of a car or truck, they carry several boats and gear. Paddlers do not need a boat ramp to launch off a trailer, although they can use one if available.
Another option for transporting paddlecraft is folding or inflatable paddlecraft. These are also popular with those who lack storage for regular boats, such as apartment dwellers. A number of skin-on-frame canoes and kayaks fold up and can be carried in a suitcase or large backpack for travel. There are also hardshell kayaks that come in waterproof modular sections that stack inside the larger sections for travel. I know from experience that these boats are strong and seaworthy, and some have been used in open ocean crossings.
In recent years inflatable technology has advanced so that inflatable paddle boards feel no different from solid models.
Launch planning
Paddlecraft can be launched anywhere there is water access. Consult paddling guidebooks for information about locations, areas, waterways or states. Also, most states have websites showing the various launches on state waters. For example, Florida Boat Ramp Finder, made available by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, shows boat and hand launch ramps throughout the state. This site also provides detailed information about each ramp. Paddling Locations Map is another free resource showing paddling launches worldwide.
Launching the paddlecraft
Once you have reached the launch site, the paddlecraft needs to be moved to the water. One or two people can carry a paddlecraft to water nearby; for longer distances, a cart may be useful. Buyers can choose among carts with different wheels for pavement, grass, beach sand or other ground. A middle-mounted cart carries most of the boat weight while an end-mounted cart only carries half the boat weight.
Usually, you can launch off a beach or the banks of a river, but on occasion paddlers need to use a dock or boat ramp. Launching from a dock—especially a high dock—can be an experience.
Increasingly, you can find special paddlecraft launches in parks—usually floating plastic docks that use ramps, bars and rollers to launch the craft, and some are accessible for paddlers with disabilities. Make use of books and training that teach new paddlers to get into and out of a paddlecraft from a beach or dock.
Paddlers should gain experience in using a ramp, especially a busy one. Remember, the ramp is for quickly launching and retrieving only. Do your preparation, loading or unloading in the parking area, away from the ramp.
Often, I have seen paddling groups take up an entire ramp while leisurely preparing their boats, which can frustrate waiting trailer boaters. Many times, I have launched a group of paddlers off the sides of a boat ramp while waving larger trailer boaters in to launch or retrieve their vessel. These fellow boaters appreciate it, and it does wonders for the reputation of the paddling community.
When launching off a ramp, paddlers should be cautious of slippery algae on the surface. Many paddlers have taken a spill on a slick boat ramp.
Whether you’re transporting paddlecraft and gear aboard a family car or truck or are using a boat trailer, make sure the boat is adequately secured and attach a red flag if needed. Consider creating a checklist to ensure all boating equipment is included and ready for travel before departure. Then you and your family will be ready for a safe, enjoyable trip.
