I am getting a kayak soon and need a rack for the roof of my car. Where do I begin?

Question

I have a 2000 Mazda Protege and I am just getting the type of kayak to go in lakes and calm rivers.

Answer 1

if your low on money like me there is a foam block and strap kit that works good (less than 35)

Answer 2

Check out paddling.about.com. Hope this helps....

Answer 3

There are a couple of different ways you can go with this one.  First you can try the Mazda dealer and find out what factory roof rack system is offered.  It is usually a car rack system that can use both factory and other name brand attachments for you kayak.  The dealer option is usually the most expensive way to go.

You could also go to different sporting company web sites like Eastern Mountain Sports or REI and check out the two major brands of roof rack systems, Yakima and Thule.  Both are great systems with Thule being a little less expensive.  In most cases the accessories are interchangeable between the systems now days.  A good base system, feet and bars cost around $300 with the kayak attachments around $120.  I have the Thule system all around and it is great for a 14 foot sea kayak, even moving at highway speeds.

The last resort and a good starting option is the foam blocks and tie-downs.  Some problems that go with the easy way is opening/closing doors and windows and possible scratches on the roof of the car.

Any way you go, the old adage "you get what you pay for" rings true here.

Hope this helped and maybe we'll see you on the water!