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Tips on handling your kayak
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=3775		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Roadrunner [ Sun Jun 04, 2006 10:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Tips on handling your kayak
Handling your kayak yourself can be difficult at times. Here's what works for me -- have used this with the Adventure, Tandem and Classic.
Front view showing one hand in the drive well and the other grasping the inside of the cockpit:
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Back view:
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Loading the longer boats can be made easier by using a two step process. Set one end on your rack and the other on the ground:
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Keeping your kayak from slipping back, work your way back to the carying handle, lift and push!
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If you have a way that works for you, especially if your rack arrangement is different, lets hear it. 8)
Author:  AlohaDan [ Mon Jun 05, 2006 5:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
Almost exactly the same method I use. Once on the rack on I climb into the tuck bed and flip it upside down.
Author:  gregw [ Sat Jun 10, 2006 9:16 am ]
Post subject: 
I have a similar truck set-up and there is an even easier way, at least for me. I push the boat under the back rail and up onto the front rail first, the angle is much less steep. then push the boat forward enough for the back end to come up over the rear rail and then pull it back. Climb in the truck and flip it over.

Also when I strap it down i make sure to run the tie-down through the Mirage drive hole so the boat can't slip forward or back if something loosened up.
Author:  Windrider [ Sat Jun 10, 2006 5:36 pm ]
Post subject: 
My loading is very similar, but I don't do any carrying. I use my cart and wheel it up to the back of my pickup and rest the bow on the tailgate. Then I put a piece of carpet under the stern of the kayak. Next, I climb up on the tailgate and lift the bow up onto the aft crossbar. The cart drops off when I do this and the stern slides on the carpet. Then I get down and lift the stern with the handle and push it up on the rack. I then climb up into the bed, turn it upside down, then secure. It's very easy for an old fart like me.
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