How to Tie Down a Kayak With Foam Blocks- No Roof Rack

Usually, when we buy a kayak we don’t speculate how to transporting kayaks. If your house is near the lake or water spots, then you are lucky enough. But what about those whose houses are not?

Tieing the kayak with foam blocks for kayak transport can make your transportation easy and simple without the help of a roof rack. Moreover, you can use foam blocks for kayak storage. You may expect to understand how to tie down a kayak with foam blocks or how to use foam block kayak carrier. We are going to support you to get it done. All you have to do is interpret the instructions we provide.

These steps will skillfully prepare you to understand the facts and forget to see the warning part to avoid any accidents. Let’s catch the stages then and also learn how to transport a kayak.

How To Tie Down A Kayak With Foam Blocks Without Roof Rack

Make your trips memorable by kayaking through discovering how to tie down a kayak with foam blocks. For your benefits and convenience just collect or order the equipment first.

Pieces Of Equipment We NeedReason To Buy 
Two foam blocks- Seattle Sports RS – 18″ Universal Kayak BlockKey Features:
1. No-Skid anti-slipping bottom
2. Easy to use
3. Excellent product is known as best foam block kayak carrier
Available On Amazon
Four straps- US Cargo Control E Track Cam Buckle StrapKey Features:
1. Easy to use
2. Versatile 
3. Built to last
Available On Amazon
Two Y-straps- German WWII Black Leather Y StrapsKey Features:
1. Fully Adjustable
2. Sturdy metal buckles and loops
3. High-Quality Leather construction

Available On Amazon

Step 1: Place The Foam Blocks

Attach the kayak foam blocks for roof rack or without the roof rack and kayak straps to place them on the roof of the car. One block will be behind the windshield at the front and the second one will be before the windshield but straight at the back.

Step 2: Secure The Foam Blocks

For securing the foam blocks, take the straps on two sides which are attached to the blocks from both of the car doors. In the car, tight the loose end with the buckle end jointly. Repeat it for the second block as well.

Step 3: Lift The Kayak On The Roof

Carefully lift the kayak on your own or with the help of a friend. Locate it in the center of the roof.

Step 4: Throw The Strap Over The Kayak And Car

After placing the kayak in the center, throw the loose end of the strap over the car and kayak at the back door. Repeat it for the second strap at the front door.

Step 5: Secure The Straps

To secure the straps, you need to go safely in the car, pull the loose end, and attach it to the buckle end. Try to tighten it enough to place the kayak comfortably.

Step 6: Install The Y-straps

Take the single hook part of the strap to put it onto your kayak grip. In the front of your car find two solid metal areas to connect the two lasting hooks. Repeat the process on the backside also.

Step 7: Secure All The Rest Of The Straps

Lastly, secure every strap which has the rest of the opening of the part. You can roll them to the buckle straps or either knot can be the solution.

Step 8: Shake The Kayak

Shake the kayak, in the end, to see whether it is moving or not. If it is moving then check the straps again and pull them to tighten the straps.

Warnings

Consider this part as a warning or precaution. Before and after the preparation, these aspects will help you to be comfortable along with the protection throughout the journey.

  • Don’t place the foam blocks in the glass while placing it.
  • Make sure the bow side is in front of the car.
  • Don’t formulate the straps criss-cross otherwise, it won’t give you the right result.
  • Don’t throw the buckle end instead of a loose end. It can break the windows.
  • Position the buckle end on the passenger side of the car so that you can adjust the straps easily in the middle of the road by avoiding the traffic.
  • To avoid the vibration and other sounds, close the straps neither tight nor loose. Over tighten straps can dent your car.
  • Check the straps after a few kilometers of driving.

Check it out on youtube too

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Can we use a ratchet strap instead of a buckle strap?

You can use a ratchet strap, but we will suggest a buckle strap because you won’t be able to handle the ratchet straps. Moreover, a ratchet strap is not as easy to control as a buckle strap is.

What if I lift the kayak and the foam buckles will displace?

For this reason, we have the best solution as well as we show you that way too in this article. You just need to connect the strap in the middle of the foam buckle. Then secure the straps inside the car’s two doors by tightening both the loose and buckle end sides.

Is it possible and safe to get kayaks on the roof of the car for a long-distance journey?

Indeed, it is possible and safe as well. If you follow all the safety precautions we suggest and extra caution to more security, you can go for a long-distance journey. Just inspect the movement of the kayak after the periodic time of driving.

Wrap Up

It is not an easy job to move a heavy and large kayak here and there frequently. But sometimes what’s the point if we can’t carry the thing which we like the most. That is the only reason to bring this content for you.

Without spoiling your mood on your vacation you can carry kayak with you. We hope that by learning how to tie down a kayak with foam blocks, you will enjoy your time happily. Plus, you will be glad to see the precaution portion of the content.