How to Safely Transport Fishing Kayaks: A Guide to Doing It Right

So, you just bought a fishing kayak! Congratulations on your purchase!

Before you get excited using the kayak on your next fishing trip, there’s one thing you need to know first. Learn how to safely transport fishing kayaks, and that is exactly what we’ll let you know in this short guide.

Moving a fishing kayak around can be a disaster when you do not do it right. Aside from damaging the kayak, it can also be unsafe not just for you but also for other people on the road.

How to Safely Transport Fishing Kayaks: A Guide to Doing It Right

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Safely Transport Fishing Kayaks

Tying Your Kayak on a Roof Rack

Using a Kayak Trailer

Getting Your Kayak in the Water

Pro Tips

Conclusion

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Safely Transport Fishing Kayaks

There are multiple ways by which you can transport your kayak, and here, we’ll give you simple steps on how to do this.

Tying Your Kayak on a Roof Rack

This is the most common way of transporting a fishing kayak. The assumption is that there is already an installed roof rack in your car. If that’s the case, then here are the simple steps you need to follow.

• Start by installing padding on your rack. Padding blocks will help preventing damage during transport on both your car’s roof and your fishing kayak. You can buy padding wraps with Velcro straps if you are looking for an easy way to secure the padding.
• Prepare the straps that you will use for securing your fishing kayak on the roof. There are straps that are specifically designed for tying kayaks in roofs. They often have cam buckles, which will make it easy to tighten or loosen the strap depending on what you require.
• Look for bow and stern lines. They will be useful for securing the bow and stern of the kayak. This will prevent the kayak from being accidentally lifted or detached from the roof when you are driving.
• Now, lift the kayak on the roof. This is one thing that you should never do alone. Ask a buddy for a hand, and make sure that you are holding it on both ends. The bow should be at the front and the stern needs to be up. You should also lift it with the right side up.
• As you arrange the kayak in the roof rack, make sure that it is at the center. Move it back and forth until you find the center. This will help in evenly distributing the weight of the kayak.
• Strap the kayak. This is one thing that you need to do several times to be sure that the kayak is secure. Tighten the strap using the cam buckle system. Make sure that it isn’t too loose or too tight.

Using a Kayak Trailer

If your car does not have a roof rack or if you are transporting multiple kayaks at once, using a kayak trailer can offer the perfect solution. They are small and lightweight, which also means that they can be towed by almost any car.

• The first thing you need to do is to connect the trailer at the rear of your car. The directions on how to do this will vary depending on the design of the trailer. 
• Your car needs to have a hitch, which will connect to the trailer. For most kayaks, a 2-inch hitch will be more than enough.
• Once you have attached the trailer, now is the time to load the kayak. Ask for a helping hand, especially if the kayak is heavy. If you are worried that the surface of the kayak will be scratched or damaged, it is also a good idea to add padding.

Getting Your Kayak in the Water

Once you arrive at the fishing destination, unload the kayak. Release the straps and ask a friend for a helping hand. It is now time to get the kayak in the water. Don’t just put it on the ground and pull as this can damage the kayak. Here’s what you should do instead.

• If the kayak is short and lightweight, the easiest thing to do is to lift it on your shoulder and walk all the way to the water.
• If you will be transporting multiple kayaks and if they are heavy, it will be good to have a kayak cart. This way, you can also easily transport anything else from your car that you need for kayaking.
• You can also ask help from a friend, which is often the most practical way of carrying a kayak and getting it in the water. One should be holding the bow while the other one should be holding the stern. Lift both sides at the same time and make your way to the water.

Pro Tips

Via: https://www.jacksonadventures.com/2020/01/european-guide-to-transporting-your-fishing-kayak-on-top-of-a-car/

Aside from following the steps mentioned above, here are other things that will help you safely transport your fishing kayak.

• Know the laws. Many countries or states have their respective laws about safe transportation of kayaks. For instance, in some places, no part of the kayak should be protruding.
• Drive slowly. Even if you are excited to get to your fishing destination, go slow. The faster you drive, the higher is the chance that the kayak will detach from the roof.
• Before heading out, it is crucial that you perform a quick safety check. One of the most important is to check the tension of the straps. The movement of the boat during transportation can make the strap loosen over time, so make sure to keep it tight and use a cam lock to secure the position.
• During the trip, make it a habit to stop frequently to check the condition of the kayak and the strap. See to it that they stay secure. At one point, you might have to redo the straps to make sure that the kayak stays safe on the roof.
• Invest in a lift system if you know that you will be loading the kayak on the roof by yourself. This is typically a mechanism that slides from the side of your car.
• Make sure that you lock the straps after tying a kayak. This is also why we recommend buying locking cam straps. The latter can be unlocked only with the use of a key. This is effective in securing the kayak while also providing you with peace of mind. You can leave the kayak on the roof of your car without worrying that it will be stolen.

Conclusion

At this point, we hope that you are able to learn a thing or two about how to safely transport fishing kayaks. Whether it is on a roof rack or a trailer, pay attention to how it is properly done to keep the kayak secure and avoid compromising safety

Skateboarding vs Surfing: Know the Difference

Skateboarding and surfing are two of the best board sports, at least for those who have tried it in the past. While both will require a board, they are different in more ways than one. The most obvious difference is perhaps where it is done. Styles and techniques can also vary.

Want to know more about skateboarding vs surfing? Keep on reading and learn from the insights we’ll be sharing. By the time you are done reading, we hope that it will be easier for you to choose which one is more suitable for your needs and preferences.

Skateboarding vs Surfing: Know the Difference

The Most Obvious Difference

Both are Standing Sports

Can Be Enjoyed Alone

Which is Easier?

Different Communities

Link Between the Two Sports

Conclusion

The Most Obvious Difference

It goes without saying that the most obvious difference between the two is where they are performed. Surfing is done in the water while skateboarding is done on the ground. Regardless of which you choose, there is a danger of falling off the board and getting injured. In surfing, you might end up drowning. In skateboarding, you can suffer from bruises and cuts.

Because surfing is done on a liquid surface, it can be shifty. This will make it more difficult for you to balance. In skateboarding, you will be on a stable surface, so balancing is easier, however, the size of your board can still pose some challenges when it comes to staying in a standing position.

Both are Standing Sports

One of the similarities between surfing and skateboarding is that they are standing sports. You will complete both while you are moving and standing on the board. The goal is to maintain balance as you show off your moves.

These standing sports will also assume the same position. Your feet will not be standing side by side. Instead, one foot should be slightly forward, and you will also have to bend your torso at 90 degrees. You will also be quite leaning forward and your shoulders will go first.

Via: https://www.surfline.com/surf-news/the-surf-skate-connection-chapter-one_56105/

Can Be Enjoyed Alone

This is an obvious similarity between the two. If you hate team sports, then you will love surfing and skateboarding. Unlike basketball, football, rugby, or other team sports, you can do this alone. You don’t need to tag your friends along to have fun.

Nonetheless, take note that there is tandem surfing. As the name implies, you will be riding the board in tandem. This requires communication and coordination between the two surfers, which can also make it more complicated compared to traditional surfing.

Which is Easier?

The question as to which one is easier seems to be a perennial debate among surfers and skateboarders. The answer will most likely depend on who you will ask. In our opinion, however, surfing is more difficult compared to skateboarding.

Some people will assume that because a surfboard is bigger, it is easier compared to skateboarding. This isn’t exactly the case. Let’s consider the riding environment. You surf in the ocean with big and unpredictable waves. While it is not required to be a strong swimmer, you need to understand the fundamentals of tides and rips for your safety. In contrast, when you are skateboarding, you are in a more controlled environment.

In terms of physical abilities, surfing is also more difficult. Both sports will require you to balance on a board, but if you want to go surfing, you need to do more than such. Anyone who has surfed before will surely agree with us when we say that the sport is 90% paddling. It is necessary to have strong paddling skills, which means that you will be using your upper body a lot. You also need to survive wipeouts, which are not experienced when you are skateboarding.

However, this does not mean that skateboarding will be easy. There are still many things and techniques that you will need to learn such as hip rotation, kick pushing, and body shifting. You also need to have sharp balancing skills. The biggest challenge is the small size of the board, which will make balancing trickier compared to doing it in a surfboard.

However, this does not mean that skateboarding will be easy. There are still many things and techniques that you will need to learn such as hip rotation, kick pushing, and body shifting. You also need to have sharp balancing skills. The biggest challenge is the small size of the board, which will make balancing trickier compared to doing it in a surfboard.

As they say, every wave is different. But when you are in the skatepark, you will be on the same bowl. This makes it easier to practice consistency in skateboarding. With surfing, each wave is a new challenge, making sports more challenging.

Different Communities

Via: https://www.ridingboards.com/is-surfing-harder-than-skateboarding/

There is also a difference when it comes to the communities of the two sports. Based on our observation, you can correct us if we are wrong, the skateboarding crowd tends to be younger, mostly males. This is in contrast to the surfing community, which is more diverse. We see a lot of women on surfboards than women on skateboards. We also see more of the aging population enjoying surfing than those who are skateboarding. Again, we don’t have the statistical data to back it up, but they are just based on keen observations.

How to Exercise with Water Dumbbells: An Easy Way to Get Fit

Looking for an alternative way to get fit and healthy? Why not try water aerobics? This is a great alternative to a gym workout. It is done in a pool, which means that you can also enjoy swimming after!

If you are interested in giving water aerobics a shot, you need to invest in water dumbbells. They work like regular dumbbells, but the main difference is that it is made of plastic and foam instead of heavy metal.

How to Exercise with Water Dumbbells: An Easy Way to Get Fit

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Exercise with Water Dumbbells

Deep Flies

Arm Curls

Water Jogging

Karate Punch

Rows

Shoulder Shrugs

Pro Tips

Conclusion

Water is more resistant compared to air. What this means is that you are exerting more pressure on your body, which also makes the exercise more intense. Even if dumbbells are lightweight, they are powerful and can be beneficial in more ways than one to build your muscles.

If you want to know how to exercise with water dumbbells, keep on reading and learn from the insights we’ll share in this article.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Exercise with Water Dumbbells

Even if it’s your first time to use water dumbbells, do not be intimidated. Below, we’ll talk about some of the best exercises you can do in a swimming pool.

Deep Flies

This is one of the most effective upper body exercises you can incorporate into your routine. It uses your back, shoulders, and chest at the same time. This will help to sculpt your upper body.

• Stand straight in a shallow part of the pool, preferably with a depth slightly above the waist.
• Position your arms to your front. Bend you elbows slightly while you hold a dumbbell on each hand. At this point, make sure that your palms are facing forward.
• Open your arms and move the dumbbells. Then, close your arms and your shoulder blades will also close. Perform 12 to 15 repetitions in one or two sets.

Arm Curls

If you want to tone your upper arms, this is one of the best water dumbbell exercises you should consider. It is effective for both the biceps and triceps.

• Stand straight and hold the dumbbells.
• Start by having your hands in a resting position. Then, slowly lift your arms until reaching 90 degrees. Once the dumbbells are up, slowly put your hands down back to its original position.
• For variety, turn your palms down. Straighten your arms down and move the dumbbells towards your chest.

Water Jogging

As you would know, jogging is one of the best exercises, especially if you want a low-impact routine. It is a great way to enjoy a full-body workout and cardio. Take it a notch by doing the exercise in the swimming pool and while using water dumbbells.

• Hold a dumbbell in each hand. While holding the dumbbells, flex your elbows at a 90-degree angle.
• While you are in place, jog while moving your arms.
• Move from one place to another. Because you are submerged in the water, you might initially feel that you are not moving. The resistance will make the workout more intense.

Karate Punch

This is another aerobic exercise that will work several arm muscles. This is done exactly as the name implies. You have to mimic karate movements. It can be slightly more difficult because you have to do it in the water, which also means that there will be more resistance compared to when you are doing it on the ground.

• Stand straight in the swimming pool.
• Hold the dumbbells up the chest. Keep it as close as possible to your chest.
• Throw a punch straight out of the water and pull the dumbbell back. Start slowly and gradually increase speed as you get accustomed to throwing punches in the water. Alternate arms as you throw punches.
• To make it more intense, follow with graceful foot movements. Move from your left to the right and vice versa as you throw punches. This will also be effective in working out your lower body, especially your legs.