Loading/Unloading with a bad back? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

carbonbass · 03-10-2022, 06:41 AM

Hi Guys,

Been quite a while since i've owned a yak, also I moved to Texas this last fall and have been focusing on freshwater black bass fishing. I have a herniated disc in my back which is in sort of a remission state after physical therapy and a steroid shot treatment. I recently purchased an inflatable SUP and have enjoyed a couple fishing outings on it but it's not the most comfortable to sit on unless your legs are straddling it in the water and the wind runs a number on your mobility. Thinking about getting a pedal drive kayak but concerned with unloading/loading with my back. I've seen these suction cup load assists that stick onto your back windshield and allow you to slide the yak onto the car easier, other than this does anyone have tips/tricks that they use to load the yak without strain on your lower back? I have a WRX and it has the mounting spots for a rack, I can get a OEM one for fairly cheap. Thanks!

Roscoe · 03-10-2022, 08:27 AM

I used that suction cup thing on a rav4. Works ok most of the time. Doesnt work on the new rav with the shark fin antenna.
I had thought about getting this
Thule Outrigger II Easy Loader Extension Bar
It slides in the cross bar for travel and pulls out for loading and unloading.
Only issue is you need the thule racks for it.
There are other options but they either wont fit my car or too expensive.
If i get to the point of have real issue loading the kayak on top of a vehicle I will break down and get a small a trailer.

Thats my 2 bits

jruiz · 03-10-2022, 08:27 AM

For the ballers

https://www.berleypro.com/product/will-i-loader/

Saba Slayer · 03-10-2022, 11:45 AM

Have you looked at the Hobie inflatables…?
It really is the lightest way to go…and still have a comfortable seat for your back and a push pull peddle system that’s usually more comfortable for guys with back problems…

And there’s lots of aftermarket rigging for fishing and fish finders

lowprofile · 03-10-2022, 11:49 AM

Best advice I can give is to workout and lift heavy.

I have a herniated L3 and L4 along with LCL, ACL and ITB issues and lifting, stretching and practicing proper form and posture goes a long way. I can still put 225lbs over my head and deadlift 600+ lbs. when I stop lifting for a long period of time, like last summer due to other obligations, is when I feel the pain and have even got stuck on my back in bed.

Easiest way to load the yak is put the nose up on the roof then pick up the back and push it up. Just practice doing it and build the strength.

Oolie · 03-11-2022, 12:33 AM

I use an impreza to move yaks as well, it's quite low, but the hull is still very heavy. I don't know of a product that will make it quite as easy as it could be, but Kayakers are usually a creative bunch.

I didn't see very many subarus out there when I was helping a friend move out that way earlier this year, I think he has the only turbo imp in town.

carbonbass · 03-11-2022, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowprofile

Best advice I can give is to workout and lift heavy.

I have a herniated L3 and L4 along with LCL, ACL and ITB issues and lifting, stretching and practicing proper form and posture goes a long way. I can still put 225lbs over my head and deadlift 600+ lbs. when I stop lifting for a long period of time, like last summer due to other obligations, is when I feel the pain and have even got stuck on my back in bed.

Easiest way to load the yak is put the nose up on the roof then pick up the back and push it up. Just practice doing it and build the strength.

I'm a bit afraid to lift heavy anymore, I believe ego lifting when I was younger + poor posture + poor posture lifting things (like kayaks) is what caused my back issues in the first place :P. doesn't sliding the yak along the roof just scratch it to hell though (the roof)?

JohnMckroidJr · 03-11-2022, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carbonbass

I'm a bit afraid to lift heavy anymore, I believe ego lifting when I was younger + poor posture + poor posture lifting things (like kayaks) is what caused my back issues in the first place :P. doesn't sliding the yak along the roof just scratch it to hell though (the roof)?

Condolences for your back issues, just recently had some bad back pains. I found that swimming helps keep my core strong, and yoga stretches helped with alignment. Keeping good posture is key. When lifting always bend the knees, lift with your legs and keep the load close to your body, while maintaining a straight back. I throw a towel on the car to avoid scratches when pushing a kayak up the side onto the roof racks. When you don't use it, you can lose it. Stay strong.

lowprofile · 03-11-2022, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carbonbass

I'm a bit afraid to lift heavy anymore, I believe ego lifting when I was younger + poor posture + poor posture lifting things (like kayaks) is what caused my back issues in the first place :P. doesn't sliding the yak along the roof just scratch it to hell though (the roof)?

I’ve always done this on a roof rack or ladder rack on a truck, never a bare roof so you’d have to use a blanket or foam or something to protect the roof.

Stuck20 · 03-17-2022, 04:03 PM

I was loading my Radar 115 onto my Subaru Outback with the help of a Rhino Rack T-Loader, which helped a ton. You need a tow hitch though. Just picked up a Hobie Lynx which is a super light peddle yak (maybe paddle board hybrid type of boat?) that is really easy to lift up even on the higher Outback roof rack without any assistance. Like Jim said, there's also the inflatable hobie yaks but I can't speak about their weight as I've never owned one nor been on one.

Whatever you end up with- I hope it works out well for you. Back problems are the worst!

03-10-2022, 06:41 AM	#1
carbonbass Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 367	Loading/Unloading with a bad back? Hi Guys, Been quite a while since i've owned a yak, also I moved to Texas this last fall and have been focusing on freshwater black bass fishing. I have a herniated disc in my back which is in sort of a remission state after physical therapy and a steroid shot treatment. I recently purchased an inflatable SUP and have enjoyed a couple fishing outings on it but it's not the most comfortable to sit on unless your legs are straddling it in the water and the wind runs a number on your mobility. Thinking about getting a pedal drive kayak but concerned with unloading/loading with my back. I've seen these suction cup load assists that stick onto your back windshield and allow you to slide the yak onto the car easier, other than this does anyone have tips/tricks that they use to load the yak without strain on your lower back? I have a WRX and it has the mounting spots for a rack, I can get a OEM one for fairly cheap. Thanks!

03-10-2022, 11:49 AM	#5
lowprofile #1 on fishstick's hitlist Join Date: May 2011 Location: Sea level Posts: 1,478	Best advice I can give is to workout and lift heavy. I have a herniated L3 and L4 along with LCL, ACL and ITB issues and lifting, stretching and practicing proper form and posture goes a long way. I can still put 225lbs over my head and deadlift 600+ lbs. when I stop lifting for a long period of time, like last summer due to other obligations, is when I feel the pain and have even got stuck on my back in bed. Easiest way to load the yak is put the nose up on the roof then pick up the back and push it up. Just practice doing it and build the strength. __________________ MLPA- My Largest Poaching Area

03-10-2022, 08:27 AM	#2
Roscoe Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Camarillo Posts: 91	I used that suction cup thing on a rav4. Works ok most of the time. Doesnt work on the new rav with the shark fin antenna. I had thought about getting this Thule Outrigger II Easy Loader Extension Bar It slides in the cross bar for travel and pulls out for loading and unloading. Only issue is you need the thule racks for it. There are other options but they either wont fit my car or too expensive. If i get to the point of have real issue loading the kayak on top of a vehicle I will break down and get a small a trailer. Thats my 2 bits

03-10-2022, 08:27 AM	#3
jruiz Large Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: La Verne, CA Posts: 1,008	For the ballers https://www.berleypro.com/product/will-i-loader/

03-17-2022, 04:03 PM	#10
Stuck20 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Rancho Cucamonga Posts: 100	I was loading my Radar 115 onto my Subaru Outback with the help of a Rhino Rack T-Loader, which helped a ton. You need a tow hitch though. Just picked up a Hobie Lynx which is a super light peddle yak (maybe paddle board hybrid type of boat?) that is really easy to lift up even on the higher Outback roof rack without any assistance. Like Jim said, there's also the inflatable hobie yaks but I can't speak about their weight as I've never owned one nor been on one. Whatever you end up with- I hope it works out well for you. Back problems are the worst!