How To Tie Down A Kayak With Pictures

You can find roof rack padding online or at your local sporting goods store.

You can find bow and stern lines online or at your local sporting goods store.

If your car doesn’t have a tow hook, you may need to get a hood loop strap to use instead. Hood loop straps attach to the bolt heads under your hood. After you’ve bolted it on, close the hood so the fabric loop part of the strap is sticking out from the hood. Hook the bow line to that loop.

Don’t make the bow line too tight or you could damage your kayak. You should still be able to move your kayak up and down on the roof of your car with your hand.

Never drive with the loose ends of the bow and stern lines dangling. They could get caught in your tire and cause your kayak and roof rack to come off.