How to Carry a Kayak Without Wrecking Your Shoulder

One of the least fun parts of kayaking doesn’t even happen on the water—it’s hauling your boat to and from it. Kayaks aren’t ridiculously heavy, but they’re awkward, and balancing that weight on your shoulder can leave you sore before you even start paddling. If you’ve ever thought, “There’s got to be an easier way,” you’re absolutely right.

Kayak Carry Strap

Carrying a kayak on your shoulder gets old fast. A simple fix is the Gradient Fitness SUP & Kayak Carry Strap. It’s basically a padded shoulder sling that attaches to your kayak and lets you carry it hands-free. Instead of digging into your shoulder, the strap spreads the weight out and makes the whole thing much more comfortable. Plus, because your hands are free, you can grab your paddle or other gear at the same time. It’s one of those upgrades that makes the walk to the water feel less like a workout.

Another handy option is swapping out the handles themselves. The Occult Kayak Handles – Ultra Heavy Duty Bungee are tough replacement handles that give you a better grip when carrying your boat. If your factory handles are worn out or uncomfortable, adding these makes it easier to carry your kayak with a partner or even drag it short distances without feeling like the handles will snap. It’s a simple, low-cost improvement that takes some of the hassle out of transport.

Both of these fixes tackle the same problem in different ways—one makes solo carrying easier, the other makes two-person carrying smoother. If hauling your kayak has been leaving you sore, it’s worth trying one of these solutions and seeing how much simpler it feels.

At the end of the day, lugging a kayak doesn’t have to hurt your shoulder. Whether you go with a padded carry strap or stronger replacement handles, just choose what fits your style and start with the one that feels easiest. You’ll be saving your energy for the fun part—paddling.