transporting yak

[fisher2]

i have to carry mine so im wondering whats the best way to carry a yak with the least amount of stress on back and elbows

[Tekniks]

get some wheels! and just drag it

[dgax65]

They have some good ones at OEX

http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/...el-Cart/Detail

[THE DARKHORSE]

For many years I lugged my kayak on my back and never really cared about wheels. In most cases (with a proper launch like La Jolla), you only have to take your kayak off the car and put it back up to go home (simple). Much like a sonar combo unit, seperate hand held gps, submersable vhf radio, whistle, bilge pump, running lites, anchor, gaff, net, floating pliers, and flares, not a neccesity, but great to have when you may need them (especially the safety equipment ).

If you are a stubborn "caveman" like myself : Make sure to get a good waterproof jacket (something that seals tight at your wrists and neck). To make the dangerous part (lifting the kayak covered with blood up over your head) a lot easier (and less messy), I prefer to walk out to thigh deep water. This will not only keep your car clean from the sand and blood, but take most of the dangerous strain off your back (use your legs). When you place the kayak on your shoulder/neck base (if centered with your head faced down) it will rest nicely, and you don't even need to use your hands anymore (keep your balance and never use your neck muscles). From here, the key is to hustle with your legs, and minimize your kayaks time on your shoulders. A good tip is to leave your car stereo at a decent level, to help you make it back to your car, since your looking at your feet .

More important than having all the latest and greatest gear, go have a memorable experience (a BIG river fish), and come back to tell us about it.
That being said, with the current "summer parking" situation, I look at my wheels like a barb on a hook (pretty darn important ).