Carry Yak---proudly made in Nova Scotia, Canada 

Finding Perfect Balance

Here is Brian Evan's story (co-inventor) on the inception and design of the Carry Yak!! This picture is Brian's first invention!!!

After a few outings in borrowed kayaks I was hooked. I had to have a kayak of my own. At a local kayak dealer where a friend works I picked out my first kayak and had him help me carry it out to my car. As we crossed the parking lot I started to wonder how I would carry my new kayak alone. When I asked how to portage with a kayak he replied “you don’t.” He explained that most people carry their kayaks over one shoulder but don’t get very far before the discomfort ruins the trip. He added that his store sold wheel carts but that he wouldn’t sell me one. He explained that they are slow to attach, only good in limited situations, and are too big to conveniently take with you on the water.

Realizing that the chore of carrying my kayak put a damper on every trip, I decided to try to tackle this age old problem. After putting my ideas on paper the next stop was to my father’s shop. As a lifelong canoeist and hobbyist fabricator I knew he could provide some excellent insight and the ability to turn our ideas into reality.

Together we developed the following list of desirable characteristics:

• only requires one person to carry the load
• reduces strain and improve safety in both lifting and carrying the load
• improves visibility while transporting the vessel
• easy to set up and dismantle
• stable
• safe to use
• corrosion resistant
• reliable
• maintenance free
• appealing appearance
• compact and easily storable in kayak
• light weight

Here is the updated version for sale!!

After many months of alternating between frustration and excitement, persistence paid off. We finally achieved all of our objectives – and developed a solution to a problem many kayakers face. We call it the Carry Yak.

The Carry Yak is designed for the transport of recreational and sea kayaks. If you are tired of struggling with your kayak as you drag it to the shoreline, the Carry Yak is the solution. The Carry Yak is lightweight, strong and easily attaches to your kayak cockpit in under a minute. It breaks down just as easily and stores in your kayak for travel.

The Carry Yak is based on the simple truth that balance can be found in heavy objects. By distributing the weight evenly, the kayak becomes easier to carry as it balances on your shoulders. Once balanced, you can walk hands-free allowing you the opportunity to carry your paddle or any other elements important to the trip.

The art of carrying the kayak is now as smooth as the simple stroke that propels your kayak across the water. Nothing can move a kayak like the Carry Yak.

Wish to order one??

$169.00 + $19.99 shipping. ($188.99) E-mail Kathy (diverdown@kirkscubagear.com) for a pay pal invoice, and your Carry Yak will be on its way to you!!

How to install