DIY Adventure: Transporting Your Kayak, Bike, Skis and Surfboard

Mountain bikes are one of the trickiest items to transport because of their awkward shape. A full-size MTB is typically 165–185cm (65–73in) long and 60–70cm (24–28in) wide with handlebars. Few cars can take a bike inside without significant disassembly.

Inside the car: Most hatchbacks and wagons can take a single bike with the front wheel removed and the rear seat folded. Two bikes usually works better on a rack.

On a roof rack: A fork-mount bike carrier locks the front fork to the rack. Secure and fast to load, but adds significant height — watch car parks and garages. Usually $150–$350 per bike.

On a towbar rack: Towbar-mounted bike racks hold 2–4 bikes without removing wheels. They obscure the numberplate, so a separate light board is legally required in Australia.

A standard shortboard is around 180cm (71in); a longboard or SUP can reach 300–350cm (118–138in). Short of a full-size van, surfboards generally go on the roof.

• Softboard / mini mal (under 200cm / 79in): Can fit diagonally inside a hatchback or SUV with seats folded, using a boardbag for protection.
• Roof racks with surfboard pads: Foam pads strap to existing roof rails or a crossbar set. Budget $50–$150 for quality pads and straps.
• SUP boards: At 300cm+ (10ft), these almost always go on the roof. Use a padded SUP roof rack kit and always use bow and stern tie-downs.
• Legal note: In Australia, items overhanging the rear by more than 150mm (6in) require a red flag. More than 1 metre (3ft 3in) overhang is not legal on public roads.

A sit-on-top kayak is typically 250–320cm (98–126in) long. A sea kayak can reach 500cm (16ft 5in). These go on the roof — always.

• J-cradle carriers: The most space-efficient option — the kayak sits on its side at an angle, freeing up roof space for a second kayak.
• Saddle/cradle carriers: The kayak sits hull-down on padded cradles. Easiest to load solo.
• Inflatable kayaks: A 2-person inflatable packs into a bag around 70 x 30 cm (28 × 12in) — fits in any car boot, no roof rack needed.
• Strapping: Two cam straps over the hull plus bow and stern tie-downs to the car's tow points. Test by rocking the kayak by hand before you drive.
• Speed: Most manufacturers recommend not exceeding 100km/h (62mph) with a kayak on the roof.

Skis are long (typically 160–180cm / 63–71in for adults) but very thin and flat. They are one of the easier large items to transport.

Inside the car: With rear seats partially or fully folded, skis fit diagonally inside most hatchbacks and wagons. Use a padded ski bag to protect both the skis and your car's upholstery.

Ski roof boxes: Aerodynamic hard-shell boxes (usually 80–190L) are ideal for snow trips — lockable and weatherproof. Investment is $400–$1,200+ but they last years.

Magnetic ski carriers: Low-profile carriers that magnetically attach to the roof. No rack required — good for occasional trips.

• Always use a minimum of two tie-down points for any roof load — front and rear.
• Check roof load limits in your car's handbook. Most passenger cars have a 75–100kg (165–220lb) roof load rating.
• Red flag any rear overhang beyond 150mm (6in) on Australian roads.
• Recheck strap tension after 20–30 minutes of driving — loads shift and straps loosen as they settle.
• Never leave items unsecured inside the car. In an emergency stop, a loose ski is a dangerous projectile.