Loading a Kayak Solo / J-hook Kayak racks SUV rooftop car-topping by yourself

Loading Kayak Solo 101
New to kayaking and not sure what kayak rack system is best for you? Need to load or car-top a kayak alone / by yourself? Here I show how to load a kayak solo on top of a mid-size SUV using Yakima J-hooks which I have had over 10 years now and they have never let me down! In depth walk thru of using J-hook (upright hull-raisers) on Yakima cross bars, using cinch straps to tie down your kayak, lifting and carrying a kayak by yourself / solo, and loading kayak onto top of car and securing kayak in the J-hooks for transport. Hope this is helpful!
Big thanks to my brother Tyler for shooting all of the car-topping footage for me!
See also:
• How to Get In and Out ...
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Gear I use / paid links:
Yakima JayHooks rooftop kayak rack:
amzn.to/3KbHUrr
Yakima heavy duty cinch straps:
www.amazon.com...
Thule DockGlide kayak roof rack “one-person easy loading”
amzn.to/4bM1yWS
Rightline attachable car door step:
amzn.to/3WJ3Xx6
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#reckayak #whitewater #mountainsriversea #shreddinit #shredorswim #runningtheriver #upstatesc #blueridgemountains #seakayak #sitontopkayak

[@theresan8880]

I am a 5'6 woman with a Toyota Highlander looking for ways to load a very similar kayak by myself. Thank you!! this was super helpful. First, I need to trade out my cinch straps for ones with rubber encasing so I don't ding my car while throwing them back over. I've used step ladders but I never knew that's what those metal clamps inside the door were for!? Cool, I might check that out too.

[@arrowhigh9376]

This is an 18 minute video that tells you to use a car mat to slide the kayak on so it doesn't scratch the car. Most of the first 11 minutes are pretty common sense stuff so you may want to skip to the 11 min mark. It seems this is a good idea if you have a low profile SUV and are able to support the entire weight of the kayak at least 3 separate times. If you have a higher profile vehicle like a Honda Pilot this method is much more daunting. If the kayak were to slip during any of this process it could present a very difficult situation. That is what most lift systems are designed to address. However it is a very simple method if you can make it work for you.

[@chillios2222]

the bath mat works great , i have used a comforter to pad mine, i carry a mini gorilla ladder with me, its so much easier, also,i use the foam blocks to help me get it up higher, also if you run your safety straps first you can dive under them so even if the kayak falls the straps will catch it

[@Specz187]

This video was super helpful. Used to just toss my 10.4 viper kayak on the oem crossbars in my old land rover discovery and used 3 ratchet straps to tie down. Could stack another one up top too but kinda sketchy. Now got a new 4runner limited and dont want to scratch anything on it, so looked into j hooks. This seems easy enough. Would you recommend using bow and stern straps also with j hooks using those cam type straps?

[@domjaylyssasmom]

I have a Toyota Sienna, which is apparently classified as a truck, I am also barely 5 ft 3. I bring a step ladder with us to load/unload and strap down. I have been looking for easier ways to load my double...... I will defiantly try this

[@michaelgunderson7415]

I feel like it would be easier if the j hooks were closer to the edge of the car.

[@MountainsRiverSea]

I’m sure my method is far from perfect. I had them as close as I could get them while still allowing room on the crossbars for the width of the kayak hull to fit up there and stay put once I slid it up there. This is also a wider kayak than my touring kayaks so that also made it a little trickier

[@donnadee9857]

I agree however, you gave room for yourself to steady it before placing into the j hook. That might be a great tip right there!

[@guylaineouellet549]

Merci 🙏 je met en action votre méthode. C’est génial 🪶🪶🪶