The first step is to fit a set of roof bars to your vehicle. We offer a wide range of roof bars to suit most cars, suitable for carrying kayaks, canoes and other watersports equipment. [Click here to select your vehicle and find compatible roof bars.]
Once you have your roof bars fitted, you can either strap your kayak directly to the bars or use a dedicated kayak carrier. A purpose-designed carrier can make loading easier and help keep your boat securely in place during transit.
It's important to check that your chosen carrier is compatible with both your roof bars and your kayak or canoe. You can use the filters at the top of our website to help narrow down the options.
[Click here to explore our range of watersports carriers.]
For added security, it's essential to secure your kayak or canoe with bow and stern tie-down lines, as well as fastening it to the roof bars or carrier.
These lines can often be attached to your vehicle's front and rear screw-in towing eyes, if fitted. Some kayak and canoe carriers include tie-down straps, but you can also purchase dedicated sets separately.
We recommend considering:
- Yakima Bow/Stern Tie-Down Straps – designed to help secure your boat at the front and rear of your vehicle.
- Thule QuickDraw 838 – a convenient tie-down system for securing your load.
- Yakima Hood Anchors – a useful alternative if your vehicle doesn't have suitable towing eyes or attachment points. These fit beneath the bonnet or boot lid to provide an anchor point.
Always use suitable attachment points and follow the manufacturer's fitting instructions to ensure your boat is secured safely.
We recommend using a cockpit cover when transporting a kayak, particularly if it will be exposed to rain.
Without a cover, rainwater can collect inside the kayak and add significant weight. This can overload your roof bars or vehicle roof and make unloading much more difficult.
A cockpit cover is especially important when using saddle-style carriers or load-assist systems, where additional weight can make handling the kayak more challenging.
Always check the permitted roof load for your vehicle and roof bars, and never exceed the lower of the two limits.
You'll also need a way to transport your paddles securely. We offer a range of accessories designed to attach paddles to your roof bars, including:
These accessories help keep your paddles secure and make the most of your available roof space.
Depending on the length of your roof bars and the width of your kayaks, you may be able to carry two kayaks using a range of different carrier styles.
- J-cradles hold kayaks at an angle of approximately 45 degrees, helping you make better use of the available roof space.
- Kayak stackers allow kayaks to be carried on their sides, taking up minimal space. They're often the best option if you need to transport more than two kayaks.
Carrying two kayaks
If you're looking to carry two kayaks, we recommend considering the following carriers:
- Cruz Folding Kayak Carrier
- Yakima JayLow
These carriers are designed to accommodate two kayaks and are available in money-saving package deals that include a choice of compatible roof bars.
Before choosing a carrier, check that your roof bars provide enough space for both kayaks and that the combined load is within your vehicle's permitted roof load.
It's essential to secure each kayak at both the front and rear of your vehicle using bow and stern tie-down straps, in addition to securing them to the roof bars or carrier.
Your vehicle's front and rear screw-in towing eyes can often provide convenient attachment points. Some kayak carriers include tie-down straps, but you can also purchase dedicated straps separately.
We recommend the Yakima Bow/Stern Tie-Down Straps, which are designed to help secure your kayaks to your vehicle.
You'll need suitable attachment points for these straps, typically the front and rear towing eyes. If your vehicle doesn't have suitable towing points, the Yakima Hood Anchor may provide an alternative. It fits beneath the bonnet or boot lid to create an attachment point.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure your kayaks are securely fastened before setting off.