Kayak Trailers - How Useful Are They?

Kayaking is a great way to relax and just aboutto come across any kayak trailers that are quick and
everybody can take up kayaking or canoeing whethereasy to fit. Maybe I am being too optimistic in thinking
you are young or old. Kayaking caters for all types ofthere should be, by now, a simple universal 'click and
needs and requirements whether it is for sport orgo' design by now but unfortunately I have yet to find
recreation.one.
You can buy sit on top kayaks for fun at the beachI have two kayak trailers both of which cost in excess
with the family, go kayak fishing, white water, or takeof $100 for not much more than a couple of go cart
the sport up as a professional racer. The cost ofwheels and some aluminium tubing. However I do
taking up kayaking can also be done on a budget asaccept kayak trailers are a niche market so one must
you can buy used kayaks for nominal amounts.expect to pay a premium.
The one area where kayaking can become a real painThe closest design I have seen to a 'click and go'
is transportation. Unless you opt for an inflatable kayaksolution is for a sit on top kayak where the aluminium
that can easily be thrown into the back of your car,bars of the kayak trailer simply slot into the scupper
you will need to buy a roof rack or van to transportholes at the bottom of the boat and there is no
your boat to the water. Your transportation problemsstrapping required. This is fine if your journey is
do not end there as in most cases the waters edgepredominately a flat surface. The problems arise if you
will not be by the roadside which means you will needneed to go up a curb, stairs, cross a ditch or any other
to somehow get your kayak to the water by otherterrain where you would need to lift the kayak, as the
means.kayak trailer simply falls out. Whilst this situation is
Carrying a kayak over any distance and on your ownmanageable it is awkward and far from perfect.
can be impossible and what is more you will beSimilarly using kayak trailers which require the use of
exhausted by the time you get to your destination.bungees or roof rack straps can be equally frustrating
Furthermore it is not just your kayak you will need toespecially if you are trying to balance your boat whilst
carry; you will have paddles, a life jacket, and food,simultaneously trying to tie the kayak trailer to it.
together with any other kayak accessories you wishMy answer to "is it worth investing in a kayak trailer?"
to take on your journey.would be yes, but at the same time I do think they are
Kayak trailers although expensive can really help out inexpensive and not without their faults.
getting your kayak to the water. That said I have yet