See also our "Skill" & "Safety" sections
Kayak
Carry Strap:
Uses, Adaptations & Instructions
by Tom Holtey
Want a quick, non-bulky, economical way to carry your kayak? Here it is!
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Sit-on-top Kayaks w/ Two Scupper Holes: The alternative to wheels. This padded shoulder strap threads through scupper holes and clips with brass snaps. Fully adjustable for a variety of kayaks and paddler heights.
To use the strap "as is" your kayak MUST have two drain holes, one forward of the balance point and one behind, both holes preferably in the cockpit. It is best if the scupper holes are in pairs on right and left sides.
The
Carry Strap may work on some centerline, multi drain hole kayaks. The
Kayak Carry Strap is NOT intended to work for single drain hole kayaks
and sit-in-side kayaks; however, it may be adapted for such use by following
the instructions below. When in doubt, E-mail Tom for help in determining
if your kayak will work with this device.
Other Kayaks: The addition of a carry strap adaptor, that you can make out of two lengths (about 6') of rope, can be used to make the Kayak Carry Strap work with sit-on-top kayaks with-out scupper holes and sit-in-side kayaks. See diagram of options below.
 Figure 1: CARRY STRAP ADAPTORS |
Figure 2: INTENDED USE OF THE KAYAK CARRY STRAP |
 Figure 3: CARRY STRAP ADAPTOR USED WITH SINGLE HOLE SOT KAYAK |
 Figure 4: CARRY STRAP ADAPTORS USED WITH SIT-IN-SIDE KAYAK |
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Can
convert some plastic buckle backrests into clip backrests
& as spare parts for repair kit. Trigger
Snaps
This
offers an alternative to slide bar brass clips that can cut
the water-softened skin of your fingers. To
use the CARRY STRAP ADAPTORS with a sit-on-top kayak that has no scupper
holes; configure the adaptors as seen in figure four.
The
Carry Strap Adaptor can be enhanced by adding a Brass Clip to one end
of the rope.
PLEASE NOTE: This device is best
for lighter, smaller kayaks. (Less than 50 lbs. ~ Shorter than 14') It
can be used with larger, heavier kayaks over short distance across pavement,
rough terrain and stairs where wheels are not effective. Long distance
portages of big kayaks is better with wheels.
